Points of Interest - Culinary Delights
Wirawila Bird Sanctuary
Sri Lanka is truly a paradise for all bird enthusiasts and is one of the best places in the world. The tropical island and the astonishing biodiversity of Sri Lanka, makes it a true haven for bird lovers who arrive from all over the world which comprises of more than 400 species with around 23 endemic and 20 migratory birds descending on the country each year, having flown from South for the winter such as Sandpipers and plovers and some come from as far north as the arctic tundra.
Said to be one of the most picturesque locations in Sri Lanka and the perfect spot for bird watching, Weerawila Bird Sanctuary is located in the Southern part of Sri Lanka, approximately 260 km east from Colombo. Its extensive lake that attracts more than 400 species of birds to the area is considered to the specialty of this location with its many reservoirs such as Askongaha Lake, Mutiamma Lake, Tissa Lake and Dabaraweva.
Thanks to the Wirawila Tank and the Tissa Tank, thousands of migratory birds of both aquatic bird species and jungle birds come to the Wirawila Bird Sanctuary each year to roost and nest.
Among the common sighting of the park are the Piontail, Eurasian Curlew, and the Whimbrel, Red Wattled Lapwing, Great Stone Ployer, Orange Breasted Green Pigeon, Hornbills, and Flycatchers, Lesser Flamingo, Spoonbill, Painted Stork, Pelican, Grey Heron, Purple Heron, Darter and the rare Black Necked Stork.
The sanctuary is shaped due to the causeway that stumbles into the Weerawila Lake which makes it an ideal nesting ground for the diversified bird life. The Wirawila Tissa Sanctuary is the ideal playground for bird enthusiasts travelling from around the world, as it is close to the Bundala National park.
Although the birds are a highlight of the sanctuary, water buffaloes and monkeys can also be spotted at the Weerawila Bird sanctuary.
The best times for Bird watching enthusiasts to visit this little island is the latter part of the year as December has been declared as the National Bird Month by the National affiliate of Bird Life International, the Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka. If you are looking to witness the migrant birds, the period of October and April are considered to be the best times to visit.