8 km awayKorakulam Wetland
A large open wetland, a refuge and sanctuary for water birds during the migratory season — a sanctuary being rapidly destroyed by human encroachment.
Palmyrah House
Mannar Island
Places to stay in Mannar
Accommodation
Discover comfort at Palmyrah House, the premier place to stay in Mannar. Four upper and four lower level deluxe bedrooms showcase stylish interiors accented with nature-inspired artworks, creating a serene ambiance. Each room accommodates double or triple capacity and includes a minibar, safe and complimentary tea & coffee, with premium cosmetics, complimentary WiFi and either an outdoor terrace or balcony for relaxation amidst the scenic surroundings.
Keep scrollingSwipe sideways — the suites pass by
Deluxe Bedrooms with Balcony or Garden Access
Four upper and four lower level deluxe bedrooms with stylish interiors accented by nature-inspired artworks. Each room features cable television, double or triple capacity, a minibar, safe and complimentary tea & coffee — plus premium cosmetics, complimentary WiFi and either an outdoor terrace or balcony for relaxation amidst scenic surroundings.
650 sq ft · Garden viewKing or twin bed · Rain showerUpper balcony or lower terrace · Triple capacity
Elevated Suites with Private Balconies
Expansive and breezy, the two luxuriously appointed suites offer triple bed space, large screen TVs and en-suite bathrooms with standalone bathtubs. Each features a king bed, window seating area, large private balcony with a swing seat, double vanity bathroom and garden views — reached via the tree-lined garden path a short stroll from the pool and restaurant.
950 sq ft · Garden viewKing bed · Standalone bathtubPrivate balcony with swing seat · Double vanity
Superior Suites with Garden Access
Ground floor superior rooms offering style and space with a private garden verandah to nature. Designed for double occupancy with wheelchair accessibility, each of the four rooms boasts an en-suite bathroom with rain shower, air conditioning and a private veranda overlooking the lush garden — tranquility and convenience for travellers seeking both accessibility and luxury.
320 sq ft · Verandah with gardenTwin bed · Rain showerGround floor · Wheelchair access01/03
Swimming Pool
Cool down in our nature-surrounded infinity swimming pool with an adjoining pool house — a refreshing dip after a morning of birding.
Reading Room
Take a moment to yourself in the library — relax in the reading room and discover its fascinating collection of bird literature.
Naturalist
During the birding season our resident naturalist is on hand for your convenience — equipped with expert advice to assist with any excursions.
The Starwalk
A 500 metre boardwalk stroll through the wetlands — discover stars by night and birds by day.
Gym
Stay active on holiday at the fully equipped gym, or relax with some yoga.
A family friendly hotel with a pool
Experience Palmyrah House
Walk the spacesThe undiscovered North
Discover Mannar Island and Beyond
There is an abundance of things to do and attractions in Mannar. Whether nature inspired, a bird watcher, active relaxer or culture seeker, the relatively undiscovered North of Sri Lanka has much to be explored and memories to be made — and Palmyrah House is the ideal base for bird watching in Mannar.
8 km away
14 – 16 km awayMannar Salt Pans & Keeri Beach
The salt pans are home to hundreds of Greater Flamingos that arrive in Mannar by early November and depart by late March. The Beach Road makes for excellent birding and a pleasant drive, and the coastline offers excellent sea-bathing between November and April.
7 km awayErukkalampiddy Lagoon Environs
On the north-eastern arm of the island, home to thousands of waders and shorebirds during the migratory season — and the largest repository of mangroves in Mannar.
2 km awayRanapadu Fishing Village & Lagoon
Trek the gravel track through Acacia shrub forests to the sleepy fishing hamlet of Ranapadu, then walk the Pudukudyirrippu Lagoon for some fantastic birding during the migratory season.
13 – 20 km awayMannar Causeway
The only road and bridgeway linking Mannar Island to the mainland of Sri Lanka — home to thousands of migratory birds during the months of October through April.
20 km awayThiruketheeswaram (Paalavi) Tank
The ancient Paalavi Tank near Thiruketheeswaram Kovil, with rare ducks and water birds swimming in the calm, sacred waters.
16.5 km awayThallady Junction Ponds
These two ponds are home to many duck species and other water birds during the migratory season.
17 – 21 km awayVankalai Ramsar Wetland
Another fantastic site for thousands of waders and flamingos during the season.
21 km awayUrumalai
A unique area of the island of Mannar — the terrestrial gateway to Adam’s Bridge, the chain of islands spanning the tip of Mannar to Pamban Island in India.
12 km awayMannar Fort
A historic 16th-century fortress held in succession by the Portuguese, Dutch and British.
38 km awayArippu Fort
The crumbling 300-year-old ruin of an old fort of the Portuguese, Dutch and British, respectively.
40 km awayThe Doric Bungalow at Arippu
The century-old crumbling ruin of the bungalow of Sir Frederic North, then Governor of Ceylon, used in supervising the pearl fishery.
13 km awayDwarf Baobab Tree
A massive Baobab tree (Adansonia digitata) with a circumference of 20.8 metres — the largest in Sri Lanka, with many more large Baobabs dotted around the island.
17 – 20 km awayThalaimannar
Visit the historic pier, now a derelict reminder of better times, the new lighthouse and the old rusting oil-fired lighthouse, as well as “Adam and Eve’s Graves”.
52 km awayKunchikulam Bay Arch & Suspension Bridges
A gravel road near the Madhu Shrine turn-off leads to the diversionary canal of the Malwathu Oya feeding the Giant’s Tank, built by the British colonials, and the suspension bridge spanning the river that villagers used before a modern bridge was established.
32.5 km awayYodha Wewa / Giant’s Tank
An ancient 1,500-year-old irrigation tank of scenic beauty, constructed by the ancient kings of Ceylon.
18 km awayThalaimannar Pier
Abandoned in 1984, now a crumbling derelict of the times when a ferry service ran between India and Sri Lanka.
20 km awayAdam’s Bridge
The chain of 16 sand-banks connecting Sri Lanka (Thalaimannar) to India (Rameswaram).
3 km awayDonkey Clinic and Farm at Olaithoduvai
Experience the rare opportunity to physically interact and touch-feel-pet a donkey at this wonderful centre caring for donkeys in need.
20 km awayThiruketheeswaram Kovil
A 2,000-year-old Hindu temple, one of the five Shivan (Pancha Eeshwaram) kovils in Sri Lanka dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Our Queen of Martyrs Church, Thottaveli
A Catholic shrine dedicated to the 700 Catholic souls slaughtered by the King of Jaffna in the 1540s.
20 km awayLady of Lourdes Church
The original home of the statue of the Virgin Mary, now in the Madu Shrine.
26 km awayAdampan Organic Farm
A fully self-contained organic farm run by an enterprising local — a source of produce for the hotel.
4 km awayPesalai Fishing Village
Home to hundreds of fishing trawlers, this area of Mannar is always a hive of activity for the fisherfolk — and a favourite hang-out for thousands of gulls and terns during the migratory season.
59 km awayOur Lady of Madu Shrine
One of the two holiest Catholic shrines in Sri Lanka, with a nearly 400-year history.
Open-air dining in Mannar
The Rich Flavors of the North
Indulge in the rich flavors of Northern cuisine at Palmyrah House’s open-air 40-seater restaurant. Perfect for group-friendly dining and blending traditional and contemporary dishes, every meal comes with stunning views and a warm ambiance — a memorable part of your stay.
Northern Cuisine
Renowned for its distinct flavors and vibrant spices — fresh seafood, coconut and tamarind create a unique taste profile reflecting the region’s rich cultural heritage.
- Jaffna crab curry
- String hoppers
- Spicy sambols
Signature Manthai Rice
Our signature Northern speciality, served uniquely wrapped in a Palmyrah leaf — fragrant rice with exotic spices and local ingredients.
- A must-try for guests
- Wrapped in a Palmyrah leaf
- A showcase of the region’s culinary heritage
Western Menu Options
Family-friendly Western cuisine options for lighter appetites, catering to diverse palates.
- Fresh salads and sandwiches
- Pasta with the finest ingredients
- Lighter, wholesome meals for every family member
Family and Group Friendly Dining
The 40-seater open-air restaurant provides an inviting atmosphere for families, groups and all travellers.
- À la carte meals
- A variety of dishes to suit every palate
- A serene setting to start and end your day
Crab Curry
Our chef presents a must-try Jaffna Crab Curry, featuring the world-renowned Jaffna crab — a flavorful masterpiece for every seafood lover.
- Rich, aromatic spices
- Succulent sweetness of fresh crab
- The essence of Northern Sri Lankan cuisine
Packed Meals for Excursions
For early starts on bird watching tours, Palmyrah House offers prepared packed lunches — hassle-free dining designed for nature enthusiasts.
- Fresh sandwiches, fruit and snacks
- Beverages to keep you energized
- Perfect for excursions in Mannar
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Mannar Island · The Northern Province
Discover Mannar
Discover the untouched beauty of Mannar and the Northern Province of Sri Lanka. Renowned for its pristine landscapes and abundant wildlife, this region is a paradise for bird watchers, especially flamingo enthusiasts — a serene destination that promises unforgettable natural beauty and vibrant birdlife.
Mannar’s migratory flamingos are a spectacular sight, arriving from October to April — thousands gather in the shallow lagoons, creating a stunning pink spectacle, drawn from India and beyond by abundant food and favourable habitat.
Calling all birders — Mannar hosts over one million birds per year, a blend of 175 migrants and 162 breeding residents, making it home to over 337 species waiting to be photographed.
Mannar’s culture reflects a blend of Tamil, Sinhalese and colonial influences — its rich history includes the ancient Thiruketheeswaram Temple and Mannar Fort, with traditional fishing, vibrant local festivals and historical architecture.
Explore Mannar’s vibrant Northern fishing villages — bustling markets, traditional boats, fresh seafood and warm, welcoming locals — or stroll our 500 m Starwalk through the wetlands by day or night.
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Mannar town & the 16th-century Mannar Fort12 km
Mannar town & the 16th-century Mannar Fort12 km02
Keeri Beach & the flamingo salt pans14 – 16 km
Keeri Beach & the flamingo salt pans14 – 16 km03
Thalaimannar Pier & Adam’s Bridge18 – 20 km
Thalaimannar Pier & Adam’s Bridge18 – 20 km04
Ranapadu Fishing Village & Lagoon2 km
Ranapadu Fishing Village & Lagoon2 kmPalmyrah House · Mannar Island
Gallery
The rooms, the gardens, the pool and the birdlife of Mannar Island — Palmyrah House as its guests find it.
The last plate falls dark07 · Contact UsOpen the gallery
Get in touch
Contact Palmyrah House
We would be delighted to host you at our Serendipity Retreats hotels and villas in Sri Lanka. Whether you have questions about booking a stay at any of our six properties, or want to inquire about booking a special event, our dedicated team is here to help.
Telephone+94 777 776 065Emailoperations@serendipityretreats.com
Reservations officeSerendipity Retreats, No. 12D, Haig Road, Colombo 04