Sri Lanka is a tropical country enriched with natural habitats including wetland reserves, lagoons, lush green forests and mountain ranges. The island is home to over 400 varieties of birds. According to the statistics, more than 23 endemic bird species in the island are confined to the rainforests in the hill country and over 56 indigenous bird species can be spotted within the rivers and coastal areas.
A range of bird watching locations scattered across the island is a perfect treat for the ornithologists and bird watching enthusiasts visiting the country. Among these many sanctuaries, the Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary is one of the least visited and untouched bird sanctuaries. In 1984, the Government of Sri Lanka declared the area as a national park and it is considered as one of the most peaceful and undisturbed bird sanctuaries in Sri Lanka. Located approximately 215km away from Colombo, this sanctuary consisted of coastal lagoons, flood plains, mangrove swamps and wetlands, all of which provide a range of perfect natural habitats conducive to the birds’ preservation.
Known as one of the oldest bird sanctuaries on the island, Kalametiya is home to a wide range of indigenous birds as well as migrant birds. Redshanks, Pintail Duck, Godwit, Garganey, Flamingo, Kingfisher and Snipe are some of the frequently spotted migrating birds in this sanctuary. Quite similar to the surroundings and the climate of Bundala, Kalametiya also boasts of numerous shore birds common to the coastal area. Although the area has a tropical climate year round, from November to March is considered as the best season to visit this fascinating bird paradise, as there will be an array of winter- migrant birds to be spotted.
Travellers to Tangalle can head down to Kalametiya bird sanctuary on a bird watching tour and witness some of the rare migrant and indigenous birds. Indulge in the peaceful atmosphere of this untouched bird park and get close to nature. This expedition would also give the nature lovers the opportunity to capture some memorable shots of these numerous bird species as well as the bio-diversified surroundings.
After a tiring outdoor excursion at Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary, travellers can reside at one of the top Tangalle hotels available in the area. Offering all- inclusive space to relax, unwind and rejuvenate, Ranna 212 is one such Sri Lanka beach resort in Tangalle that would promise you a memorable holiday in the southern coastal belt.
Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and hopes to visit them all someday. Google+