Flamingo season returns to Palmyrah House

Located in the centre of the isle of Mannar, Palmyrah House offers the perfect base from which to explore one of Sri Lanka’s most unique travel destinations. Nature, history, and culture exist hand in hand in Mannar, offering visitors an array of experiences and adventures to choose from.  

One of the areas prime attractions is that it is a favourite stop over for thousands of rare, migrant birds, seeking to escape the cold of winter, and at this time of year in particular, Mannar celebrates flamingo season! 

“It is widely accepted that Mannar is the best place in Sri Lanka for bird lovers,” said Serendipity Retreats CEO Ajith Ratnayaka.

“Till the end of March we will be enjoying the amazing vibrancy of flamingo season. Those who opt to stay with us will have a chance to not only witness thousands of flamingos, but will also be able to see a variety of other migrant birds.”

Apart from the graceful and stately flamingos that spend more than five months in the wetlands of Mannar, ducks by the thousands can be seen in the Korakulam wetlands and sand plovers by the tens of thousands at Vankalai. Mannar has a network of easily accessible roads, flat open terrain and brackish water lagoons that offer the perfect conditions for these birds to spend their winter months in. 

Ajith continued: “As is our practice, this season too, all the way through March, we will be hosting expert ornithologists who will in turn share their knowledge, expertise and insights with our residents. It really is the perfect place for viewing, studying and photographing birds, in absolute peace and tranquillity. We take pride in the fact that Palmyrah House isn’t merely a hotel, it is above all – a sanctuary.”

Originally built as a birding retreat, Palmyrah House has since expanded into an exclusive boutique hotel located on a 30-acre property that boasts 14 spacious rooms, swimming pool, gym, library, and all the amenities guests can expect from a luxury property.

Rent a bicycle and explore the property with its’ abundance of fauna filled with an unique variety of bird species, then return to enjoy a secluded bath from the well, followed by a glass of palmyrah toddy, and some of the property’s delectable crab curry. 

Palmyrah House is part of Serendipity Retreats, which also manages other unique and luxurious properties in Balapitiya, Galle, Agarapathana and Bolgoda. For more information log on to www.serendipityretreats.com.