This sanctuary can be approached from Colombo on the following route.

Colombo – Negombo – Chilaw – Puttlam – Anuradapura – Medawachchiya – Settikulam – Murunkan – Giant’s Tank (5 ½ hours)

As indicated by the name this is a very large expanse of water most of which dries up during the non rainy season. The tank and part of the adjacent forest which is 4,330 hectares in extent is protected as a Sanctuary and comes under the Department of Wild Life Conservation. Observing birds here is mostly from climbing on the bund which is by the road with, ideally a good spotting scope or by boat. There no suitable places around the sanctuary except to stay over in Mannar.

Birds to look for

Openbill, Common Coot, Pheasant-tailed Jacana, Cotton Teal, Rufous-rumped Shrike, Black Drongo, Collared Dove, Pintail, Gargany, Kestrel, Great Cormorant, Striated Weaver, Baya Weaver, Spot-billed Pelican, Purple Coot and many more.