Baobab Trees. Before you come.
A quick stop for a photo with a giant African tree that's more impressive in story than in scale.
The Baobab Trees are one of Sri Lanka's botanical curiosities — massive African baobabs with bulbous trunks, planted by Arab traders centuries ago. Travelers make the detour for the novelty of seeing these trees in a Sri Lankan setting and for the photos. The largest one near Mannar is estimated to be over 700 years old.
Visitors often expect a lush, towering forest of baobabs like in Madagascar, but the reality is a single large tree (and a few smaller ones) standing in a dusty, barren field near the coast. The tree isbig but not mind-blowing and that the surrounding area is litter-strewn. The biggest tree near Pallimunai is easy to find, but there's no signage or interpretation—just you and the tree.
The main draw is the historical lore (Arab traders, centuries old), but the experience is over in 10 minutes. Some visitors often complain that the trees trunk is scarred with graffiti. Its a worthwhile detour if you're already in Mannar for other attractions like the causeway or birdlife, but not a destination in itself.
- Free entry (no ticket needed)
- Late afternoon (4–5 PM) for best light and temperature
- From Mannar town, take the A14 road toward Pallimunai; the tree is about 3 km past the town on the left—ask locals forBaobab gaha
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