A DAY TRIP FROM NEGOMBO

Mannar

An Enchanting Northern Peninsula

Mannar, a barely explored gem in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province, is located on the Northwestern coast of the island. A day trip from Jaffna, Mannar promises an off-the-beaten-track romantic getaway for couples seeking to explore the lesser-known wonders of this beautiful island nation. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and unique attractions, let the magic of Mannar surprise you with an immersive experience beyond the usual tourist paths.

Highlights

Mannar Island and Adams Bridge
Mannar Lagoon Bird Sanctuary and its Flamingo Migration ( September - December)
The Doric
Mannar Fort
Giants Tank (Yoda Wewa)

Mannar is 2 hours from Jaffna by car accessible via a causeway from the mainland. November to March are the best times to visit with lower temperatures and the time when the famous flamingo migration can be witnessed in the Mannar Lagoon.

Lush greenery and sandy beaches carpet Mannar’s 50 square kilometres. Adam’s Bridge on the western tip of the island in Talaimannar is a popular attraction. Adams Bridge is a shallow chain of limestone shoals intermittently connecting Mannar to Rameswaram Island in India. Legend has it that this was once a land bridge between the two countries and is also featured in the Indian epic Ramayana.

Couples will find romance amidst the white sands, swaying palm trees, and calls of gulls and terns. Explore the colourful fishing villages, marvel at the ancient baobab trees (an African native believed to have been brought by Arab merchants more than 800 years ago), and wander the ruins of colonial-era buildings left behind by Portuguese, Dutch, and British rulers. Mostly closed off to tourists during the civil war years, Mannar is slowly regaining its status as an exciting and secluded part of Sri Lanka that beckons to be explored.

Mannar holds a special place for the Catholics of Sri Lanka, who revere the most sacred shrine, Madhu or St. Mary’s church, for its blessings of healing, solace, and refuge.

Blessed with many attractions, Mannar, once isolated during the long civil war, is now a bustling tourist destination.

The best months to explore Mannar are between September and January when you can see hundreds of colourful flamingoes gracing the lagoon waters.

Thanthirimale

Thanthirimale, an ancient village roughly an hour and thirty minutes from Mannar, is a perfect stop for couples interested in an immersive experience of Sri Lanka's rich Buddhist heritage. This charming village boasts well-preserved Buddhist temples, including the Thanthirimale Stupa and the Sri Maha Bodhi plant, a tree sapling under which Buddha attained enlightenment.

The Doric at Arippu

The Doric Bungalow, or The Doric, is a must-see for couples visiting Mannar. Originally built between 1801 and 1804, this grand residence was the official home of Sri Lanka's first governor under British rule, Frederick North. Today, The Doric is a popular tourist destination admired for its architectural beauty. The building's design reflects the ancient Greek Doric Order, sure to impress history and architecture enthusiasts alike. Wander through the very halls where colonial power once resided!

Baobab Tree

Experience a touch of Africa amidst the beauty of Sri Lanka! Mannar boasts the oldest of the only 30 Baobab trees in the country (with another giant residing within Wilpattu National Park). These green giants, native to Africa, stand out with their unusual form. Nicknamed "Elephant Trees" by locals due to their rough, elephant-skin-like bark, Baobabs have a captivating presence. The Mannar baobab, located about 1.2 kilometres from the main town, is impressive, reaching a height of 25 feet and a staggering circumference of 63 feet. Legend has it that Arab traders brought these ancient wonders to Sri Lanka centuries ago, and a 2003 study estimated this particular tree to be around 800 years old. With their rarity and historical significance, all Baobab trees in Sri Lanka are protected.

Mannar Fort

This impressive structure, known as ‘Mark Kai’ in Tamil and ‘Mannaram Balakotuwa’ in Sinhalese, is a testament to Sri Lanka's rich colonial past. Built by the Portuguese in 1560, the fort later fell to the Dutch, who meticulously rebuilt it over a nearly four-decade period, finalising its current form in 1696. After the Dutch surrendered to the British in 1795, the fort witnessed another power shift. Today, the Sri Lanka Railway Authority preserves this historical landmark.

Mannar Fort's unique square design boasts four prominent bastions, offering a glimpse into past military strategies. The fort's strategic location, linking mainland Sri Lanka to Mannar Island via a bridge, further deepens its historical significance. A visit to Mannar Fort is a fascinating journey for couples seeking a blend of romance and historical intrigue.

Yoda Wewa (Giant’s Tank)

Discover a tranquil oasis at Yoda Wewa or Giant's Tank. This magnificent reservoir, located just 16 kilometres from Mannar, is an engineering marvel that has stood for centuries. The Yoda Wewa is one of the largest tanks on the island, boasting an impressive history. King Dhatusena (459-477 A.D.) is credited for its construction.

Yoda Wewa's vast expanse of water reflects the Sri Lankan sky, creating a picture-perfect. Easily accessible by both road and rail, this hidden gem allows you to relax and reconnect with nature, surrounded by the lush greenery of the surrounding landscape. You will also encounter a myriad of birdlife that call the tank home.

Adam’s Bridge

Steeped in myth and legend, Adam's Bridge, also known as Rama's Bridge or Rama Setu, is a captivating chain of limestone shoals bridging the gap between Mannar Island in Sri Lanka and Pamban (Rameswaram) Island off India's Tamil Nadu coast. Geological evidence suggests it may have once served as a land connection, and the Hindu epic Ramayana even mentions this bridge, making it a revered site. For adventurous couples, a boat trip across the calm seas to explore the islands offers a closer look at this natural wonder.

Thiruketheeswaram Kovil

The spiritual heart of Mannar is Thiruketheeswaram Kovil, also known as Ketheeswaram Temple or Tirukketsvaram. This ancient Hindu shrine, one of the oldest Hindu temples in Mannar, overlooks the historic Tamil port towns of Manthai and Kudiramalai in India and is a captivating landmark. While primarily a place of worship for devotees of Lord Shiva, the temple's rich history and architectural beauty entice explorers of all faiths. Join hands and wander through the centuries, experiencing this iconic destination’s tranquillity and cultural significance.

Mannar Bird Sanctuary

This vast nature sanctuary spans over 4,800 hectares and offers a symphony of sights and sounds. With diverse ecosystems in the sanctuary with tranquil lagoons and salt marshes, this bird paradise is home to over 150 bird species, including majestic flamingos (from December to January). The sanctuary is a vital stop for migratory birds, making it a great location to witness this awe-inspiring spectacle of nature.

Mannar

An Enchanting Northern Peninsula

Our Favourites

The Sacred Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu

The Sacred Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu

Thanthirimale

Thanthirimale

The Doric at Arippu

The Doric at Arippu

Baobab Tree

Baobab Tree

Mannar Fort

Mannar Fort

Yoda Wewa (Giant’s Tank)

Yoda Wewa (Giant’s Tank)

Thiruketheeswaram Kovil

Thiruketheeswaram Kovil

Mannar Bird Sanctuary

Mannar Bird Sanctuary

Talaimannar Light House

Talaimannar Light House

Keeri Beach

Keeri Beach