Bird Watching in Mannar

I didn’t realise how magical bird watching could be until I stayed at Palmyrah House in Mannar. Tucked away in a 14-hectare forest, the retreat itself is peaceful and calming, but it’s the surroundings that truly open your eyes. Mannar is a paradise for bird lovers, and staying here gave me the chance to explore some of the island’s best birding sites, all just a short drive away.

Every morning at Palmyrah House starts gently. You wake up to the sound of trees swaying and the faint calls of birds outside. After a quiet breakfast, the adventure begins. The first place I visited was the Mannar Salt Pans and Keeri Beach, about 15 kilometres from the retreat. Even before arriving, the journey itself is part of the experience. Driving along Beach Road, I kept spotting flocks of small birds perched along the lagoons and flying low over the water. It set the tone for what was coming.

And then, there they were, the Greater Flamingos. Dozens of them, standing tall and elegant, their pink feathers glowing in the morning light. By November, hundreds arrive here, and they stay until March, turning the shallow salt pans into a living painting. Watching them feed, walk, and take flight in perfect synchrony was unforgettable. I found myself standing quietly, almost holding my breath, just to soak at the moment. After spending time with the flamingos, I drove a little further to Keeri Beach. It’s calm and quiet, and during the season (November to April), the sea is perfect for a refreshing swim. Birding and then a dip in the ocean, what more could you ask for?

The next day, I set out to explore the Korakulam Wetland, only 8 kilometres from the hotel. It’s a large, open wetland that becomes a safe refuge for water birds during the migratory months. The landscape here is raw and wide, and as I walked closer to the water, I could see why it’s special. Herons, egrets, and other water birds dotted the scene, moving gracefully across the shallow water. The air was filled with their calls, a kind of music that made the place feel alive. There’s also a sense of urgency here, Korakulam is under threat from human encroachment, and being there reminded me how fragile these sanctuaries are. It felt like a privilege to witness it while it’s still thriving.

Another highlight of my stay was visiting the Vankalai Ramsar Wetland, about 20 kilometres away. This site is internationally recognised for its importance, and it’s easy to see why. Thousands of birds gather here during the migratory season, from small waders to large flocks of flamingos. I remember standing at the edge of the wetland, completely in awe, watching wave after wave of birds land and take off. The sheer number was overwhelming, it felt like the sky and the land had merged into one living, breathing organism.

What made these excursions even more special was returning to Palmyrah House afterwards. The retreat itself feels like home a library to curl up in, a pool to cool off, and shaded forest paths for evening walks. In between bird watching trips, I enjoyed simply being at the property, reading by the bar or trying out the traditional well bath. It’s the kind of place that slows you down, giving you space to reflect on what you’ve just experienced.

Bird watching in Mannar isn’t just about spotting rare species or ticking boxes on a checklist. For me, it was about connection feeling part of something bigger, more natural, and beautifully simple. The flamingos, the wetlands, the quiet drives, they all reminded me how much life exists just beyond the cities and towns we usually occupy.

If you love nature, or even if you’re just curious, Mannar is a destination worth exploring. And Palmyrah House is the perfect base comfortable, eco-friendly, and right in the middle of it all. Bird watching here isn’t just an activity. It’s an experience that stays with you long after you’ve left.