Kumana National Park : Yala-East (කුමණ ජාතික වනෝද්‍යානය)

Size	18,148 hectares
Main attractions	Birds, Elephants and leopards

Kumana National Park, also known as Yala East National Park, is a wildlife sanctuary located in the southeastern part of Sri Lanka. It is situated in the Ampara District of the Eastern Province and covers an area of approximately 18,148 hectares. Earlier Kumana had a village, whose residents were shifted to the Mahaweli project area.

Kumana National Park is renowned for its diverse range of flora and fauna, particularly its avian population. The park is home to over 200 species of birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. During the migratory season, which typically falls between April and July, a large number of migratory birds from the northern hemisphere visit the park, including several rare species.

Apart from its avian population, Kumana National Park also houses various other wildlife species. Some of the notable animals that can be found in the park include elephants, leopards, sloth bears, water buffaloes, and crocodiles. The park’s vegetation consists of dry zone tropical thorn forests, marshes, lagoons, and sandy beaches.

The park lies on the southeast coast in the Eastern province, 7 miles/12 km south of Arugam Bay, and is accessible from the Wellawaya – Pottuvil road. From Pottuvil, you need to travel across Panama, an ancient Sinhalese village amidst the elephant infested jungle. Close to the park entrance lies Okanda Devalaya, the main gathering point of Padayatra before entering the jungles of Yala.

Visitors to Kumana National Park can explore the park through guided jeep safaris, which allow them to observe and appreciate the diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. The park offers a unique opportunity to witness the interactions between different species and to experience the natural beauty of Sri Lanka’s eastern region.

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At the base of most rock outcrops are caves, some with rock inscriptions of the 1st and 2nd centuries BC. A nine-meter stature of the reclining Buddha, now in ruins, was discovered in a large cave at Bambaragastalawa. Bowattagala is an ancient monastic site. Kudumbigala and Lenama, peripheral to the park, were once the hunting grounds of Nittawo, legendary pygmies (or dwarf ape men)  who were sworn enemies of the Veddhas, the abiogenies of Sri Lanka.

Kumana 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	15%
Entrance Fee per vehicle	LKR 300

For example, for 2 foreigners with 1 child between 6-12 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 (15%)	USD 6.00
Total	USD 46.00

Payments can be made 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 to LKR 15,000 for half day (4 hours) based on the park. For a full day, its double the cost of a half day.

Accommodation

This park is at present rarely visited. It has two bungalows, one at Okanda, near the park entrance, and the other by the waterhole at Thunmulla. A campsite is situated on the banks of the Kumbbukkan Oya at Kumana. A boat is available for hire at Kumana Villu.

There is no places to stay outside the park. However you could find decent places to stay in Arugam Bay. There are few hideaways in Panama area too.

Archaological Ruins Inside Yala and Kumana National Parks

With the arrival of Buddhism to the country in 250 BC, Rohana sub kingdom too experienced a massive rising of large monastic complexes which could support thousands of bhikkhus. According to ancient text (Sammoha Vinodani Atuwawa) Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Viharaya is said to have had 12,000 Arhaths during the great famine of Beminitiyasaya in the 1st century BC.

The golden era of this region however, came to an end due to wars among petty kings, drought, famine, disease and the destruction of irrigation infrastructure due to non maintenance. The Jungles had crept over this once populous area by the time Europeans arrived in Sri Lanka. However remnants of this forgotten kingdom is still found on almost every rock outcrop inside Yala and Kumana.

List of Archaeological Sites inside Yala and Kumana National Parks

Also See

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

Map of  Kumana National Park  (Yala-East) and Other Places of Interest

Travel Directions to Kumana National Park  (Yala-East)

Entrance to Kumana is from Okanda. Although the fastest route is through the Southern Expressway, The route through Balangoda – Beragala is very scenic.

Route I from Colombo to Kumana Park Entrance at Okanda	Route II from Colombo to Kumana Park Entrance at Okanda
Through : Southern Highway – Mattala – Thanamalwila – Wellawaya – Monaragala – Potuvil – Panama – Okanda Distance :420 km Travel time : 7.30 hours. Driving directions : see on google map	Through : Balangoda – Beragala – Wellawaya – Monaragala – Potuvil – Panama – Okanda Distance :345 km Travel time : 9.30 hours. Driving directions : see on google map
Route from Potuvil to Kumana Park Entrance at Okanda
Through : Potuvil – Panama – Okanda Distance :32 km Travel time : 1 hours. Driving directions : see on google map