Bundala National Park | AmazingLanka.com

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Bundala National Park - බුන්දල ජාතික වනෝද්‍යානය — Bundala National Park – බුන්දල ජාතික වනෝද්‍යානය

Size	6,216 hectares
Main attraction	Elephants and a large number of migratory and resident birds.

Bundala National Park is a premier RAMSAR wetland and UNESCO biosphere reserve in Sri Lanka’s semi-arid southeast. Renowned for hosting over 20,000 migratory birds, including Greater Flamingos, its diverse lagoons and scrublands also shelter unique, smaller-statured elephants and four endangered sea turtle species, offering a serene, crowd-free safari experience.

Bundala National Park is situated in the southeastern region of Sri Lanka, within the semi-arid zone of the Hambantota District in the Southern Province. The park is characterized primarily by dry thorny scrubland interspersed with lagoons. In addition to these, the landscape includes streams, seasonal water holes, tanks, salt marshes, mangroves, sea coasts, and salterns, all of which contribute to the ecological diversity and richness of biodiversity within the park.

Avifauna and Wetland Importance

The abundance of lagoons makes Bundala an important habitat for both migratory and resident bird species. During the migratory season, particularly between November and January, as many as 2,000 Greater Flamingos have been recorded. Overall bird populations can exceed 20,000 during peak migration periods, establishing the park as a major destination for bird enthusiasts.

Wildlife Diversity

In addition to its avian richness, Bundala National Park is known for its population of elephants. Although these elephants are generally smaller in stature compared to those found in other regions of the country, they have a reputation for being more aggressive.

The coastal belt of the park also attracts four of the five sea turtle species found in Sri Lanka, which come ashore to lay their eggs.

Conservation Status and Recognition

Bundala was first declared a sanctuary in 1969 and was later designated as a national park in 1992. In 1990, under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance for Migratory Waterfowl, it was recognized as a Ramsar site, becoming the first such designated wetland in Sri Lanka. In 2005, the park was further recognized as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, making it the fourth biosphere reserve in the country.

Climate

Being located in a semi-arid zone, Bundala National Park experiences highly seasonal rainfall. The primary source of precipitation is the northeast monsoon, occurring between December and February. From May to October, the area undergoes an extended dry period, during which temperatures can exceed 34°C (93°F).

Access

There are two main routes from Colombo to Bundala National Park. One follows the southern coastal expressway covering approximately 256 kilometers (160 miles). The alternative inland route passes through Ratnapura, Pelmadulla, Embilipitiya, and Hambantota, spanning about 245 kilometers (152 miles).

Visitor Facilities

Accommodation is available outside the park in nearby towns such as Tissamaharama, Wirawila, and Hambantota. From these locations, jeep services can be hired for park visits. Within the park, several watchtowers are available for wildlife observation, and a recently established visitor centre is located at the main entrance.

Entrance Fees for Bundala National Park (Ticket Prices)

Description (Fees Applicable for Category 2 Parks)	Price
Local – Adults	LKR 60
Local – Children (6-12 years)	LKR 30
Local – Student	LKR 20
Local – Children (below 6 years)	FOC
Local – Group Fee (per vehicle)	LKR 400
Foreign – Adults	USD 12
Foreign – Children (6-12 years)	USD 6
Foreign SAARC Countries – Adults	USD 10
Foreign SAARC Countries – Children (6-12 years)	USD 5
Foreign – Children (below 6 years)	FOC
Foreign – Group Fee (per vehicle)	USD 10
Taxes on total cost	18%
Entrance Fee per vehicle	LKR 300

Ticket Price Schedule as of 2025 and gazetted in 2022

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

Description	Cost
2 adults	USD 24.00
1 child	USD 6.00
Group Fee	USD 10.00
Total	USD 40.00
Tax (18%)	USD 7.20
Total	USD 47.20

The above calculation applies only to individual entry tickets as gazetted in 2022 and remain valid for 2025. The vehicle entry ticket, as listed separately, must be purchased in addition to the personal tickets.

Foreign visitors may make payments in USD or the equivalent amount in LKR. For the most up-to-date ticket prices, the Government Information Centre can be contacted on 1919. If a private safari jeep is hired for a land safari, rates generally range from LKR 7,500 to LKR 10,000 for a half-day excursion of about four hours, depending on the national park. A full-day safari is typically charged at twice the half-day rate.

Visiting Hours

All national parks in Sri Lanka operate daily throughout the year, remaining open from 6.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. Entry ticket counters open at 6.00 a.m. and close at 4.00 p.m., and all vehicles are required to exit the parks strictly by 6.00 p.m.

Also See

Map of Bundala National Park

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Travel Directions to Bundala National Park

Route from Colombo to Bundala National Park Entrance	Route II from Colombo to Bundala National Park Entrance
Through : Southern Expressway Distance : 250 km Travel time : 3.30 hours. Driving directions : see on Google Maps.	Through : Ratnapura – Madampe – Embilipitiya – Hambantota Distance : 230 km Travel time : 5 hours. Driving directions : see on Google Maps.