Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary

This small yet diverse habitat of the Kalametiya bird sanctuary is an important site for many migratory birds. This sanctuary compromises of reed mashes, brackish water lagoons, scrub land, mangrove forests and open patches.

The Kalametiya Estuary is very shallow, with an average depth of less than one meter. The lagoon is connected to the sea by a narrow outlet and to the adjacent Lunama Lagoon through a man-made channel of about 2 kilometeres. Kalametiya is home to many species of resident as well as migratory shorebirds. From kingfishers to flamingoes inhabit this extensive wetland area of mangrove swamps and lagoons.

So far, over 150 species of  birds including 54 migratory birds have been identified, it is also an important site for winter migrants like the Asian Openbill, Eurasian Spoonbill, Greater Flamingo, Black Capped Purple Kingfisher, Egrets, Purple Swamp Hen and Black-winged Stilt who can be seen wading in the shallow marshes.

The beaches in the Kalmetiya area are also famous for turtle nesting. All five species which occur in Sri Lanka come here to nest. The most prevalent species are the Green turtles , Loggerhead turtle and the Leatherback turtle .

Park Open : Open Throughout the year

Best Season : November - March

Main Attraction :  Birds

Shortest Route : Fly to Colombo  and Drive to Kalametiya

Nearby : Bundala (34 km), Mirissa (69 km), Yala (80 km), Sinharaja (110 km)

Province :  Southern Province

Area :  26 sq. km

Altitude: 1  m

Vegetation : Mangrove, Reed bed, Scrubland 

Major City: Galle (100 Km)

Airport : Colombo (231 km)

Railway Station : 

Colombo : 231 km