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.

Bundala National Park, located in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka, is a UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve known for its rich biodiversity, especially birdlife. Covering around 6,200 hectares, the park features lagoons, saltpans, and scrub forests, making it a critical wetland habitat. It is famous for hosting large flocks of migratory greater flamingos, along with over 200 bird species. Bundala is also home to elephants, crocodiles, leopards, and a variety of reptiles and amphibians. The park plays a vital role in Sri Lanka’s conservation efforts and offers a peaceful, scenic wildlife experience.

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.

Bundala National Park is a protected coastal sanctuary located in the Hambantota District of the Southern Province, Sri Lanka. Covering an area of approximately 6,200 hectares, it is world-renowned as an internationally important wintering ground for migratory water birds and is recognized under the Ramsar Convention as a wetland of global significance. The park’s diverse ecosystem of lagoons, salt pans, marshes, scrublands, and sand dunes makes it a haven for wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts. Bundala is particularly famous for its birdlife, with over 200 recorded bird species. Among them are large flocks of greater flamingos, which are one of the park’s most iconic sights during the migratory season. Other notable bird species include painted storks, pelicans, cormorants, herons, egrets, and many species of ducks and waders. The park is also home to the rare black-necked stork and other globally threatened species. Beyond birdlife, Bundala hosts a variety of other wildlife. Visitors may encounter elephants, spotted deer, wild boar, golden jackals, and the elusive fishing cat. The park’s coastal area is a nesting site for sea turtles, including the endangered olive ridley, green, and leatherback turtles. The lagoons and wetlands also support a rich population of fish, amphibians, and reptiles, including crocodiles and monitor lizards. The park’s vegetation is equally diverse, consisting of dry thorny scrublands, grassy plains, and mangrove forests. These habitats not only sustain its rich biodiversity but also contribute to the park’s stunning natural beauty. The combination of shimmering lagoons, golden dunes, and lush greenery creates a picturesque environment that is especially captivating at sunrise and sunset. Bundala National Park is located about 15 km east of Hambantota and is easily accessible for visitors traveling along the southern coastal route. Safari jeep tours are the most popular way to explore the park, allowing visitors to experience its wildlife up close while enjoying the peaceful and scenic surroundings. In 1991, Bundala was declared a UNESCO biosphere reserve, recognizing its ecological value and the need for sustainable conservation. Today, it remains one of Sri Lanka’s most important wildlife reserves, attracting both local and international visitors. With its rich biodiversity, cultural importance, and serene landscapes, Bundala National Park stands as a shining example of Sri Lanka’s natural heritage.

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.

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.