4 Famous Attractions In Mannar Island, Sri Lanka

Summary- Being one of the popular destinations, Sri Lanka is home to many panoramic places, including Mannar Island. A serene place, it is 50 square miles of an absolute nirvana. Read more to know about this paradise.

Mannar or Manar Island is part of the Mannar district in Sri Lanka. Spread across 50 square kilometers, it is linked to the main island of country by a causeway. With lots of white sand and palm trees, the island is a barren and dry peninsula and is connected to the mainland via dry zone. Although it is called an islet, Mannar Island is a peninsula in the shape of a tongue.

The westernmost tip of the island –Talaimannar, is almost connected to the easternmost tip of thepeninsula of Southern India, Dhanuskodi, by a reef of corals. The island has been referred historically by names such as Manthei”, Mahathiththa”, “Mathota”, “Mahaputu” and “Mawatuthota”. If you want to visit Sri Lanka and have applied for Sri Lanka ETA visa then incorporate Mannar Island into your travel itinerary. Here is a list of popular things to do at the island:

1.       Our Lady of Madhu Church- This mainland church is the holiest Christian monument. Its walls enclose Our Lady of Madhu, a diminutive but most hallow Madoona-and-child statue. The statue was brought here in 1670 by fleeing Catholics. The statue became famous after the word spread about its miraculous powers. Many people claimed that the statue protects from the snake bites. Later, the church also became a refuge for people who were fleeing the civil war.

2.       Dutch Fort- The fort is an impressive but shambolic Portuguese-Dutch construction which is situated right by the causeway to the island and is surrounded by a canal. Built in 1560 by the Portuguese, the ramparts of the fort consist of roofless remains of a chapel, dungeon and a Dutch bell tower along with atmospheric walls. Enjoy the panoramic view of the town and the Gulf of Mannar by climbing over the remains of the fort.

3.       Thirukketeeswaram Kovil- Established to protect the island from natural disasters, the famous five historical Sri Lankan Shiva temples is an imposing site. The temple is located on the mainland, 10km east of Mannar Town. The giant Shivalingam that was carved out of the granite stone was found by the archaeologists in the fifties and was believed to be destroyed by the Portuguese during their invasion of Mannar in the 16^th century. You will be delighted to visit the temple, therefore apply for SriLanka ETA visa in time.

4.       Baobab Tree Pallimunai- Quite an offbeat attraction, but the ancient baobab tree is quite a sight to behold. With a circumference of 20m, the tree is believed to be 700 years old. Allegedly planted by the Arab traders, the tree is called as the ali gaha (elephant tree) due to tis tough bark that resembles he skin of giant elephants.

Sri Lanka is a trove of off beaten places and things. Explore the islandic country by applying for Sri Lanka ETA visa in time. If you want any visa-related information, you can log on to our website     sri-lankaeta.com.