To Land on the Dancing Islets

Peace in the country means that we can explore it at will and that was what took us to Mannar. Out of bounds until recently, exploring Mannar was an unforgettable experience as the area is steeped in both history and culture.

After a lovely lunch at Four Tees, the first day had us exploring Mannar. The Fort and some birding at the Vankalai Sanctuary was all what we could manage.

Mannar Fort – Fort was in very poor state compared to the other Forts of the same period

Memories are sacred…… – Click Image to Enlarge

A bit of history – the tomb stone of Mr Pierre de Salve, the Chief of Mannar

Click Image to Enlarge

Mannar lagoon from the Ramparts of the Fort

And the wild ponies of Mannar, no longer wild! – “Now do YOU also have to creep in?”

Vankalai was great for birding and we spent a quiet evening watching the feathered visitors……

Crab plovers, all in a row

Northern shovellers

Adam’s Bridge or Rama Setu of the Ramayana fame was our planned destination for the next day. There are 16 islets, 8 of which belong to Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Navy operates a boat service that allows one to land on one of these – namely Island No 2. These islands are home to a whole heap of migrant shore birds and some would even build nests in these islands.

The next day saw us at the SLNS Gajaba by 6.30 am!! It was the perfect day for a trip to the Dancing Islets

The pier at SLNS Gajaba

Sunrise – as seen from the water jet

To the deep blue seas…..

මුහුද දෙබෑ කරන……….

The ride was great and it took us almost 1 hour to reach the Adam’s Bridge.

Adam’s Bridge – crossed by Adam, Rama and Hanuman…… among others!

Getting closer………..

And closer……….

……. And finally on Island No 2 of the Adam’s Bridge!

It was an amazing place – water all around with strips of sand in between. The salt water ponds in the islets are so shallow that one can walk across….. and walk on …….. and on…….

The place was almost surreal…………..

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Despite the absence of trees, the landscape was truly amazing!

What the sea has washed ashore . Plastic, plastic and more plastic

The islets are the perfect place for two painters to create their masterpieces – the waves and the winds! The many patterns on the land were breathtaking.

Work of the masters – waves and the winds

Work of the masters – waves and the winds

What the usual inhabitants leave behind……

The place was home for many shore birds and one needs to take extra care when walking as the slightest movement could disturb them.

We first met these plovers…….

And then these gulls, watching the waves….

And then………

Caspian terns and brown headed gulls

Greater crested terns – jam packed!

No landing space

අපි යන්න යමු………………..

There were many other birds on the islet…..

Ruddy turnstones

Brown headed gull

Sanderlings ???? Not sure of the ID

Eurasian curlew

Waking around the islet is an amazing experience as the terrain and the landscape changes subtly.

The landscape in another part of the islet

Apparently made by a turtle

Although there were only a few plants, what was there was beautiful……. and the colours, amazing.

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It was almost like being on another planet!!!

Me, on the Dancing Islet No 2

And one last look………

Dancing islet No 2 – A heaven with only sand, water, and wind …..

On the way back, we also visited the Talaimannar pier. The usual tours by the Navy to the Dancing Islets start from there.

A halted journey…..

The evening saw us birding again at Vankalai…..

Garganeys having a great time!

We made sure that we were at the Mannar causeway in time for one of the most spectacular shows on earth….

Thallady bridge – a stark reminder of what it was………