Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary - Sri Lanka.

Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary Situated between Tangalle and Hambantota - Southern Province Sri Lanka. Twenty kilometers beyond Tangalla, the little-visited Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary comprises an area of coastal lagoons and mangroves which is rich in marine and other birdlife, similar to that found in Bundala and best seen from November to March.

Access to the sanctuary is from the village of Hungama. 1 km away from Ranna on the Ranna-Kalamatiya road is the Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1938. Originally with 2.500 hectares but was abolished in 1946 due to the opposition of local residents. A considerably reduced area was once again declared a sanctuary in 1984, the sanctuary is rich with lagoons and mangrove swamps which attract a number of winter migrant birds.

There are four nationally threatened birds found within the Sanctuary - Indian Reef Heron, Glossy Ibis, Sri Lankan Black-capped Purple Kingfisher and the endemic Jungle Fowl. There are also 38 species of reptiles, a large number of which are nationally and globally threatened. There are no facilities at the sanctuary and no guides; entrance is free.

As a wildlife enclave that is not just reserved for birdwatchers, the Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary also boasts 20 species of mammals in its impressive list of inhabitants. Highlights include Toque Monkeys, Shrews, Tree Mice and Colored Spiny Rats which are also endemic to the native country. Aquatic wildlife enthusiasts will also not be disappointed as the sanctuary’s water bodies house over 41 colorful species of fish.