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Kokkilai Lagoon Sanctuary — Mullaitivu

Cover photo: Seb Mooze (Unsplash)

District

Mullaitivu

Province

Northern

Best for

Birdwatchers; quiet tidal lagoon between Mullaitivu and Trincomalee

Map

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About this place

Sanctuary lagoon south of Mullaitivu town with pelicans, waders and winter migrants. Best December-February early morning from the bund road; hire a tuk-tuk from town. Carry water and a long lens; there are no visitor facilities.

Visitor brief

Good to know before you go

• Quiet tidal lagoon sanctuary (protected since 1951) between Mullaitivu and Trincomalee - pelicans, flamingoes, waders, winter migrants.
• Best December-February early morning from the bund road.
• No visitor facilities; carry water and a long lens, hire a tuk-tuk from town.
• Elephants are recorded in the sanctuary area - keep distance, never approach.
• Working paddy/prawn landscape - stick to roads, respect private plots.

How to travel there

South of Mullaitivu town toward Trincomalee (~25 km); tuk-tuk from town to the bund road.

Where to stay

Basic guesthouses in Mullaitivu town; nearest fuller range is Vavuniya/Trincomalee.

Nearby places

Mullaitivu Beach, Nanthikadal Lagoon, Trincomalee (day-trip range south)

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