Mannar, Sri Lanka: Travel Guide

Mannar at a glance

Things to do in Mannar

The baobab tree

Mannar's most famous sight is a giant baobab tree with a vast, swollen trunk, said to be more than 700 years old. Baobabs are native to Africa, and local tradition says the trees in Mannar were brought by Arab traders long ago. Standing beside its enormous trunk is a memorable experience. Several other baobabs grow around the island.

Mannar Fort

Mannar Fort was built by the Portuguese in 1560, and later held by the Dutch and the British. Its walls and bastions stand near the bridge at the entrance to the island, with the remains of an old church inside. It is a quiet place to explore, especially in the late afternoon.

Thiruketheeswaram Kovil

Just across the bridge on the mainland, Thiruketheeswaram is one of Sri Lanka's most important and ancient Hindu temples, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is especially busy during Maha Shivaratri, usually in February or March, when pilgrims come from across the island. Dress modestly and remove your shoes. Men are often asked to remove their shirts.

Adam's Bridge

Adam's Bridge, also known as Rama's Bridge or Rama Setu, is a chain of sandbanks and shoals stretching from Mannar towards India. In the Ramayana, it is the bridge built by Rama's army to reach Lanka. From Talaimannar, at the western tip of the island, you can look out towards it. The surrounding waters are protected as the Adam's Bridge Marine National Park. See our Ramayana trail guide and Ramayana trail tour.

Talaimannar

Talaimannar is the western end of Mannar Island, with an old pier, a lighthouse and wide views over the sea. Ferries once ran from here to India. It is a peaceful place to end a drive across the island.

Vankalai Sanctuary and the birds of Mannar

Mannar is one of the best places in Sri Lanka for bird watching. Vankalai Sanctuary, on the mainland near the bridge, is a protected wetland of international importance. From about November to March, thousands of migrant waterbirds arrive, including flamingos, ducks, waders and terns. The lagoons and salt pans around the island are also full of birds. Go early in the morning with binoculars. See bird watching in Sri Lanka.

Wild donkeys

Donkeys wander freely around Mannar town and the island's lanes, a legacy of the old trading days. Please don't feed them.

Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu

Inland from Mannar, the Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu is Sri Lanka's most important Catholic pilgrimage site. Its main festival, usually in August, draws huge crowds of pilgrims of many faiths. It is around an hour and a half from Mannar by car.

How to get to Mannar

By private car

A private driver is the easiest way to explore Mannar, as the sights are spread out across the island and mainland. Approximate times:

• Colombo to Mannar: about 6 hours
• Anuradhapura to Mannar: about 2–2.5 hours
• Mannar to Jaffna: about 2.5–3 hours
• Kalpitiya or Wilpattu to Mannar: about 3–4 hours, depending on the route

By train

A railway line runs from Colombo to Mannar and Talaimannar. The journey takes around seven hours or more. Check the current timetable before you travel.

By bus

Buses connect Mannar with Colombo, Anuradhapura, Vavuniya and Jaffna.

When to visit Mannar

Mannar is in the dry zone and can be very hot, especially from about April to September. For bird watching, the best time is from about November to March, when the migrant birds arrive. From about October to December, the north-east monsoon can bring heavy rain. Many travellers find January to March the most comfortable months overall. See our Sri Lanka festivals calendar and the best time to visit Sri Lanka.

Where to stay

Mannar has a small number of hotels and guesthouses, most in or near Mannar town. They are simple but comfortable. Book ahead during Maha Shivaratri and the Madhu festival. See our guide to where to stay in Sri Lanka.

Mannar on a northern route

Mannar fits naturally between Anuradhapura and Jaffna:

• Anuradhapura → Mannar → Jaffna: a scenic route to the north that avoids repeating the A9.
• Wilpattu → Mannar: for wildlife lovers, combining a leopard safari with Mannar's birds.

See our northern Sri Lanka guide, the best things to do in Jaffna, Anuradhapura and Wilpattu National Park.

A suggested two-day plan

Day 1: drive from Anuradhapura to Mannar. Visit Thiruketheeswaram on the way. In the afternoon, explore Mannar Fort, then see the baobab tree in the golden evening light.

Day 2: an early morning birding trip to Vankalai and the salt pans. Then drive to Talaimannar to look out towards Adam's Bridge. In the afternoon, continue to Jaffna.

Culture and etiquette

Mannar is home to Tamil Hindu, Catholic and Muslim communities.

• Dress modestly, especially at temples and churches.
• Remove your shoes at Hindu temples. Men may be asked to remove their shirts.
• Ask before taking photos of people.
• Be respectful when talking about the past. Mannar was affected by the civil war.

See what to wear at Sri Lankan temples and our responsible travel guide.

What to bring

• Binoculars for the birds
• A wide hat, sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen. There is little shade
• Plenty of water
• Light, modest clothing
• Cash, as card payments are not always accepted. See money in Sri Lanka

Mannar and the Ramayana

Mannar is an important stop for travellers following the Ramayana trail. In the epic, Rama's army builds a bridge across the sea to Lanka to rescue Sita, and many people link this with Adam's Bridge. Thiruketheeswaram, one of the five ancient Shiva temples of Sri Lanka, is also part of many Ramayana and Hindu pilgrimage routes. If you are interested in the Ramayana sites, Mannar combines well with sites in the hill country and the south. See our Ramayana trail guide.

Getting around the island

Mannar Island is long and flat, with one main road running from the bridge to Talaimannar at the western tip. The drive from Mannar town to Talaimannar takes around 45 minutes to an hour. Tuk-tuks are available in town, but a private driver is much easier for visiting Vankalai, Thiruketheeswaram, the baobab and Talaimannar in one day.

Photography tips

Mannar's flat, open landscapes and soft light are wonderful for photography. Shoot the baobab in the early morning or late afternoon, when the light is warm. For birds, bring a long lens and arrive at the lagoons early, when the birds are feeding and the light is low.

Who Mannar suits

Mannar suits bird watchers, photographers, travellers interested in history and religion, and anyone following the Ramayana trail. It is ideal for second-time visitors and those exploring the north. See our pages on lesser-known attractions and our east coast and north tour.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Visiting at midday. Mannar is very hot and exposed. Go out early and late.
• Missing the bird season. Flamingos and most migrants are here from about November to March.
• Skipping Mannar on the way to Jaffna. It is an easy and rewarding detour.
• Feeding the donkeys. It harms them and encourages them onto the roads.

Frequently asked questions