Anavilundawa Wetland Sanctuary
North Western Province
About Anavilundawa Wetland Sanctuary
Anavilundawa is what happens when ancient engineering retires into nature: a cascade of nine irrigation tanks built by 12th-century kings between Chilaw and Puttalam, now a Ramsar-listed sanctuary where the old reservoirs work as one of the finest waterbird refuges on the island. Dawn is the show: the trees of the heronries lift off in waves - openbill storks, cormorants, herons of five kinds, and ibis streaming out over the paddies while purple swamphens clatter in the reeds and pheasant-tailed jacanas step across the lotus pads on their absurd toes. Between the tanks, the sanctuary rolls through mangrove, marsh, and village coconut groves, all threaded by quiet bunds perfect for walking or slow cycling. Fish cats hunt here after dark, and the crocodiles keep their own counsel. On the Colombo–Kalpitiya run, it is the birdwatcher's essential detour - and almost nobody's.
Top Activities
- ✓Dawn birdwatching at the heronries
- ✓Walking and cycling the tank bunds
- ✓Ancient cascade-tank system
- ✓Mangrove and marsh photography
- ✓Stop-over between Negombo and Kalpitiya
Nearby Attractions
Travel Tips
Be on the bunds by 6am - the fly-out lasts barely an hour.
Binoculars and a long lens earn their weight here.
The sanctuary office can point you to the active heronry of the season.
Quick Info
Best Time
November to March (migrants); dawn year-round
Weather
Hot by mid-morning; dawn and dusk are the wetland's hours.
Estimated Daily Budget
7.7069°N, 79.8236°E
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