
Day Tour to Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.2/5
Based on 6 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Day Tour to Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary worth booking?
Day Tour to Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary is a 6-hour experience in Negombo, Sri Lanka, from $70 per person. It scores 58 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.2/5 rating across 6 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 58 / 100
- Rating
- 4.2/5 (6)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $70 per person
Anawilundawa wetland sanctuary is located approximately 60 KM from Negombo, on the Colombo Puttalam highway. It is a haven for bird watchers both resident and migratory. Anawilundawa is also the nesting site for many e
What you get
About this experience
Anawilundawa wetland sanctuary is located approximately 60 KM from Negombo, on the Colombo Puttalam highway. It is a haven for bird watchers both resident and migratory. Anawilundawa is also the nesting site for many exotic birds; including some of the rarer species of cormorants, egrets, storks and ibis, along with the pheasant tailed-jacana and the purple swamp hen. If you are able to enter the sanctuary by 6.00 AM you will get to see over 150 species of birds leaving their nests for the day. A unique excursion created especially for bird lovers. Probably the best day excursion to experience nature.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Not included
- On-board WiFi
- On-board restrooms
What you'll see and do
Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary
The Anawilundawa Wetlands is a bird watcher's haven, with over 150 species of birds; both resident and migratory. Resident and endemic bird species can be seen throughout the year; whilst the period from October to April is the best time for getting a glimpse of the many rare migratory birds.
300 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Taprobane Tours and Travels
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 6 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
6 verified traveler reviews for Day Tour to Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A drive to the Wetlands
Our driver knew nothing about the sanctuary except how to get there. He didn't offer any information on the birds or any wildlife. He sat in the car and told us we could walk up a track ( which was washed away after a few yards.) Unwilling to turn the car around, he backed away, leaving us to walk to find him., and then pointed out another track, but said it was much the same. By this time it had got hot and we'd run out of patience with him. We declined the offer of a Temple visit ,as we only wanted the birding experience.
Response from the operator: Dear Alan Thank you very much for your frank review. Have a safe journey back! Kind regards Nishantha
via Viator
Wonderful birding experience at Anawilundawa
My birdwatching tour at the Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary was truly outstanding, thanks to our guide, Nishantha. He was incredibly friendly, perfectly on time, and maintained excellent communication throughout the trip. Nishantha provided great insights into the local ecosystem and the birds we encountered, making the a fun experience. We managed to spot an amazing 25 different species, with a staggering 16 of those being lifers for me! I highly recommend Nishantha for anyone looking for a knowledgeable and professional birding guide in Anawilundawa.
Response from the operator: Dear Ahil Thank you so much for the kind words of appreciation of my services and the recomendations . I am delighted to know that you enjoyed the excursion with me. Hope to see you again sometime soon with another tour with me. Take care! Kind regards Nishantha
via Tripadvisor
If you like birds, this is the perfect tour.
If you love birds then this is the perfect tour to choose. (We unfortunately don't) the guide has many beautiful places to find them has apps on his phone to recognize them and he is passionate about this. I think because we didn't share the bird passion that there wasn't a click between us for this either. But this is not why 5 stars were not given because he really did it worthy of 5 stars. The reason is that he skipped the temples with us while they are mentioned that they would be visited
Response from the operator: Dear Daniel Many thanks for the great review you have made. Thank you so much for taking the time to review. Hoping to see you all again Kind regards Nishantha
via Viator (translated)
Great spot for watching birds, but go early (6:00h)
Spent here 3 hours for birdwatching. Saw very beautifull Peacocks & a lot of different other birds. Nishanta got us to the right spots to see as many birds as possible and provided us with homemade sandwiches, homegrown bananas & water. He did not know all the birds by name, but knew where to find them! ;-)
Response from the operator: Dear Suzan Thank you so much for taking the time to review the excursion to Anawilundawa bird sanctuary and for the 5*rating . I appreciate it very much. Hope you will see more birds on your tour in Sri Lanka! Thank you once again! Kind regards Nishantha
via Tripadvisor
Birds and Gods
Beautiful sense of calm and tranquility Wonderful attentive guide. The two temples (included as part of tour) were an unexpected bonus.
Response from the operator: Dear Sir Thank you so much, for taking the time to review the tour of Anawilundawa. I truly appreciate your kind words. Thank you once again for making use of my services. Kind regards Nishantha
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 58
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Day Tour to Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Negombo.
How much does Day Tour to Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary cost?
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Prices start at $70 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Negombo usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Day Tour to Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary take?
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Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Negombo is not rushed.
Is Day Tour to Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 58 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.2/5 across 6 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Negombo, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Day Tour to Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Day Tour to Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Day Tour to Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Negombo can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Negombo and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Day Tour to Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Negombo within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Negombo?
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On Outty we rank every Negombo experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Private Car & Driver for 07 Days Tour In Sri Lanka, Most Popular Round Tour in Sri Lanka (10 Days), Highly recommended multi day tour in Sri Lanka. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Negombo?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Negombo?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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