Abode Mannar Tour

Mannar has a rich ancient history dating back to the pre-Christian era and is an island enriched with sandy terrains, towering Palmyra (a kind of palm) trees and turquoise blue seas.

Considered to be one of the remotest parts of Sri Lanka, Abode Hibernation is located in the sleepy hamlet of Pesali.

Living in a simple village house that blends into a thriving fishing community, Abode Hibernation offers you the chance to explore some if the island’s pristine beaches and venture into territory that few tourists will have strayed.

From our rustic base we can explore a range of the fascinating and little-known attractions that are on the doorstep.

Abode Hibernation is the ideal escape en-route to the sites of the Cultural Triangle. Located to the north of the spectacular Wilpattu National Park, a stay here will introduce you to a part of the country which was off-limits until recently.

A stay at Abode Hibernation fits in well with a sat at The Mudhouse (www.themudhouse.lk) and pick-up or drop-offs can easily be arranged in co-ordination with a stay there.

Following are some of the sites and attractions that can be explored from Abode Hibernation:

• Adam’s bridge

In the west flank of the peninsular, close to Thalaimanar, lies a string of peculiar sand mounds that link in a chain to Danuskoti, India. According to legend, this where, in the famous epic Ramayana, the king Rama marched his army to free Sita from bandit Rawana. Piercing the vast Indian Ocean like pointed dagger, it is phenomenal natural creation. The strip is home numerous sea urchins, water birds and people alike. It’s a place to unwind and capture the splendour of mother-nature.

• The Giants Tank

Sri Lanka’s most ancient tank (lake), that is not mentioned in the chronicles. The shear length of the embankment is five miles alone. It was built before the 12th century and is a stunning point to witness the sun-set and bird life. The tank precincts have now a declared a sanctuary.

• Tirikosweram Temple

There has been an ancient landing point connected to the pearl fishery of Marrichkuddi near the great temple, according to historical details. The sprawling temple complex is highly venerated (Isuram’s of Siva) by the Hindus as well as other faiths. The gigantic veil cart’s (elaborately decorated wooden carriages that parade the streets during the festive times) are a great feature here.

• The Doric and the port of Arrippu

A curios building perched on the beach cliff is the residence of Governor Lord Gulidford built to inspect the flourishing pearl fishery of Marrichkudi. The “Doric” stands for its unique architecture. The shell littered beach bears testimony to the quest of pearls where man and beast succumb in numbers. The Dutch had a fort here and the conditions were so inhospitable that they finally had to abandon it. The fugitive Robert Knox set sail to India from here after 19 years of captivity in the Kingdom of Kandy. Today the pearls are exhausted and what remains is the cries and the echoes of gallant men who tried their fortune in a savagely beautiful land.