Attidiya Bird Sanctuary

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Attidiya and Bellanwila, south Colombo, Sri Lanka
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In short

The Bellanwila-Attidiya Sanctuary is a 372-hectare protected marsh on Colombo's southern edge, declared in 1990 and listed as an Important Bird Area. Herons, kingfishers, cormorants and migrant birds can be seen within half an hour of the city, and water monitors are common. Entry is free, and birdwatchers usually spend one to two hours.

The Bellanwila-Attidiya Sanctuary on Colombo's southern edge, Sri Lanka, is a protected marsh where herons, kingfishers, cormorants and migrant birds can be seen within half an hour of the city. Water monitors are common. It suits birdwatchers with a free morning in Colombo.

An Important Bird Area of 372 hectares

The sanctuary was declared on 25 July 1990 and covers about 372 hectares. BirdLife International lists it as an Important Bird Area, and it is recorded as a Key Biodiversity Area of inland wetland, roughly three-quarters of it inside the protected boundary, lying no more than 6 m above sea level.

Morning birding and the November to April migrants

Early morning gives the best birding, and migrants arrive from November to April. Bird counts here have fallen since the 1990s as housing has pushed into the marsh, so expect the common wetland species more than rarities.

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Key Biodiversity Areas

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  1. Key Biodiversity Areas: Bellanwila-Attidiya
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Key information
🗓️Declared: 25 July 1990
📏Area: About 372 hectares
🐦Status: Important Bird Area
🎟️Entry: Free or small fee
🕐Time Zone: Sri Lanka Standard Time (UTC+5:30)

Explore the area

View in a map
National Zoological Gardens, Dehiwala 2.2 km
Independence Memorial Hall 7.5 km
Sri Lanka Cricket Museum 7.5 km
National Museum of Colombo 8.3 km
Viharamahadevi Park 8.7 km
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✦ Plan your visit to Attidiya Bird Sanctuary Dates, opening hours and how to get there are below. Booking ahead secures your preferred day.
Highlights Include:
Experiences
  • Herons and kingfishers
  • Cormorants
  • Migrant birds
  • Water monitors
What They Offer
Visit duration 1 to 2 hours
Timed entry required No

Accessibility

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Age limits

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What to pack

Repellent and binoculars

What to wear

Long sleeves (heavy mosquitoes at dawn and dusk)

Not allowed

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Amenities

Basic facilities; paths can be muddy

Tips for visiting Attidiya Bird Sanctuary

  • Bring binoculars and arrive around sunrise.
  • Wear long sleeves and repellent.

Visitor policy

Cancellation and prepayment
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Children and admission
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Groups
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Pets
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Photography
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Bags
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Smoking
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Accepted payment
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Galle Face Hotel5-star hotel

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9.8 km from Attidiya Bird Sanctuary

from$82.00/ night
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At Attidiya and Bellanwila on Colombo's southern edge.