Information
Landmark: Kumana National ParkCity: Ampara
Country: Sri Lanka
Continent: Asia
Kumana National Park, Ampara, Sri Lanka, Asia
Overview
Kumana National Park, tucked away in Sri Lanka’s southeast, bursts with wildlife and shimmering lagoons.Famous for its rich birdlife, it draws birdwatchers from across the country, especially those hoping to spot migratory flocks winging in at dawn.Once called Yala East National Park, the reserve protects a rare mix of shimmering wetlands and sun-baked dry-zone forests.Kumana lies within the vast Yala National Park complex, offering a haven for nature lovers, wildlife fans, and photographers who might catch sight of an egret lifting off from the reeds.One.Kumana National Park sits in Sri Lanka’s Southern Province, where its southeastern edge meets the salty breeze and rolling waves of the Indian Ocean.Just outside the town of Ampara-about 390 km from Colombo and 12 km from the famous Yala National Park-this reserve stretches across 35,664 hectares (roughly 88,000 acres) of coastal wetlands, dense forest, and wide, open plains, and you can reach it by taking either the Ampara or Pottuvil roads.Most visitors come in through the Kumana entrance, where the air smells faintly of dry grass.The area was first declared a sanctuary in 1938, then gained national park status in 2006.Once called Yala East, the area broke away from neighboring Yala National Park in 2006 and took the name Kumana.The park exists to safeguard the shimmering Kumana Lagoon and the surrounding habitats, protecting its rich birdlife and keeping the wetlands healthy.It’s a haven for biodiversity-waders picking through the shallows, mammals moving in the undergrowth, reptiles basking, and a wealth of aquatic life.Birdwatchers love this park-more than 200 species have been spotted here, from tiny warblers to hawks gliding over the pines.Flora and vegetation: The park blends dry-zone forests, scrubland, open grasslands, and tangled mangrove swamps where roots twist through the mud.Kumana Lagoon and the wetlands around it teem with life, sheltering everything from tall coconut palms to tangled mangroves.Nearby, the Yodha Wewa reservoir glints in the sun, ringed by forest and adding yet more variety to the landscape.Kumana National Park is best known for its birds, especially the flocks of migratory species that pause here along the East Asia–Australasia flyway.Kumana National Park bursts with life, sheltering more than 200 bird species-from painted storks wading in the shallows to Sri Lankan grey hornbills calling from the trees, plus migratory visitors like barred buttonquail, black-crowned night herons, and sandpipers.You’ll also find mammals here: Sri Lankan elephants, leopards, sloth bears, wild boar, spotted deer, playful monkeys including the purple-faced langur, and hulking water buffalo.Reptiles are plentiful too, from sunbathing monitor lizards to crocodiles and snakes like the Indian cobra.In the Kumana Lagoon, fish dart through the clear water alongside crabs and amphibians, and visitors can explore trails, watch wildlife, or simply take in the park’s sweeping, untamed beauty.Kumana ranks among Sri Lanka’s top birdwatching spots, especially between October and April when thousands of migratory birds sweep into its glittering wetlands; the Kumana Lagoon, a favorite stop, offers clear views of painted storks, pelicans, and egrets, and the best way to take it all in is on a thrilling jeep safari through the park.On safari, visitors might spot Sri Lankan elephants swaying through the grass, a leopard stretched out in the shade, or even a sloth bear lumbering past, along with herds of deer grazing quietly.The calm, glassy waters of Kumana Lagoon and its lush wetlands are a prime place to watch wildlife, while the park’s varied landscapes-teeming with animals and bright flashes of bird wings-make it a photographer’s dream.Early mornings glow soft and gold, and late afternoons paint the water in warm light-perfect for photographing birds.You can hop on a boat tour across Kumana Lagoon to glide past reeds and watch herons lift off just a few feet away.It’s a peaceful way to watch birds glide overhead and spot crocodiles or water buffalo resting by the water’s edge.If you’d rather get up close, the park offers guided nature walks for a more personal encounter with the wild.On these walks, visitors can wander through the park’s shady forests and quiet wetlands, spotting bright kingfishers or wild orchids as they learn about the local plants and animals.The prime time to come is between October and April, when migratory birds fill the skies-perfect for birdwatchers.During the dry months, the park’s wetlands brim with life, drawing flocks of migratory birds you can hear calling across the water.From May to September, rain keeps most visitors away, though you might still catch sight of a deer or two.You can reach Kumana National Park by car-about 30 km from Ampara or 15 km from Pottuvil.The road to the park is smooth and well-kept, and you can get there by bus, tuk-tuk, or your own car.Places to stay range from simple eco-lodges to beachfront resorts, especially around Pottuvil and Arugam Bay, so there’s something for every budget.Foreign visitors pay an entry fee, with extra charges for jeep safaris, boat rides, or a local guide.Kumana National Park plays a vital role in protecting both resident and migratory birds, from tiny sunbirds to flocks of painted storks.The park plays a vital role in safeguarding the wetlands and protecting wildlife like Sri Lankan elephants and elusive leopards, while also working to ease human–wildlife tensions and keep its forests and marshes thriving for the future.Just beyond its borders, Yala National Park draws visitors eager to glimpse leopards and elephants in the wild; Arugam Bay, about 12 km away, lures surfers with rolling waves and golden sand; and Pottuvil Point offers a quieter stretch of coast where the sea murmurs against the shore.Kumana National Park itself brims with variety, from early-morning birdwatching and thrilling safaris to wandering through its striking, untamed landscapes.Kumana, one of Sri Lanka’s premier birdwatching spots, offers nature lovers, photographers, and wildlife fans a perfect place to connect-whether it’s watching pelicans skim the water or simply soaking in the quiet.
