Bundala National Park

Bundala National Park, with 6216 hectares of lagoons, scrub jungles, saltpans and marshes, is the most important wetland sanctuary in Southern Sri Lanka and is famous for its impressive biodiversity and prolific birdlife. It is here that the migratory birds are wintering – resting and feeding by the picturesque lagoons and intertidal mudflats. And the sea turtles are nesting on the remote beaches and golden sand dunes.

The park is also home to a small population of elephants. Roaming the open wetlands and secluded beaches, they are easy to spot. In Bundala, you’ll have a good chance of spotting leopards, spotted deers, sambars, crocodiles, wild boars, mongooses, monitor lizards and monkeys too.

The area was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1969 and, in 1991, Bundala became the first site in Sri Lanka to be designated a Ramsar wetland.

Climate and vegetation in Bundala National Park

Located in the lowlands of Hambantota district about 250 km southeast of Colombo, Bundala National Park falls within the arid zone where the climate is hot and dry. The average annual rainfall is relatively low, ranging from 9,000 to 1,300 mm, and the driest season is between May and September.

The park consists of five shallow, brackish lagoons; interconnecting channels, saltpans, marshes and beaches. The vegetation is mainly dry thorny shrubs, but the biodiversity is immense: A total of 383 plant species have been recorded in the park, including 6 endemic and 7 endangered species.

Wildlife in Bundala

The rich birdlife and serene surroundings make Bundala a real paradise for birders. These wetlands are home to nearly 200 bird species, including several species of migratory waterfowl.

The rare black-necked stork and great thick-knee are the greatest birding highlights, but you may spot also the blue-tailed bee-eater, spoonbill, red shank, greenshank, spot-billed pelican, blue-faced malkoha, brahminy kite, crested hawk eagle and brown shrike can be spotted, to name but a few. Many migrant and vagrant species winter in this region and, between October and March, it’s possible to see over 10,000 shorebirds at once feeding in the shallow waters.

In addition to abundant birdlife, the wetlands are inhabited by 32 mammal species (out of which 5 are classified as threatened). Also, both marsh and estuarine crocodiles are found in Bundala, and four out of Sri Lanka’s five species of sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs in its coastal areas.

Safari at Bundala

  1. Morning Safari (6.00 am-11.00 am)
  2. Afternoon Safari (2.30 pm – 6.00 pm)
  3. Full-day Safari (5.45 am -6.00 pm)

The safari would take place with an experienced safari driver in specially modified comfortable jeeps for a unique safari experience. The tour could be more customized for guests for their preferences (Family safari, honeymoon safari, photography safari etc.).

Tour in brief

You will Meet the safari Driver at the pickup location and drive to the National Park by the safari jeep. For the morning half-day tour, the starting time will be at 6 a.m. while the afternoon tour begins at 2.30 p.m.

After entering the national park, you will be able to spot several species of birds and other animals that have made their homes in this sanctuary. You will be taken through most of the Bundala National Park, covering the wetlands, grasslands, forest patches, etc. Safari drivers will make longer stops at certain watering holes for unique photography opportunities.

Finishing the safari, either around 11 a.m. or around 6 p.m. you will be dropped at the place you were picked up before.