Bundala National Park – බුන්දල ජාතික වනෝද්‍යානය

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Bundala National Park is situated in the southeast part of the country in the semi arid zone in the Southern Province. The park area consists mainly of dry thorny scrubland and lagoons. In addition, there are streams, seasonal water holes, tanks, salt marshes, mangroves, seashores and salterns, aspects that add to the diversity of habitat and the richness of its bio diversity.

The abundance of lagoons has made Bundala an ideal location for a large number of migratory and resident birds. Up to 2,000 Grater Flamingos having been recorded during November – January season and the total bird population can exceed 20,000 during migratory season. This has made Bundala top priority location for the bird enthusiast.

Bundala is also popular for its elephant population. Though physically smaller than the elephants in the other regions, they are reputed be more violent than their cousins in other parts of the country.

In This coastal area also attracts four out of Sri Lanka’s five sea turtle species, which come ashore to lay their eggs. This park is much less visited than Yala so largely voids the weekend crowds.

Bundala was declared a sanctuary in 1969 and upgraded to a national park in 1992. In 1990, under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance for Migratory Waterfowl, Bundala was declared a Ramsar site, the only one in this country. In 2005 the national park was designated as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, the fourth biosphere reserve in Sri Lanka.

As Bundala National Park is located in semi arid zone, rainfall is highly seasonal. Main source of rainfall is Northeast monsoons (December- February). The area experiences a prolong drought from May to October. The temperature during this period can exceed 30C.

Access

There are two regular routes from Colombo, viz Along the coast via Galle, Matara, Tangalle, Hambantota (approx. 160 miles/256 km) Via Ratnapura, Pelmadulla, Embilipitiya, Hambantota (approx. 152 miles/245 km)

Visitors and Visitor Facilities

Accommodation is available outside the park at Tissmaharama, Wirawila and Hambantota, from where jeeps are available for hire. There are several watchtowers in the park. A newly opened visitor centre is at the park entrance.

Entrance Fees for Bundala National Park

for example, for 2 foreigners with 1 child between 6-12 will have the cost of

Payments can be paid in USD or equivalent LKR by foreigners. You can call 1919 (government information center) for the latest ticket prices. If you are hiring a private safari Jeep, the prices vary from LKR 11,000-15,000 for half day (4 hours) based on the park. For a full day, its double the cost of a half day.

Also See

• Nature and Wildlife in Sri Lanka
• Other Places of Interest Within Close Proximity

Map of  Bundala National Park

Travel Directions to Bundala National Park