Kalam Island Wildlife Sanctuary is a haven for nature lovers and bird watchers. Spread across 950 hectares, this sanctuary is home to several endangered species of birds such as pelicans, flamingos, and spoonbills. You can also spot dolphins, sea cows, and sea turtles in the surrounding waters. Take a boat ride to explore the mangroves and tidal creeks that form an integral part of the sanctuary.
Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park is a biosphere reserve that covers 10,500 sq. km of ocean waters and islands. The park is home to 117 species of corals and over 1,000 species of fishes, making it a paradise for scuba divers and snorkelers. You can also take a glass-bottom boat ride to explore the nearby islands of Kurusadai and Pamban. Do not miss the Adam's Bridge, a chain of limestone shoals that connects Mannar Island in Sri Lanka to Rameshwaram in India.
If you have more time, you can visit the nearby towns of Rameswaram and Mandapam and explore their temples and beaches. If you have less time, you can skip the Kalam Island Wildlife Sanctuary and spend more time in the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park. Carry enough cash as ATMs and credit card facilities may not be available on the island.