Information
Landmark: Bundala National ParkCity: Hambantota
Country: Sri Lanka
Continent: Asia
Bundala National Park, Hambantota, Sri Lanka, Asia
Overview
Bundala National Park, in Sri Lanka’s southern Hambantota District, is one of the island’s richest wildlife havens, where flamingos wade through shimmering lagoons.Famous for its tangled mangrove wetlands and shimmering saltwater lagoons, it’s also a crucial bird sanctuary that draws herons, egrets, and flocks of migrating species.The park, a UNESCO Ramsar Wetland site, draws wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, and birdwatchers alike, all eager to spot herons gliding low over the water.Number one.Bundala National Park sits along Sri Lanka’s southern coast, about 20 kilometers east of Hambantota and close to the town of Tissamaharama.Spanning 6,216 hectares-roughly 15,352 acres-it unfolds in a mosaic of shimmering wetlands, pale salt flats, rolling sand dunes, and tangled mangrove forests.This rich landscape shelters everything from saltwater lagoons to thorny scrub, creating vital habitats for countless species.In 1993, Bundala earned national park status, and it’s now recognized as a Ramsar site for its globally important wetlands.It’s also known for sheltering migratory birds, with Bundala National Park’s vast mangrove forests and shimmering wetlands offering a safe haven for countless plants, wildlife, and flocks that pause here on their long journeys.The wetlands teem with life, sheltering everything from water lilies to hardy coastal shrubs.In the salt marshes and mudflats, you’ll spot salicornia and samar grass swaying in the breeze.Sand dunes, coastal scrub forests, and wide mudflats mingle here, forming a patchwork of land, water, and shoreline.Bundala draws birdwatchers from around the world, offering sightings of over 200 species-some endangered, others pausing mid-migration.The park’s best known as a crucial resting spot for migratory birds along the East Asia–Australasia Flyway, where you might spot a Greater Flamingo wading in the shallows, a Painted Stork stalking fish, or a Pied Kingfisher hovering over the water, along with black‑necked storks, elegant herons, snowy egrets, and other waders.Bundala is a favorite place to watch flamingos, especially from October to March, when the sky can fill with their pink silhouettes; in the northern winter, flocks of waders and shorebirds crowd its wetlands and rust-colored mudflats, while on land you might spot Sri Lankan elephants, spotted deer, wild boar, playful monkeys, or a darting mongoose, and in the shallows, crocodiles, monitor lizards, and sleek snakes bask in the sun.The park’s wetlands shelter a thriving mix of species, and its closeness to the sea brings in marine life-from darting fish to sea turtles that sometimes leave tracks in the sand after nesting.Birdwatching tops the list of things to do in Bundala National Park.Home to more than 200 bird species, the park draws birdwatchers from across the globe, eager to spot flashes of bright plumage in the trees.From October to March, when the migratory season peaks, Bundala bursts with life-flocks of Greater Flamingos gather on its shimmering lagoons and muddy flats, while jeep safaris rumble through the park, offering close-up views of elephants, crocodiles, and a dazzling variety of birds.Local naturalists usually lead safaris, pointing out wildlife and sharing stories about the park’s ecosystems.Beyond the flocks of bright-feathered birds, you might see spotted deer, wild boar, elephants, or monkeys gathering at the muddy edges of a watering hole.At certain times of year, Bundala teems with wild elephants-you might spot a dusty giant grazing near the water’s edge.If you’d rather explore on foot, guided nature walks and hikes let you step right into the park’s untamed beauty.Experienced guides usually lead these walks, pointing out Bundala’s plants, animals, and unique ecosystems as you go.It’s also a photographer’s dream-think bright kingfishers, sweeping lagoons, and wild deer framed by golden light.Wetlands, mangroves, and pale salt flats create vivid shifts in the landscape.The park is at its liveliest from October to March, when migratory birds crowd the skies and their calls carry across the water.These months are usually dry and sunny, perfect for spotting wildlife under a clear blue sky.From May to September, heavy monsoon rains sweep in, turning roads muddy and making the park hard to reach.Still, this season brings fewer visitors, and the park’s thick green canopy offers quiet moments for anyone chasing solitude.You’ll find plenty of guesthouses and eco‑lodges nearby, especially in Tissamaharama, where the air smells faintly of jasmine at dusk.You’ll find plenty of places to stay, from a simple guesthouse to a plush hotel just minutes from the park.In nearby Tissamaharama, small family-run restaurants serve traditional Sri Lankan meals-think fragrant rice and curry with fresh-caught fish.Several hotels and lodges near the park serve meal packages for guests, sometimes with fresh fruit or warm bread.You can reach Bundala National Park easily from Tissamaharama or Hambantota, both linked by smooth, well-kept roads.You can get to the park by car or taxi from these towns, with the drive passing fields dotted with grazing cattle.Public buses run to Tissamaharama, but a private ride will take you straight to the entrance in comfort.Bundala National Park is a true haven for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and wildlife enthusiasts.Its shimmering wetlands, teeming with life and sheltering flocks of migratory birds, make it a one‑of‑a‑kind experience in Sri Lanka’s southern region.Whether you’re spotting bright kingfishers, tracking wildlife on safari, or wandering through sunlit dunes, Bundala offers a calm, deeply absorbing escape into nature.Anyone eager to explore Sri Lanka’s rich wildlife should make this a must-visit spot, where you might hear the cry of a hornbill echoing through the trees.
