Bundala National Park

Located some 251 km southeast of Colombo, close to the city of Hambantota, Bundala National Park can be reached via the A2 main road. Covering a forestland of 3,698 hectares, Bundala National Park remains the fourth UNESCO-designated man and biosphere reserve in Sri Lanka from 2005. In 1991, it becomes the first Sri Lankan wetland to be declared as a Ramsar site.
Bundala National Park is best known for bird-watching owing to the magnificent birdlife that inhabits it and also migrates there. The ideal time to visit it is between September and March when the migratory birds arrive at the park. Nearly every species of waterbird found in Sri Lanka is believed to visit Bundala National Park. Some 200 species of birds have been recorded within the park, out of which 58 are migratory species.
Among these migratory species are Marsh and Curlew Sandpiper, Curlew and Greenshank Golden and Kentish Plover, Large and Lesser Sandplover; whereas Broad-billed Sandpiper and Red-necked Phalarope are rarer visitors, the Greater Flamingo is the most famous. During September to March, over 10000 shorebirds could be spotted feeding on any given day.
The lagoons at the park draw in a great variety of aquatic birds: among which are Ibis, Pelican, Painted Stork, Black-necked Stork, Tern, Gull, Sand-piper, Snipe, Teal, Egret, and Spoonbill. Endemic birds include the Brown-capped Babbler, Ceylon Woodshrike and Ceylon Junglefowl.
Bundala is also home to 32 species of mammals. Among them are Civet, Wild Boar, Grey & Ruddy Mongoose, Porcupine, giant Indian Palm Squirrel, Black-naped Hare, Spotted Deer, Wild Buffalo, the endemic Jackal and Fishing & Rusty Spotted Cats. Meanwhile, Grey Langur and Toque Macaque are the most commonly sighted mammals.
When it comes to plant-life, a total of 383 plant species have been recorded from the park including 6 endemics and 7 species that are believed to be nationally threatened.
At the end of the day, Bundala National park is a veritable hotbed of biodiversity, one that is too good for any wildlife enthusiast to ignore.

Highlights

Opening Hours: 6.00 am – 6.00 pm

Distance from the Property:  31.1 km

Entrance Fees for local tourists:
Child – Rs.30.00
Adult – Rs. 60.00

Entrance Fees for foreign tourists:
Child – 8 USD or its equivalent in LKR
Adult – 15 USD or its equivalent in LKR

Vehicle Charge + Service Fee – Rs. 250
Government Tax – 15%

Best for:
Spotting migratory and endemic birds