© Discover Sri Lanka
2024

Mannar

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Ian Lockwood - wordpress.com

An intriguing locale contributing to Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage. Mannar was formerly a renowned pearl fishing centre, and today, it hosts some of the most remarkable attractions in Sri Lanka. The city is home to lots of magnificent colonial artifacts, massive baobab trees, a paradise of birds and even donkeys! Don't forget to wear your sun block.

Places to stay, eat and things to do

Places to stay Read more »
Places to eat Read more »
Things to do Read more »

Nature, Beaches and Wildlife

The city preserves the charm and beauty of a coastal town, featuring numerous unique and multi-coloured birds. You can also find the oldest baobab tree in Sri Lanka.

Mannar Island Read more »

An island off the coast of Sri Lanka, connected to the mainland through a 30 kilometre long causeway.

Mannar Bird Sanctuary Read more »

Also known as Vankalai Sanctuary, it is a paradise of numerous exotic migratory birds, both aquatic and semi-aquatic.

Yodha Wewa Read more »

A massive irrigation tank constructed in the 5th century by King Dhatusena and restored by King Parakramabahu in the 12th century.

Baobab Tree Read more »

Planted by Arab Traders, it is a 700 year old tree with a bark resembling the skin of an elephant.

Keeri Beach Read more »

A lovely beach of golden sand and turquoise waters with excellent swimming spots.

Vankalai Beach Read more »

A panoramic fishing destination with small waves, salty seas and golden sand.

Donkey Clinic & Education Centre Read more »

A well-maintained welfare centre for abandoned and wounded donkeys in Mannar.

Heritage and Religious Sites

Mannar had been an important part of Sri Lanka’s colonial history, where you can still catch a glimpse of the architecture and monuments of all three colonizers of Ceylon - the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British.

Mannar Fort Read more »

A 500 year old fortress built by the Portuguese, fortified by the Dutch and later occupied by the British.

Adam’s Bridge Read more »

A mythical bridge believed to be constructed by God Rama to rescue his wife Sita, who was held captive in Sri Lanka by the Rakshasa king, Ravana.

Thiruketheeswaram Kovil Read more »

A magnificent ancient Hindu temple, dating more than 2000 years back, dedicated to the Great God Shiva.

Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu Read more »

Dedicated to Mother Mary, it is the Holiest Catholic Shrine in the island, with a history spanning over 400 years.

Mannar Island Old Lighthouse Read more »

Built in the 19th century, it is an iron structure used to guide boats with fire as a navigational light.

Minara Lighthouse Read more »

Formerly known as Sonbithoduvai, the ancient lighthouse was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century.

Arippu Dutch Fort & Doric Bungalow Read more »

The Doric Bungalow was built by the British governor, Sir Frederick North, alongside the Arippu Dutch Fort.

Thanthirimale Raja Maha Viharaya Read more »

At the request of ascetic Thivakka, the procession which brought the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi from Dambakola Patuna to Anuradhapura, came to Thanthirimale and rested for a night. This ancient 3rd-century BC temple consists of amazing Buddha statues, library and an ancient Bodhi tree.

Talaimannar Read more »

A coastal settlement in Mannar, with the Talaimannar lighthouse and pier by the beach.