Mannar Fort

Mannar Fort is located on Mannar Island, Sri Lanka. It was built by Portuguese in 1560 . The fort fell to the Dutch in 1658, and they rebuilt the fort in 1696. In 1795 the British occupied the fort following the surrender by the Dutch.

Flemingos in Mannar

Mannar in Sri Lanka is a significant area for witnessing the annual migration of Greater Flamingos, particularly during the period from around November to March/April. It’s a popular destination for birdwatchers and photographers to see these majestic birds in large numbers. Thousands of Greater Flamingos migrate to the Mannar region of northern Sri Lanka, particularly to the wetlands around Vankalai Lagoon

Hanging Bridge – Kunchukulam

This bridge was constructed in 1935 to cross the Aruviaaru in the village of Kunchukulam. Kunchukulam is a famous village in Manner district. It is located in the midst of a thick jungle which is part of Wilpattu wildlife sanctuary. The bridge is 150 meters long and 1.2 meters in width. During the rainy season, water flows over this bridge. From Mannar town travel along the Madawachchi road to Parayanalankulam junction – Mathakiraman junction to hanging bridge. It is in the Madu DS division.

The Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu

T

he Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu is a Roman Catholic Marian shrine in Mannar district of Sri Lanka. With a history of more than 400 years, the shrine acts as a center of pilgrimage and worship for Sri Lankan Catholics. The site is considered as the holiest Catholic shrine in Sri Lanka and is a well known place of devotion for both Tamil and Sinhalese Catholics. The church has been a symbol of unity not just between Tamils and Sinhalese but also between people of different religions, including Buddhists, Hindus and Protestants.

Baobab Tree Pallimunai

The trunk of this 700-year-old tree measures more than 60 feet around, making it the oldest and largest baobab in Sri Lanka. Located on the northeastern tip of Mannar Island, approximately 1.2 kilometers away from the main town In Africa, where it is indigenous, baobab trees are known as upside-down trees because their branches look like roots; in Sri Lanka, the baobab tree in Mannar is known to locals as the “Ali Gaha”, or the “Elephant Tree”, because its rough bark resembles the skin of an elephant.

Adam’s Bridge – Ram Sethu

Adam’s Bridge also known as Rama’s Bridge or Rama Setu, is a chain of natural limestone shoals between Pamban Island, also known as Rameswaram Island, off the southeastern coast of Tamil Nadu, India, and Mannar Island, off the northwestern coast of Sri Lanka. Geological evidence suggests that the bridge was formerly a land connection between India and Sri Lanka. The feature is 48 km (30 mi) long and separates the Gulf of Mannar (southwest) from the Palk Strait (northeast). It is 30 km from Mannar town

Pesalai Beach

Pesalai Beach is a hidden gem situated along the Northern coast of Sri Lanka. Renowned for its soft, golden sands and crystal-clear waters, this beach provides a tranquil retreat for those looking to unwind amidst nature’s beauty. The serene atmosphere is ideal for sunbathing, leisurely walks, or simply soaking in the soothing sounds of the waves. As you stroll along the shore, you may encounter local fishermen tending to their colorful boats, giving you a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle that thrives in this coastal town.

Ketheeswaram Temple

Ketheeswaram is an ancient Hindu temple in Mannar, Northern Province, Sri Lanka. Overlooking the ancient Tamil port towns of Manthai and Kudiramalai, the temple has lain in ruins, been restored, renovated and enlarged by various royals and devotees throughout its history. Thirukketheeswaram is one of the Pancha Ishwarams dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva and is venerated by Shaivas throughout the continent. Throughout its history, the temple has been administered and frequented by Sri Lankan Hindu Tamils. Its famous tank, the Palavi tank, is of ancient antiquity and was restored from the ruins.^] Thirukketheeswaram is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams of Shiva glorified in the poems of the Tevaram. Literary and inscriptional evidence of the post classical period (300BC-1500AD) attests to the upkeep of the temple during the ancient period by kings of the Pallava, Pandyan Dynasty and Chola dynasties who contributed to its development up to the late 16th century. In 1575, Thirukketheeswaram was largely destroyed by Portuguese colonials, with Pujas terminating at the shrine in 1589. Following an appeal by Arumuka Navalar in 1872, the temple was rebuilt at its original site in 1903

Keeri Beach, Mannar

A mere five kilometres from its main town, ⁩⁦Keeri Beach⁩⁦ is known to locals for its sunny location and excellent swimming spots.⁩

Doric Bungalow

The first governor, Frederick North, 5th Earl of Guilford, was the son of British Prime Minister Frederick North (2nd Earl of Guilford).^[2] The house was planned by the governor himself, the building was later known as ‘The Doric’ due to the architectural design of the columns which was similar to the Ancient Greek Doric order style. It was built at the beginning of the nineteenth century (between 1801 and 1804) to revive and supervise the pearl fisheries. Other than being used as the residence for the governor, it was later used by “other governors, government agents, and other officials, including superintendents of pearl fishery.

Talaimannar Lighthouse

Mannar Island Lighthouse is a lighthouse in Talaimannar on Mannar Island in northern Sri Lanka. Built in 1915, the 19 metres (62 ft) white lighthouse has a round cylindrical tower with lantern and gallery.

Coral Reef in Gulf of Mannar

The Gulf of Mannar, an inlet between southeastern India and western Sri Lanka, boasts a rich coral reef ecosystem, home to diverse marine life, including over 117 hard coral species and numerous fish, sharks, dugongs, and dolphins. This chain of islands is called Adam’s Bridge in English, Ātham Pālam in Tamil and Rama Sethu in Malayalam. The area around Mannar Island in the Gulf of Mannar, off the coast of Sri Lanka, features extensive coral reefs, primarily patch reefs, with the most notable being the “Bar Reef” near the Kalpitiya Peninsula, Arippu, and Silavathurai.