These are the 5 places to visit in Mannar.
Mannar is a captivating destination in the northern part of Sri Lanka. It is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty. The blend of ancient religious sites, serene landscapes, and vibrant wildlife makes it a perfect spot for travelers.
If you are always searching for fascinating locations and want to explore so much in one go, then Mannar is your destination. Though there are many places you should visit in Mannar, these are the top 5. These are the places that you cannot miss visiting in Mannar.
Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu
One of the most significant religious sites in Sri Lanka is the Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu. It is situated in the Madhu Forest and is a Roman Catholic shrine with a history of more than 400 years. This shrine has a peaceful surrounding and offers a calm atmosphere for prayer and self-reflection.
The annual Madhu Forest Feast is celebrated in the month of August and attracts devotees from the entire nation, regardless of religion. It symbolizes the unity and diversity of the country’s cultural heritage.
The architecture of this church is beautiful and attracts many visitors. It is one of the few churches that sees the devotion of Buddhists, Hindus, and other religions in the country and other nations.
Visiting Hours: 6 am-7 pm daily.
Entry-free for all.
Thiruketheeswaram Kovil
Being one of the five ancient Isvarams of Lord Shiva, it has become a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus across the globe. This sacred temple or Kovil, as it is called in Sinhalese, is believed to be 2500 years old. It reflects the rich history of Hindu worship in the region.
The temple is situated on the banks of the river Aruvi Aru. The architecture of the temple speaks of the skills and devotion of ancient Tamil artisans. Visiting the Thiruketheeswaram Kovil gives the visitors a spiritual experience and ambience to witness traditional rituals practiced for centuries.
It is also popularly known as Ketheeswaram Temple. The temple provides skirts and sarongs to females and males, respectively. It is necessary for all to maintain the dress code. You can see the ancient port towns of Kudiramalai and Manthai from the temple itself. Even if these port towns are in ruins, they offer a glimpse of Mannar’s buildings.
Visiting Hours: 7 am to 7 pm.
Entry: Free for all.
Mannar Island
Connected to the mainland by a causeway, Mannar Island is a unique destination known for its landscapes, rich history, and various attractions. The main spot here is the Mannar Fort, which was built in the 16th century by the Portuguese. But later, it was occupied by the Dutch and the British. The visiting hours of this fort are 8 am to 6 pm daily. The entry is free for all visitors.
Another place to visit in Mannar Island is the iconic Baobab tree. It is believed to be more than 700 years old. It was brought to Sri Lanka by the Arab traders. The island also has coastal areas that are ideal for exploring serene beaches and to observe the traditional fishing methods.
Mannar Island is famous for kitesurfing, bird watching, fishing, and many other activities. If you like adventures, then Mannar Island is going to be a perfect place for you.
Thanthirimale
Located near Mannar, Thanthirimale is an ancient Buddhist site dating back to the Anuradhapura times. It is an archaeological marvel popular for its large reclining Buddha statue carved out of a single rock. It is considered to be one of the finest examples of ancient Sri Lankan sculpture.
Boulders and natural caves surround the site. The natural caves once served as meditation centers for Buddhist monks. Thanthirimale has a lot of historical significance. It is because of the sacred Bodhi tree. The sapling of the tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment was temporarily placed here.
Thanthirimale lies in the Anuradhapura district. Hence, this is a great opportunity to visit the archaeological town of Anuradhapura. It also has a Thanthirimale Raja Maha Vihara, a Buddhist temple. An archaeological museum here offers glimpses of ancient towns and the history of the location.
A large lake in the area adds more beauty to this natural place and gives peace to the mind. If you are someone who enjoys history and nature together, then you should definitely visit this place.
Mannar Bird Sanctuary
For all the nature lovers, the Mannar Bird Sanctuary is a place with diverse species of birds. It is home to many resident birds but also attracts many migratory ones. This bird sanctuary is famous for flamingos. All the birdwatchers can spot a wide range of species like pelicans, herons, and cormorants in the wetlands and lagoons of the sanctuary.
It also has a tranquil environment that is best for wildlife photography and to enjoy nature walks. The Mannar Bird Sanctuary has rich biodiversity and beautiful coastal ecosystems. If you want to enjoy a complete package of nature mixed with coastal areas, birds, and various landscapes, then the Mannar Bird Sanctuary is for you.
Conclusion
To make the most of your trip, these are the 5 places to visit in Mannar. It is a destination that offers a unique blend of natural, cultural, and historical attractions. Mannar has a spot for everyone, from a history buff to a spiritual seeker or even a nature lover.
All of these 5 places show a glimpse of rich heritage and scenic beauty. It is one of the lesser-explored areas of Sri Lanka and, hence, allows you to immerse in nature personally. If you are here for historical fun, make sure to visit the Roman Catholic church and the Buddhist temple, i.e., Thanthirimale.
If you want to see the marvelous architecture and visit a Hindu shrine, then make sure to visit the Thiruketheeswaram Kovil. For an adventurous experience, Mannar Island is going to be an ideal spot. Overall, Mannar is one of the places that is a mix of various cultures, religions, and fun spots.
Editorial Staff at Ceylon Empire Travels are Specialist in Sri Lanka Travel.
