GREAT FOR: Exploring wide open spaces surrounded by nature.
The Lure
Mannar is the most recently discovered kite destination in Sri Lanka and part of Adam’s Bridge, otherwise known as Rama’s Bridge. It’s a 50 kilometre chain of sandbars, islands and man-made bridges that almost links Sri Lanka to the Indian mainland and, it is thought, that it was passable on foot up until the 15th century when much of it was destroyed in a cyclone.
Mannar sandbars / Endless flat water / PHOTO: Kitesurfing Mannar
Vayu Mannar with Kitesurfing Lanka:
The Setup
Mannar is a 50 kilometre chain of sandbars, islands and manmade bridges with over 36 kilometres of flat water to tear around in and the same reliable conditions you'll get in Kalpitiya, which is a three hour drive south. Being so exposed in the Indian Ocean, there's also some scope for wave riding on the windward side of the island and Kitesurfing Lanka organise coastal surfaris as well as a big 200 kilometre downwinder from Mannar all the way back to Kalpitiya!
Photo: Vayu Mannar
Photo: Konrad Borkowski
Photo: Vayu Mannar
Photo: Vayu Mannar
Acres of flat water for you and your friends
Wind, weather & water
Mannar gets two windy periods in a year (like Kalpitiya) with the summer season running from May until October and the winter one from December to early April. The summer is the windiest time to visit with steady conditions on 75% of days, suitable for twin-tips and eight to 12 metre kites. June and July are the best months with usable wind 95% of the time.
August and September are slightly less windy (but still 85%) and October also gets wind on 75% of days. There's a bit of a dip in November and then the winter trades kick in and blow through until early April. During those months the winds are cruisey, so you'll rarely be out on anything smaller than a ten metre so it's perfect for learning or working on your freestyle game!
The water hovers around 28°C / 82°F all year and the sun is very powerful. Air temps average 30°C / 86°F so it’s warm but also humid during the day. At night you may need just a light hoodie if you really feel the cold.
PHOTO: Kitesurfing Mannar
Shops & schools
KITESURFING LANKA operate the only school in Mannar within ‘Vayu Resort’ and are open all year. Their all-inclusive packages offer you a hassle-free holiday, including airport transfers, holiday planning in Sri Lanka, equipment rental, lessons and kite repairs as well as activities for non-wind days, yoga and massage. They also offer advanced kite clinics, gear storage, specialist kite trips and free use of their SUPs, bicycles and kayaks. Teaching ratios never exceed 2:1 and safety boat cover is provided.
Languages spoken by instructors: English, French and German.
www.kitesurfingmannar.co
www.kitesurfingmannar.com
vayu@kitesurfingmannar.com
www.kitesurfinglanka.com
info@kitesurfinglanka.com
ADAMS BRIDGE KITESURF first brought kiting here in 2014 and they're open all year with group courses and private lessons available. Zian gear is available for hire and they teach right out front of their lodge. There's a safety boat on hand at the spot and they run kite surfaris along the peninsula too! Languages: English, Dutch, German, Tamil, Sinhalese.
www.abkitesurf.com / info@abkitesurf.com / +94 (0) 766 680 998
Accommodation
Vayu Resort
Vayu accommodation
KITESURFING LANKA's Vayu Resort consists of 12 bungalows (each with their own veranda and ensuite bathrooms) that can accommodate up to four people. There are also six tents as well as a restaurant and bar where KSL serve local and western dishes.
www.kitesurfingmannar.com
vayu@kitesurfingmannar.com
www.kitesurfinglanka.com
info@kitesurfinglanka.com
Bungalow accommodation setup at Kitesurfing Mannar / PHOTOS: Kitesurfing Mannar
ADAMS BRIDGE KITESURF offer full-board accommodation in their eco cabanas and this summer they'll be opening newly constructed, air-conditioned suites. There's a large wooden cabin which can accommodate two groups of four or one large group of eight and they also have smaller cabins for up to two people. Get back to nature!
www.abkitesurf.com
info@abkitesurf.com
No wind
On windless days you can go SUPing or kayaking, take yoga lessons or go for a massage and there's incredible wildlife nearby, especially in the National Park of Wilipathu.
Photo: Vayu Mannar
Mannar itself is the biggest town on the peninsula. Culturally there's a lot of interest as it's dotted with temples and remnants of the various colonial powers who once controlled this part of Sri Lanka. There are also shops, restaurants, pharmacies and local bus links. This isn't a wild party place, but you'll be surrounded by like-minded people in a laid-back setting!
Vayu Resort (operated by Kitesurfing Lanka) and Adams Bridge Kitesurf's ecolodge are right next to the beach in the village of Talaimannar and they offer all-inclusive, full board accommodation.
A local flower arranger / PHOTO: Bettina Menzel / Bird watchers paradise / PHOTO: Ajith Ratnayaka
The peninsula is also a habitat for migratory birds and the lost city of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO heritage site, is a little over a two hour drive away.
Anuradhapura - Sri Lanka / PHOTOS: Bettina Menzel
Get there and getting around
It takes five hours to reach Mannar from the airport in Colombo (AB Kitesurf and Kitesurfing Lanka can arrange your transfer) and once you're there you can walk or use Vayu Resort's bicycles to get around.
Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo – CMB) is almost a five hour taxi ride away, or there are two daily 30 minute connecting flights to Sigiriya. From there it’s just a three hour drive to Mannar.
Currency
Sri Lankan Rupee - LXR
Food & drink
Kitesurfing Lanka’s new resort, Vayu Resort, offers an all-inclusive service with local and western dishes served throughout the day. Adams Bridge Kitesurf also offer full and half-board options.
Sri Lankan rice curry / PHOTO: Kitesurfing Mannar
