Top Things to do in Mannar
What to do and see in Mannar, Sri Lanka: The Best Places and Tips
Discover the best top things to do in Mannar, Sri Lanka including Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu, The Doric at Arippu, Mannar Island, Thanthirimale, Baobab Tree, Mannar Fort, Yodha Wewa, Adam’s Bridge, Thiruketheeswaram Kovil.
Restaurants in Mannar
1. Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu
Overall Ratings
4 based on 52 reviews
Reviewed By Shobhana D
Though this shrine is venerated by the catholic community, its known to attract believers of other religious faiths too
2. The Doric at Arippu
Overall Ratings
4 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By Gayan P - Colombo, Sri Lanka
These are the ruins of a former British Governor's residence. Very approachable.Walking idstance from the road. Walk round the back and see the chunks that have fallen into the sea.
Be careful near the building as the structure is unstable. If you climb the stairs know that it's hollow underneath.
3. Mannar Island
Overall Ratings
4 based on 77 reviews
Reviewed By FazlyColombo - Colombo
Mannar is an Island off the Mainland Sri Lanka. However district of Mannar covers parts the Mainland.
Key sites you may be interested include
1. Silavaturai, Arippu, Coastal wetlands and archaeological sites
2. Vankalai Bird Sanctuary and beach
3. Silavaturai, Aripput and Vankalai coral reefs, undiscovered live corals
4. Talaimannar Pier, Adam Bridge, several archeological sites and Pesalai fishery harbour
5. Mannar Port and Mantai port
6. Madhu Church, religious sites
7. Vidattaltivu lagoon and extensive coastal habitat with mangroves
Climate & Geography
Avg Temperature
December - Feb 26C
April - June above 29C (Avoid going during this time)
Rest of the year - 28C
History
Talaimannar is 18 miles away from India and during good times was a centre of trade and sea routes. Baobab tress and donkeys are a reminder of this even to this date, that traders from Arabia frequented this place. The fact that dutch chose to build a fort also goes to prove its bygone hub status.
Kuweni, as the legend has it is from Thambapanni which is in Mannar district of Wilpattu reserve though not in the island. Adam's bridge or Hanuman's bridge also is there though there are no formal tours.
Modi went to Talai Mannar to initiate a train service back in 2015 is still showing its strategic value to be connecting point to the Asian Railway Network.
Wild Life
Mannar sees migratory birds during seasons, especially flamingoes. Wild donkeys and poneys too can be seen.
Coral reafs are also available. Again no formal tours
In past, mannar was famous for natural pearls; though it is not commercially done now at large scale.
Go to keeri beach
Economy
Economy is mainly based on fishing and agriculture.
Food
If you are in mannar, eat sea food. Prawns and cuttle fish are out of the world, but you need to get them fresh and cook. Only one proper resturant imo (Palmyrah). THough small shops also serve tasty curry.
I am told cargills has opened in mannar town; please check. If not, take plenty of water bottles.
Travel
No 95 petrol is available in the island, Last station apparently is in Madu.
Use TukTuk but discuss the rates prior to travelling. If difficult get help of a resident.
THere are air conditioned buses between mannar and Colombo. Leaves Mannar opposite Sri Lanka telecom.
4. Thanthirimale
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By Nadheera D - Ryde, Australia
This is a temple less visited by tourist but of great significance to Sri Lankans. The rock area is supposed to be 250 acres and there are rock inscriptions (sadly, now quite faded) from pre - historic times. It an amazing temple complex which has once housed meditating caves and a library. Large lake/pond is also within the premises. It is a bit of a climb and best visited before it gets too hot as the rock gets hot and makes it very hard to walk around this large complex.
The reclining Buddha is the best I've seen in Sri Lanka still retaining the details in spite of being open to nature.
5. Baobab Tree
Overall Ratings
4 based on 47 reviews
Reviewed By indirakah - Colombo, Sri Lanka
It is very interesting to see such a giant of a tree and it's great this tree could be seen in Sri Lanka, when it's home is in the African Continent. It also gives a good idea of the interventions travellers made to bio diversity.
6. Mannar Fort
Overall Ratings
4 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By parakrama_k - Battaramulla, Sri Lanka
Its a historical place in Mannar and, a must go location for the history lovers. Walking among the remains of the old fort gives one a taste of history. A pleasant evening walk with good views. I don't know why the authorities failed to display some information on the historical value of the location.
7. Yodha Wewa
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By PRABHU60 - Colombo, Sri Lanka
Giants tank or Yodha Wewa is a large expanse of Fresh water where the locals fish for fresh water fish. The water flows through several canals to the agricultural lands cultivating mainly Paddy in large scale.
A variety of bird life is seen in the adjoining Giants Tank sanctuary where you would have to go on foot ...
8. Adam’s Bridge
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By antonselvakumard - Jaffna
This 50Km sandy starch between Thalaimannar (Sri Lanka) and Rameswaram (India) is:
The Legend….
The link of History, Hinduism etc..
The hot spot of the Indian Ocean…
The Hatchery of Birds………..
Except….
a long boat ride under the hot sun.
The Thalaimannar Lighthouse is on the shore and as usual public and tourist can not access it.. But, you may enjoy fishing activities on the shore.
9. Thiruketheeswaram Kovil
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By Soma S - London, United Kingdom
This is a very ancient temple dedicated to the Hindu go, Siva. it may be the oldest religious site in the island, since there is a reference that it was present when Vijaya, the founder of the Sinhalese race arrived in the island. Religious rituals are believed to have been held almost unbroken for more than 2500 years.
The area is almost barren and sandy, and most of the .ocal population are Hindu devotees and officials associated with the temple.
