Mannar Island

Mannar is a low sandy island joined to the mainland by a causeway, and it is unlike anywhere else in Sri Lanka: baobab trees brought by Arab traders centuries ago stand around the villages, feral donkeys descended from working stock wander the roads, and the salt pans and lagoons hold enormous numbers of wintering birds, including flamingos in the thousands. A Portuguese and Dutch fort stands at the causeway end and a very large baobab grows at Pallimunai.

What's there

• The baobabs - African trees brought by traders, standing around the villages.
• The feral donkeys - descendants of working animals, roaming the island freely.
• The flamingos - thousands wintering on the salt pans and lagoons.
• The fort - the Portuguese and Dutch fort guarding the causeway.

When to go

December to March is the wintering season for birds and the most comfortable. Summer is severely hot and dry. The northeast monsoon brings the birds and some rain.

What to expect

The island is hot, flat and treeless outside the baobabs, with little shade. Facilities are basic and accommodation limited. The donkeys are not tame and are in poor condition in places.

Nearby

Adam's Bridge runs west from Talaimannar, and Madhu shrine is inland.

Key facts