Bundala National Park

Bundala National Park is situated off the Sri Lankan coast, around 12 km away from the port town of Hambantota. Harbouring 197 colourful species of birds each year, the park is an internationally eminent, UNESCO-listed wintering ground for migratory water birds in Sri Lanka. Bundala is undoubtedly the island nation’s best bird-watching region, home to the rare bird species of painted stork, purple heron and black-headed ibis. Over 50 migratory species, including the greater flamingo, arrive in large flocks during winter, making it a prime attraction for bird watchers, photographers and ornithologists.

In 1969, Bundala National Park was acclaimed as a wildlife sanctuary and biosphere reserve. Ever since, it has been one of Sri Lanka’s most exciting places for jeep safaris, hiking and adventure tourism. Spanning 6,216 hectares, the park’s landscape is a spectacular tapestry of five brackish lagoons with salt pans in three verdant scrubs, marshes and sand dunes. The three most picturesque lagoons with a greater concentration of birds are the Bundala, Ambilikala and Malala lagoons. Ornithologists and nature aficionados can enjoy sighting waterfowls, grey herons, Indian cormorants, and painted storks. In the abundance of Hydrilla in Koholankala lagoon, the thriving species are the Eurasian spoonbill, openbill, small waders and coot.

Bundala National Park’s beaches are breeding grounds for five endangered sea turtle species. Other animals like Sri Lankan elephants, langurs, grey-naped hares, civets, porcupines, monitor lizards, ruddy mongoose, golden jackals, macaque monkeys and crocodiles are also inhabitants of the park.