Overview
About this safari
A coastal lagoon and mangrove sanctuary close to our base, and one of the best birdwatching sites in the south. Quiet, uncrowded, and best at first light.
- From our base
- About 20 minutes from Ambalantota
- Best time
- First light
- Good for
- Birdwatchers and photographers
A Lagoon Full of Birds
Kalametiya is a coastal lagoon and mangrove sanctuary on the south coast between Ambalantota and Tangalle. Its shallow water, reed beds and mangroves draw a remarkable number of birds for such a small area — herons, egrets, storks, kingfishers and waders, joined in the northern winter by migrants from far to the north.
It is quiet and uncrowded, and the best way to see it is early in the morning, when the birds are feeding and the light is soft.
How It Works
Kalametiya is a short drive from our base in Ambalantota, so a sunrise visit is easy to arrange from anywhere between Hambantota and Tangalle. It pairs well with Bundala for a full day of birding.
Good to Know
Early morning, all year round. Migratory birds are usually around from about October to March.
