Search hotels in Mannar

Mannar is town in the far north-west of Sri Lanka, there are not a lot of "tourist" things to do there. there is an 500-year-old dutch fort that got damaged during the civil war and a big tree. the people are fantastic and very friendly but don't speak as much English as "advertised" shopping is limited but really good value. Mannar is not a tourist town but it is real northern Sri Lanka so if you go there don't expect to be entertained. the food is great but once again it is standard Sri Lanka food there is nothing fancy. there is a western styled place that does pizza and burgers in town and is the most expensive place to eat, yet still is very affordable. Dont expect to find Air Conditioning in any of the stores. Tuk Tu's are always handy to get about town and buses can be caught to go see the sites further a field.

Actually,our main purpose of travelling to Mannar was to visit shrine of our lady of Madhu church,and also in late 70's ,when I used to work as tour Guide and chauffeur,I have been there to,drop off one of my client from America,whom,I have been taking around in my beautiful Sri lanka, sightseeing and bird watching and finally for their departure to India via Dhanshkodi for their next step of the journey.

During the latest visit to Mannar my favourite places are Dutch fort, baobab tree, light house, Arrippu doric bungalow and adam's bridge. further visit to railway station at thaliamannar pier also a good place to visit. you can see an end of both railway and highway . you can find any food you like to eat. even vegetarian foods.

The beautiful lagoon and harbour and visiting the Dutch fort and other local scenic and historical attractions and going to TALLIMANNAR further 35 KLM up the coast and that town and the beautiful lagoons and birdlife on route.

On the way to Mannar - Sri Lanka a visit to the National shrine of Madhu (Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu) which is located is located 50km south-east of Mannar. It is a Portuguese style church built in the nineteenth-century which houses the statue brought to Madhu in 1670 by Catholics fleeing persecution by the Dutch. Giant’s Tank is the largest ancient irrigation reservoir- a home for migrant birds. It's along the A14 Madawachchiya –Talaimannar main road. Mannar Fort is located on Mannar Island was built by Portuguese in 1560. The fort is in ruins as a result of the civil war but yet it's worthwhile to see the architecture of the past. It's very easy to get to this place either on foot or Tuk-tuk. The ancient Baobab tree in Pallimunai is believed to be planted by the Arab traders which is over 700 years of age is 1Km away from town of Mannar. No tickets are required and there is ample parking space. The Slaterns behind the Manthai salt factory is a must during the months of Dec- Jan to see the vast number of migrant birds - especially the Flamingos at a close range. Vehicles cannot reach up to the salterns but you could walk on the pathway and its a place for bird lovers. The Grand bazaar is a place busting with activity in the town stalls selling fresh vegetables, fish straight from the lagoon and sea an interesting place fro street photographers. There were hardly any eateries in the town so it's better having ones meals in the hotel. Further, the people are very friendly and helpful although language might become a barrier at some instances they go all out of their way to help. The best time to visit Mannar would be Dec or Jan. as the weather would be mild.

The only thing I liked was baobab tree, qhile Mannar Dutch Fort and Thirukuteswaram temple were much below expections. The visit to Talaimannar was totally useless as one cannot go and see Adam's Bridge, which was sole purpose of my visit to that area