Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary
A coastal lagoon and mangrove sanctuary alive with water birds, best explored by a quiet boat or a walk along the shore at dawn.
East of Tangalle, along Sri Lanka's southern coastline, a network of saltwater lagoons, mangrove groves and scrub plains makes up one of the country's oldest and most significant bird sanctuaries. Kalametiya was first declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1938, a status it actually lost in 1946 before conservationists successfully campaigned for its restoration in 1984, a struggle for survival that's given the sanctuary an extra layer of significance among Sri Lanka's protected wetlands.
Spread across roughly 2,500 hectares of dry zone wetland, Kalametiya hosts over 150 recorded bird species, including 54 migrants, resident and wintering populations mixing freely across its lagoons, mangroves and coastal marsh. Breeding colonies of pelicans, herons, egrets and open billed storks call the sanctuary home year round, while migratory ducks and shorebirds arrive in considerable numbers during the cooler months, making this a genuinely rewarding stop for birdwatchers regardless of season. Beyond birds, the sanctuary supports over 20 mammal species, 41 types of fish and 38 species of reptiles, a biodiversity count that places it firmly alongside better known reserves like Bundala further along the coast.
The classic way to experience Kalametiya is by catamaran or double canoe, guided boat safaris gliding quietly through the mangrove channels, typically departing just after dawn or in the late afternoon when bird activity peaks. Visitors can also step ashore partway through for a short forest trail leading to centuries old ruins tucked within the sanctuary grounds, and encounters with local fishing communities working the lagoon add a genuine cultural layer to what's otherwise a purely wildlife focused outing, a smaller, quieter alternative to Bundala for travelers wanting a similarly rich birding experience without the bigger tour groups.
At a glance
- Entry fee: Entry fee applies
- Opening hours: Daylight hours
- Time needed: 2 to 3 hours
- Best time: Early morning, September to March for migrants
Getting there
At Hungama, about 20km west of Hambantota.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to visit Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary?
- Entry fee applies.
- What are the opening hours at Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary?
- Daylight hours.
- How long should I spend at Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary?
- Plan for 2 to 3 hours.
- When is the best time to visit Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary?
- Early morning, September to March for migrants.
- How do I get to Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary?
- At Hungama, about 20km west of Hambantota.