Spotting Flamingos at Vankalai Sanctuary

Watching flamingos at Vankalai Sanctuary is a treat for most visitors to the North. Locally known as Mannar Bird Sanctuary or Vankalai Lagoon, this wetland is approximately 4,839 hectares and has a variety of ecosystems—salt marshes, lagoons, mangroves, tidal flats, seagrass beds, thorn scrublands and maritime grasslands. Here is what you need to know if you want to view these unique and graceful birds in Mannar:

Flamingo Season

From December to February every year, the sanctuary comes alive with thousands of Greater Flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus). You’ll also see other waterbirds like Pintails, Spot-billed Ducks and Eurasian Wigeons.

During the Mannar Flamingo season, flamingos flock along the Central Asian Flyway, and use Vankalai as their first stop in Sri Lanka before leaving to their last staging ground. During the peak season, you will see hundreds of them moving together along the salty flats at sunrise, their delicate pink and white forms lit up by the early morning light.

Sanctuary’s Biodiversity

Apart from flamingos in Mannar, the sanctuary has nearly 150 bird species, with migrants like the Spot-billed Duck, Comb Duck, Long-toed Stint, Temminck’s Stint, Red-necked Phalarope, Peregrine Falcon and the rare Eastern Black-tailed Godwit recorded here. During migratory seasons, more than 20,000 waterbirds may be present at a time. The wetland also has a rich marine ecosystem—over 60 species of fish, seagrass dependent creatures like dugongs, green turtles and even saltwater crocodiles in the nearby waters.

The Experience

Imagine a quiet January morning, walking the mudflats as flamingos flock in, graceful, bright and animated by soft clucks. Their synchronised feeding and shifting patterns look like a dance. It’s a truly unforgettable experience. Ian Lockwood, the wildlife photographer, describes capturing vast scenes of flamingos in flight at Vankalai—a testament to the power of protecting such habitats.

Why Vankalai is a Wetland Conservation Success Story

Designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 2008, Vankalai was formally recognised under the Ramsar Convention in July 2010 as a wetland of international importance. What’s more inspiring is the community-based conservation model in place. Local fishing cooperatives and women’s societies work with environmental NGOs to monitor, protect and sustainably manage the wetland.

Conservation activities include coastal clean-ups, habitat restoration and eco-learning programs for local youth. Local livelihoods are protected as well, with community fishermen dependent on this ecosystem. A healthy wetland means more tourism and birders during the flamingo season.

Planning Your Visit

Before you go to Mannar, there are some tips to keep in mind. The best time to visit for bird watching in Sri Lanka is from December to February. Early mornings are the best, with good light and wildlife activity, especially near the salterns and shallow lagoon flats.

Mannar is connected by causeway and bridge to the mainland, and the sanctuary is just south of Mannar Island. The nearby village of Vankalai adds cultural charm, with its historic Portuguese-era churches, local fisheries and the iconic baobab trees brought by traders centuries ago.

You will need to spend at least 3-4 hours exploring. Use binoculars or spotting scopes for best bird views and wear sun protection. Guidelines discourage littering or disturbing wildlife. Travellers can unwind after an excursion in hotels in nearby Jaffna, such as Jetwing Jaffna or the charming villa, Jetwing Mahesa Bhawan.

Conservation Challenges & Why It Matters

Despite Vankalai’s protected status, threats still persist. These include unsustainable sand-mining (notably on Mannar Island), pollution and climate-driven water changes all pose risks. Continued support for community-led wetland conservation, legal protections and sustainable tourism practices will be essential to safeguard this haven for flamingos and other waterbirds in the years to come.

Viewing flamingos at Vankalai Sanctuary is more than a birdwatching trip. Visitors can understand how seasonal migration, human stewardship and eco-education come together to keep a Ramsar wetland alive. For photographers, birders and eco-travellers alike, visiting Mannar is not only a chance to see pink-plumed beauty but to support conservation efforts.