ANNAIWILUNDAWA – A SERIALIZATION OF SRI LANKAN NATIONAL PARKS

Annaiwilundawa refers to a cluster of freshwater tanks (including the Annaiwilundawa Wewa) that was declared a sanctuary in 1997. The second Ramsar site in Sri Lanka, it is one of the finest wetlands in the island for waterbirds.

Wildlife Waterfowl include Little Grebe, Lesser Whistling-duck and Cotton Teal. Migrant birds include Pintail, Garganey Common and Pintail Snipe. Large numbers of Asian Openbill and Little Cormorants nest here. Endemics include Ceylon Woodshrike and Ceylon Swallow. Mammals include the Grey Mongoose. After the North-east Monsoon the herbaceous edges are good for butterflies. Common and Plain Tigers, Lemon Pansy, The Joker, Crimson Rose, Common Sailor, Chocolate Soldier etc. can be seen.
Getting there At the 91 km post on the A3, 5 km past Arachchikattuwa town, is a turn-off to the left. Approximately 1.2 km down this road is Suruwila tank on your left and to your right is the main Annaiwilundawa tank.

Accommodation Negombo near the 31 km post on the A3 has a wide choice of accommodation.

Source: Sri Lanka National Parks & Reserves by Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne, published by Jetwing Eco Holidays.