Solo Explorer: Mannar, Sri Lanka (Ceylon)

Mannar

Mannar, Sri Lanka (Ceylon)

Mannar (In Sinhalese මන්නාරම / Mannarama) is the main town of Mannar District, Northern Province of Sri Lanka. It is 330Km (205Mi) away from the Colombo city situated 2.7M (8.8Ft) above from the sea level. The town is located on Mannar Island. Mannar Island is nature’s bounty in Sri Lanka. A causeway connects this island with the Sri Lankan mainland. Covered through sands and flora, it has the total area of approximately 50 square kilometers. It overlooks the Gulf of Mannar and is a quite isolated tourist destination in Sri Lanka. It is surrounded by so many beautiful beaches and historical places around Mannar suburbs. The Mannar was formerly renowned as a center of pearl fishing, mentioned in the 2nd-century CE Periplus of the Erythraean Sea. This place appeals to all due to the abundance of baobab trees beside several ancient forts that had been built by the Portuguese in 1560 and were rebuilt by the Dutch in 1658 and finally overlooked by Britishers. Now a days Mannar is a very famous place for dried fish of Sri Lankan people.

The region is itself named after the river "Mannar", derived from the Tamil words "Maṉṉ" meaning "mud" or "clay" and "ār" meaning river.

Present-day Mannar is an advanced city and yet remains connected to its glorious past due to the presence of many monument ruins, ancient Buddhist temples like Mathota Temple, ancient Hindu temples, churches, and of course, many mosques that have been built over the centuries.

Brief Information about Some Historical & Beautiful places your eyes can have a look onto:

Ø Mathota Ancient Buddhist Temple

The Mathota Ancient temple was located just 10Km (6.2Mi) away from the Mannar city center. The temple has been named after the ancient port of Mahathiththa which was also known as a Mahathota port in Mannar. The only records of written information on the Mathota temple are contained in the historical text of "Vihara Asna", A manuscript which contains records of all historical temples of Sri Lanka and the "Purana Sinahala Bodhi Wansaya".

Mathota is believed to be the place where Arahat Mahinda Thero entered to Sri Lanka for his mission to introduce Buddhism in Sri Lanka. This place hosts the Arahath Sangamiththa Theri to rest for a night during the journey to Anuradhapura from Dambokolapatuna, Jaffna to deliver the sapling of the Sacred Bodhi Tree which is revered as "Sri Maha Bodhi" currently at Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.

A stone inscription belonging to the 10^thCentury AD, Discovered from the temple ground reveals about a meritorious act performed by an unnamed king in Mannar and also contains details of 500 Buddha Statues that were present at the time. Notifying further in information about the establishment of a victory Pillar. Epigraphic history said that pillar was brought to benefit people of the south & was assembled at a place named Kasatota. Furthermore, Remnants of a bygone era can still be seen at the temple premises to narrate the stories from history and what may have been.

Ø Shrine of our Lady Of Madhu

The Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu is a famous landmark in Mannar, Sri Lanka & the site is considered as the holiest Catholic shrine in Sri Lanka. This Roman Catholic Marian shrine was built four centuries ago. Pope Pius XI granted the image of Our Lady of Madhu a Canonical coronation on 2^nd July 1924. A large number of Sri Lankan Catholics and those from the remaining parts of the world kept flocking in this shrine to worship for salvation.

As the pilgrimage center is considered the holiest of all Catholic shrines in Sri Lanka, it witnesses ample rush throughout the year. Visitors include Tamil and Sinhalese Catholics, besides a large chunk of Buddhists, Hindus and Protestants who arrive here to spend quality time.

Ø Thiruketheesvaram Hindu Temple

The Thiruketheesvaram Hindu shrine: Also famous as Ketheesvaram Temple or Tirukktsvaram in Sri Lanka considered one of the ancient Hindu temples in Mannar area, it is always visited by the Hindu devotees.

Now in its ruins, although being restored and renovated many a times over the centuries, this temple is visited by the worshippers of Shiva deity. Due to the ancient value of this temple, it is equally visited by explorers, including Hindu devotees and common travelers.

Unwritten History said Sri Kankan Mythical King Ravana's wife also worshiped this Temple during the King Ravana's period.

Ø The Doric Bungalow At Arippu

The Doric Bungalow is situated 28km (17.4Mi) south to the Mannar city. Denoted with names like Doric Bungalow or simply The Doric at the eastern Arippu in Mannar, Sri Lanka, this monument was used to serve as an official residence of the 1st Ceylon Governor, Frederick North during the colonial-era. It also became one of the popular places to visit in Mannar, Sri Lanka post country’s independence from the colonial rule.

Large number of visitors come here to know about the facts related to colonial rule when Sri Lanka was invaded by the British Empire. Architectural designs and beauty of this monument in the ancient Greek Doric Order style appeal all visitors. It took 3 years (from 1801-1804) for the building to get completed.

Ø Baobab Tree

The giant baobab Tree was located in Pallamunai, Mannar it's just 1.7km (1Mi) away from the Mannar Bus stand. It is believed that the tree was planted by Arabic trader in 1477 who visited Sri Lanka. The tree is about 7.5M (24.6Ft) in height & has a girth of about 19.51M (64Ft). Sri Lankan are called Ali Gaha (Elephant Tree) in Tamil Perukka. By the way, the Baobab is not a native tree for Sri Lanka but a native tree of Madagaskar, mainland of African & Australia. Somehow currently (in September,2020) in Sri Lanka 34 Baobab trees are survived, And almost 20 Baobab trees were founded nearby Mannar.

Ø Mannar Fort

This square-shaped fort with four bastions is located next to the Mannar new bridge. The Mannar fort was erected by the Portuguese in 1560 during their ruling period in Sri Lanka. Then Dutch rulers captured Mannar Fort and rebuilt it in 1658which got a completion in 1696. This Is one of the Colonial Historical landmarks of Sri Lanka.

While Dutch surrendered before the British in 1795, this fort came under the latters rule. During the Colonial time, this fort complex has court and the markets also. This uniquely designed, square-shaped fort appeals to all tourists to explore the four bastions and its architectural beautiful location in Mannar.

Ø Yoda Wewa

A Yoda Wewa (Giant’s Tank) in Mannar, Sri Lanka is located at a distance of merely 16 Km (10Mi) from Mannar, which is famous Ancient Sri Lankan irrigation tank. It has also become a popular tourist spot today.

It exists for many centuries, thus remaining a popular landmark in the region. As Yoda Wewa (Giant's Tank) is easily accessible by roadways and railways, people can travel from all nooks and corners of Sri Lanka.

Ø Adam's Bridge (Rama's Bridge)

An important landmark with its mythological importance, Adam’s Bridge is popular by the names, Rama’s Bridge or Rama Setu. A symbolically significant bridge between Sri Lanka’s Mannar Island and neighboring India’s Pamban Island or the famous Rameswaram Island is located far off from the southern state of Tamil Nadu mainland. It is a limestone shoals chain.

Geologists proclaimed that several centuries ago, it used to be a connecting point between the two countries as a land bridge. As ancient Indian Sanskrit epic Ramayana written by Valmiki has a mentioned of this very bridge, Hindu theology keeps it in great esteem. It remains a major attraction in Sri Lanka till date.

The bridge starts a chain of shoals from the Mannar Island, Sri Lanka to Dhanushkodi, Pamban Island, India.

According to the Indian Hindu Epic belief about Ravana who kidnapped Rama's wife 'Sita to Lankapura & to rescue Sita, Rama needed to cross to Lanka, Brahma created an army of Vanaras (Monkeys) to aid Rama. Led by Nila and under the engineering direction of Nala, the Vanaras (Monkeys) constructed a bridge Lakna in five days. The bridge is also called Nala-Setu, the bridge of Nala (Sacred Animals of India P.246).

How did the name change from Rama's Bridge (Rama-Sethu or Nala Bridge) to Adam's bridge:

The western world’s first encountered it in 'Ibn Khordadbeh's Book of "Road & Kingdoms" at the 9th Century in which he refers it as “Set Bandhai or Bridge of the Sea”. Some early Islamic sources refered to a mountain in Sri Lanka as Adam's Peak (as of their beliefs Adam's Peak was the place Adam supposedly fell to earth). The source describes Adam as crossing from Sri Lanka to India via the bridge after his expulsion from the Garden of Eden, leading to the name of Adam's Bridge. Alberuni in the 11th Century was probably the first to describe it in such a manner. A British cartographer in 1804 prepared the earliest map that calls this area by the name Adam's Bridge.

Please Note: (As of the Sri Lankan history Adam's Peak is Sri Padaya and Sri Lankan who do not officially believe that Adam's peak has some story related to Islamic believes or Adam. They Believe only Sri Padaya peak has the Shakyamuni Gautama Buddha's Foot Prints and four previous Buddhas foot prints. )

Mannar Bird Sanctuary

Travellers visiting Mannar in Sri Lanka can't ignore the much-renowned Mannar Bird Sanctuary. This bird sanctuary is a boon in disguise for nature & wildlife lovers to watch an amazing variety of migratory and local birds. It is a popular Bird Sanctuary cum Nature Reservoir in Mannar which offers ample of choices to spend the best time watching a variety of bird species, mammals and countless other animals. Popular animals like Deccan avifaunal species, Crab Plover, long-tailed Shrike & Black Drongo others are commonly found here.

Climate:

The Mannar has the tropical Savanna climate prevailing. Mannar has a warm temperature & limited rainfall. The highest average temperature hit in Mannar is 32°C (89.6°F) in the month of April & the lowest temperature hit is 28°C (82.4°F) in January. Mannar climate is suitable for a sun vacation. Mannar’s annual rainfall is around 800mm.

How To Reach To Mannar:

Ø By Train

Per Day Only two train runs on this train line. From Colombo to Mannar Train Schedule:

Train No	Train Name	Available Class	Departure Time	Arrival Time
5451	Talaimannar Express	1st, 2nd & 3rd	8.50am	5.00pm
5067	Night Mail	1st, 2nd & 3rd	7.15pm	3.30am

From Mannar to Colombo Train Schedule:

Train No	Train Name	Available Class	Departure Time	Arrival Time
5452	Talaimannar Express	1st, 2nd & 3rd	8.05am	4.05pm
5068	Night Mail	1st, 2nd & 3rd	10.00pm	6.00am

Ø By Road

To reach Mannar: Two road options are available from Colombo, Sri Lanka. The first option that you can use is: Colombo to Katunayake by Airport Highway (E3) then exit at Katunayake exit and turn left to take Colombo - Puttalam Main Road (A4 Road) towards Puttalam Town. After that: Turn right and take Puttalam - Anuradhapura Road ( A12 Road) till Anuradhapura then you have to take Anuradhapura - Rambewa (A20 Road) till Rambewa then turn left to take Kandy - Jaffna (A9 Road) till Medawachchiya then you have to turn left and you have to take Medawachchiya - Talaimannar road (A14 Road) to reach Mannar & Approximately it takes 7 hours to reach Mannar from Colombo. This is the road, Colombo - Mannar where Buses are travelling.

The second Road that you can use is Colombo to Katunayake by Airport Highway (E3) then exit at Katunayake exit and turn left to take Colombo - Puttalam Main Road (A4) towards Puttalam Town. Then take Puttalam - Mirichchikadai road (B379 Road) to reach Mirichchikadai and then take Mirichchikadai - Thallady road to reach Thallady. Now turn left & connect with Medawachchiya - Talaimannar road (A14 Road) to reach Mannar. This road is the shortest road to reach Mannar but this road does not allow to travel at night because this road is running on the Wilpaththu National Park. This road takes approximately 6 hours to reach Mannar from Colombo.

Things To Do In Mannar:

Ø Worship at Mathota Ancient Buddhist Temple - This Temple is an ancient Buddhist temple with many historical stories. This place is very clam & free to worship. This temple boo tree is very especial as it looks very similar to the shape of Shakyamuni Gautama Buddha's Reclining Buddha Statues.

Ø Worship at Thiruketheeswaram Hindu Temple – This Hindu Temple had a long history and people believe that this Hindu Temple had some mysterious powers to get good benefits for their prayers.

Ø Shrine Of Our Lady Of Madhu - This is an Holiest Catholic church in Mannar district & many tourists are visiting this church to get Benisons' from Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu. If you are visiting Mannar don't forget to visit Madhu Church.

Ø Bath at Keeri Beach - This is one of the safest place to take a sea water bath in Mannar & it is very close to the Mannar town just 4.7km (2.9mi) away from Mannar city.

Ø Walk the Edge of Sri Lanka - Next to the Talaimannar village you can see the Rama-Sethu Bridge (Adam's Bridge) where you can walk almost 600 m through the edge of the Talaimannar and at the end you can see the 1st Island of Rama-Sethu bridge (Adam's Bridge) which is the physical edge of Sri Lanka where anyone can travel.

Ø Bird watching at Mannar Bird Sanctuary - Mannar bird sanctuary is one of the famous bird watching sanctuary in Sri Lanka & the best places to see the migrate birds and spectacular catching birds. December & January are the best season to see the migratory birds.

Places To Visit In Mannar:

· Adams' Bridge (Rama-Sethu Bridge)

· Arippu Bungalow

· Baobab Tree

· Doric Bungalow

· Keeri Beach

· Madu Temple

· Mannar Bird Sanctuary

· Mannar Dutch Fort

· Mathota Ancient Buddhist Temple

· Pesalai Beach

· Shrine Of Our Lady Of Madhu Church

· TalaiMannar Beach

· TalaiMannar lighthouse

· Thiruketheesvaram Hindu Temple

· Yoda Wewa

Adams' Bridge (Rama-Sethu Bridge)
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Adams' Bridge (Rama-Sethu Bridge)
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Adams' Bridge (Rama-Sethu Bridge)
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Adams' Bridge (Rama-Sethu Bridge)
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Arippu Bungalow

Arippu Bungalow

Arippu Bungalow

Arippu Bungalow

Arippu Bungalow

Arippu Bungalow

Arippu Bungalow

Arippu Bungalow

Baobab Tree

Baobab Tree

Baobab Tree

Baobab Tree

Baobab Tree

Doric Bungalow

Doric Bungalow

Doric Bungalow

Doric Bungalow

Doric Bungalow

Doric Bungalow

Doric Bungalow

Doric Bungalow

Doric Bungalow

Doric Bungalow

Doric Bungalow

Doric Bungalow

Doric Bungalow

Doric Bungalow

Doric Bungalow

Keeri Beach

Keeri Beach

Keeri Beach

Keeri Beach

Madu Temple

Madu Temple

Madu Temple

Madu Temple

Madu Temple

Madu Temple

Malwathu oya

Malwathu oya

Malwathu oya

Malwathu oya

Mannar

Mannar Bird Sanctuary

Mannar Bird Sanctuary

Mannar Bird Sanctuary

Mannar Bird Sanctuary

Mannar Bird Sanctuary

Mannar Bird Sanctuary

Mannar Bird Sanctuary

Mannar Bridge

Mannar Bridge

Mannar Dutch Fort

Mannar Dutch Fort

Mannar Dutch Fort

Mannar Dutch Fort

Mannar Dutch Fort

Mannar Dutch Fort

Mannar Dutch Fort

Mannar Dutch Fort

Mannar Dutch Fort

Mannar Dutch Fort

Mannar Dutch Fort

Mannar Dutch Fort

Mannar Dutch Fort

Mannar Dutch Fort

Mannar Dutch Fort

Mannar Dutch Fort

Mannar Dutch Fort

Mannar Dutch Fort

Mannar Dutch Fort

Mannar Dutch Fort

Mannar Dutch Fort

Mannar Dutch Fort

Mannar Dutch Fort

Mannar Dutch Fort

Mannar Dutch Fort

Mannar Hindu Temple

Mannar Catholic Church

Mathota Ancient Buddhist Temple

Mathota Ancient Buddhist Temple

Mathota Ancient Buddhist Temple

Mathota Ancient Buddhist Temple

Mathota Ancient Buddhist Temple

Mathota Ancient Buddhist Temple

Mathota Ancient Buddhist Temple

Mathota Ancient Buddhist Temple

Mathota Ancient Buddhist Temple

Mathota Ancient Buddhist Temple

Pesalai Beach