Anawilundawa Bird Sanctuary

The Anawilundawa wetland sanctuary is located between the coast and the Chilaw (10km)Puttalam railway line, in the Puttalam District of the North western province of Sri Lanka and covers an extent of 1400 hectares. From Chilaw Puttlam road, you will find a junction named anavirundawa. From that end if you have to travel through, then you will reach the anavirundawa bird watching site
.This is one of the'' Ramsar ''wetlands in sri Lanka (the other two are Bundala and Maduganga) and yes it is a marvellous site for bird watching and bird photographing. You could easily see migrated birds as well as lots of other birds. The main attractions of the Anawilundawa sanctuary are of a large species of animals and birds. At present, 150 recorded bird species at the sanctuary have made it popular among many bird-watching enthusiasts.

The ''Wawa"(tank) system of Anawilundawa is of historical significance, The system consists of seven small cascading reservoirs namely, Pinkattiya, Wellawela, Maradansole, Irrakkawala/ Ihala Wewa, Anawilundawa, Suruwila and Maiyawa. Each tank is connected to the other which makes this tank system that much more exceptional. These tank systems helps sustain traditional paddy fields in the area as well as islets of natural vegetation. The tanks store water in this dry region for irrigation purposes and also play a major role in flood control, retention of pollutants and sediments and nutrient export.-Radika Ragu

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