If you’re searching for a peaceful escape surrounded by birds, water, and pure natural beauty, then
Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary is a place you’ll fall in love with.
Located between Chilaw and Puttalam, this UNESCO-recognized Ramsar Wetland is one of the six
Ramsar wetlands in Sri Lanka, making it a site of international ecological importance.
It’s a sanctuary where migratory birds, lush lakes, and serene landscapes come together — just a few
hours away from bustling Colombo.
About Anawilundawa Wetland:
The name Anawilundawa means “the forest of lakes,” and it truly lives up to its name.
The sanctuary spans over 1,400 hectares, featuring a chain of seven interconnected lakes built by
ancient Sri Lankan kings more than 800 years ago for irrigation and wildlife.
These tanks — Pinkattiya, Maradansole, Anawilundawa, Mayyawa, Suruwila, Puduwewa, and Vellaweli
— create a stunning mosaic of freshwater and brackish ecosystems that host over 150 bird species,
countless fish, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals.
It’s not just a birdwatching site — it’s a living museum of Sri Lanka’s ancient water management system
and wetland biodiversity.
- Birdwatching 🐦: Spot herons 🦢, egrets, kingfishers 👑, cormorants, purple swamphens, and even migratory ducks 🦆 and terns during winter ❄️👀
- Photography 📸: Capture breathtaking reflections ✨, birds in flight 🕊️, and misty sunrise landscapes 🌅🌫️🖼️
- Nature Walks 🚶♀️: Stroll along the bunds 🌿 (embankments) separating the lakes 💧 — peaceful 😌, scenic 🏞️, and perfect for quiet exploration 🤫💚
- Local Life 🧑🤝🧑: Observe fishermen 🎣 casting nets 🕸️, farmers tending paddy fields 🌾, and villagers cycling 🚲 through the sanctuary 🏡✅
- Eco Learning 💡: Learn about wetland conservation 🌳 and the balance ⚖️ between wildlife 🐾 and rural livelihoods 🌾🗺️
- From Colombo: About 2.5 hours ⏱️ by car 🚗 via Negombo → Chilaw → Arachchikattuwa 🛣️💨
- By Train 🚂: Take a train 🚉 on the Colombo–Puttalam line and get off at Anawilundawa Station 📍 (a short walk 🚶♀️ to the entrance ✅)
- By Bus 🚌: Buses to Chilaw or Puttalam stop near Arachchikattuwa junction 🚏; tuk-tuks 🛺 available to the wetland 🏞️🧭
- By Car 🚘: Small parking area 🅿️ available near the entrance gate 🚪👍
- Bring binoculars 🔭 and a zoom lens 📸 if you’re into photography 🖼️ or birdwatching 🐦👀
- Wear light clothing 👚, a hat 👒, and mosquito repellent 🦟🚫
- Be silent 🤫 and patient 🧘 — birds appear when it’s calm 🕊️✨
- Respect the ecosystem 🌳🙏 — no littering 🗑️🚫, no loud noises 📢🔇, and no feeding animals 🍎❌
- Visit after rains 🌧️ (Nov–Feb) 🗓️ for lush green scenery 💚 and large flocks of migratory birds 🦢✅
Morning Nature Plan:
- 6:00 AM ⏰ – Arrive at Anawilundawa Wetland 🏞️💧 for sunrise birdwatching 🌅🐦👀
- 7:00 AM 🚶♀️ – Walk along the main bund 🌿 between Anawilundawa and Suruwila tanks 💧💧🧭
- 8:30 AM ☕ – Visit a local tea shop 🍵 for breakfast 🥚 in Arachchikattuwa 🍽️😋
- 9:30 AM 🗺️ – Explore nearby attractions such as Munneswaram Temple 🙏🔔 or Chilaw Beach 🏖️✅
