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

Colombo- Kurunegala – Dambulla – Mihintale – Medawachchiya – Vauniya – Kilinochchi – Elephant pass – Jaffna. (8-9 hours)

The Jaffna Peninsular with its numerous water bodies has always been a haven for migrant waterfowl. The many water bodies which teem with migrant waterfowl become dried up grass lands during the non migrant season. It is this grass that the “upending” ducks feed on so voraciously during their stay here. A drive towards Kaits, Manalkadu at Point Pedro as well as the Avranghal Plains and the Kaithardy Bridge are some of the more important localities which should be visited by a bird keen visitor to the peninsula. There are many places which provide meals and accommodation in Jaffna.

Birds to look for

Eurasian Wigeon, Nothern Shoveller, Common Teal, Pintail, Gargany, Great Black-headed Gull, Heuglin’s Gull, Greater Flamingo, Whimbrel, Bar-tailed Godwit, Black-tailed Godwit, Golden-backed Woodpecker, Indian Grey Partridge, Collared Dove, Black Drongo, Eurasian Curlew, Terek Sandpiper, Black Kite, Osprey and many more.

CHUNDIKULAM SANCTURY

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

Colombo- Kurunegala – Dambulla – Mihintale – Medawachchiya – Vauniya – Kilinochchi – Elephant pass – Jaffna – Chundikulam.
(8-9 hours)

This used to be one of the most popular bird sanctuaries in the north of the country. It is 11,149 hectares in extent and comes under the purview of the Department of Wild Life Conservation. It is primarily the lagoon and the surrounding area. This are was not accessible during the pass three decades due to the armed conflict and currently the armed forces are engaged in clearing the land mines.

Birds to look for

Greater Flamingo, Eurasian Wigeon, Common Teal, Pintail, Garganey, Shoveller, Bar-tailed Godwit, Black-tailed Godwit, Eurasian Curlew, Common, Wood & Marsh Sandpipers, Terek Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper, Black-winged Stilts,  Brown-headed Gull, Gull-billed Tern, Ruff and many more.