Anawilundawa
Birdwatching within unique Ramsar wetland
Elephant trip to the Pinnawala area, which offers several elephant sanctuaries – from the main state facility to smaller private projects – and may include:
transportation to Anawilundawa and back
water jeep tour with birdwatching
walking around water tanks according to your preference
Departure early morning or after lunch or anytime, withing the same day to Dune Towers resort.
Price: on request
Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary
– birdwatching & wildlife experience (from Dune Towers) Anawilundawa Sanctuary (also called the Annaiwilundawa Tanks Sanctuary) is one of Sri Lanka’s most important wetland areas for birdlife. It’s an internationally important wintering ground for migratory water birds, protected as a wildlife sanctuary (since 1997) and recognized as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance (since 2001). The protected area covers 1,397 hectares in Sri Lanka’s Puttalam District.
What makes this place special
Anawilundawa is a beautiful mix of water, grasslands and forest patches built around an ancient irrigation system: a group of shallow, cascading tanks (reservoirs) dating back to around 1140 AD, attributed to King Parakramabahu the Great. Seven small irrigation tanks form the heart of the wetland, with surrounding paddy fields and a historic Dutch-era canal nearby. Wikipedia The sanctuary includes three major ecosystem types in one compact area — freshwater wetland, saltwater wetland, and terrestrial habitats — which creates excellent feeding and breeding conditions for wildlife.
Elephant Freedom Project
For an even more authentic encounter, there is the Elephant Freedom Project. This family-run initiative emphasizes a responsible and ethical approach to elephant care. Visitors have the chance to feed the elephants, walk with them in nature, and experience first-hand what true elephant welfare looks like.
Wildlife highlights (what you may see)
This is a top spot for nature lovers because the species variety is huge:
Birds: 168 species recorded, including 37 migratory bird species
Commonly spotted birds include Painted Stork, Asian Openbill, Spot-billed Pelican, Purple Heron, Black-headed Ibis, Eurasian Spoonbill, Cotton Pygmy-Goose, White-bellied Sea Eagle, and many more water birds and waders.Mammals: 21 species recorded, including Eurasian otter and fishing cat (rare and shy).
Plus reptiles, amphibians, fish, butterflies and dragonflies are also documented in the wetland.
Location snapshot
Anawilundawa Sanctuary lies between the coast and the Negombo–Puttalam railway line around 1 hour from Dune Towers.
What the trip feels like
Expect calm wetland scenery, open water surfaces with birds feeding and flying low over the tanks, and quiet viewpoints along the tank bunds and trails—great for photography, birdwatching, and simply enjoying nature away from crowds.
Good to know (comfort & responsible visiting)
The area is in Sri Lanka’s dry zone (warm most of the year).
It’s a sensitive ecosystem facing pressures such as invasive aquatic plants (including water hyacinth) and habitat impacts, so we always visit quietly and respectfully (keep distance from wildlife, no loud music, no litter).