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.
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.
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