Pigeon Island National Park, National park on an island near Nilaveli, Sri Lanka
Pigeon Island National Park spreads across two islands with sandy beaches, rocky formations, and extensive coral reef systems. The marine area supports a wide range of sea creatures and coral structures.
The island once served as a shooting range during colonial times before becoming a wildlife sanctuary in 1963. It received its national park status in 2003.
The island took its name from rock pigeons that nested here for generations, creating natural colonies among the rocky areas. You can watch these birds as they move through their island home today.
The easiest way to visit is from nearby Nilaveli, where boats travel to the island. Bring sun protection and water since the island offers little shade.
The waters around the islands are home to blacktip reef sharks that swim alongside sea turtles in the same areas. This is one of the few places where you can encounter these sharks in shallow water.
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