Bundala National Park

It is a very good park. It could be improved especially off season (November). We had hard time to find a jeep and get the tickets to the park. We were lucky to spot almost all the animals except elephants. Birds watching is just WOW.

I wasn't as enamoured as some. Went to Yala last year at the same time and saw way more animals, even birds. We drove for four hours and didn't see much. Many birds, but none I would say were migratory - none that you see in pictures of the park so perhaps not late enough in the season. There doesn't seem to be any washroom facilities within the park so it was a long four hours. Yala tours cost about the same and we had breakfast included and a nice spot for a break with some info about the tsunami damage and loss. Also, the tour safaris seem to speak together in Yala so you know where to go, plus they fill up jeeps so not to run big vehicles with only one person in them.

Located in dry zone. A national park to dee lot of crocodiles and elephants. Lot of migrant birds also can be seen there.

We did the tour with a guide. Early morning is the best to capture these creatures. Take a good camera and lens when you are going for the trip as you would not want to miss out on these amazing clicks.

Much smaller and less visited that nearby Yala but a must visit for bird watchers and nature lovers. We saw a wide selection of birds and wildlife, and some really rare species. Much more relaxed safari with a very helpful guide and spotter with binoculars who joined us. Really enjoyed it, but don’t expect to see leopards here, this one is for the bird lovers.

Shocking experience “Where are you from? ” is the first question I heard when I got out of the plane in Colombo some weeks ago and since then it gets repeated on a daily basis. The second regular question I am being asked is “How do you like Sri Lanka?”. Well, as a Swiss citizen it feels good to be in a multicultural, tolerant country similar to mine. And until today I was a happy tourist simply enjoying the beauty of this luscious island. You might ask why I changed my opinion. Let me explain it: Today I was with my safari guide on the road towards Hambantota. Peaceful evening, watching a group of wild elephants waiting on the side of the road before crossing it. Everybody stops, makes a photo, a selfie and someone says to me: “This is beautiful Sri Lanka”. Well, until a white car with like six men stops. They get out, broad smiles on their faces, walk towards the group of elephants and – I still can’t believe what I witnessed – SHOOT A LIGHT GRENADE RIGHT IN TO THE MIDDLE OF THE ELEPHANTS. I first thought the guys were some drunken idiots. But I was shocked to hear when my guide said: Sri Lankan Department of Wildlife Conservation - and all this in a reserve for elephants. My proposition after this shocking incident: Close the Department of Wildlife Conservation. Save the money. Protect the elephants (and the tourists!) of such unqualified people with no empathy for the animals they are supposed to care for. Susanne Sigrist, Switzerland

Amazing place to spot a variety of native and migratory birds. That one day I visited it rained in Hambantota but I managed to spot many birds. I recommend you book a safari before hand. Try Bundala safari with Srimal. He had a very good rating and he was great. He and his brother- in - law helped us spot many birds and animals. I would highly recommend Bundala safari by Srimal.

This park is mostly popular among the bird watchers as it is a good place to observe both forest birds and water birds. It is best to visit during the migratory period and many vagrant birds have been recorded here. It is not a place to observe mammals though. You will not find leopard or sloth bear here. Even spotted deer or Wild Boar is not very commonly seen. In some days Elephants may be there but it is also very rare. You have to enter the park with a Guide provided by the Department of Wildlife. There is a nice view of the lagoon from the ticket counter area.