Kumana National Park

10 April 2023

Authentic wildlife safari experience in a less visited national park in Sri Lanka. Located in the southeast corner of Sri Lanka, the 18,149 hectares Kumana National Park is a well-known eco-tourism attraction and bird sanctuary where a multitude of birds breed and roost. It is in fact the eastern sector of Yala National Park. One of the most significant features of the Kumana National Park is the ‘Kumana Villu’ – a 200 hectare natural swamp lake, fed by the ‘Kumbukkan Oya’ through a half mile long narrow channel. It is at this mangrove swamp that many water birds’ nest in May and June. Regular sightings include such species of bird as pelicans, painted storks, spoonbills, white ibis, herons, egrets and little cormorants.

The very rare black-necked stork has also been spotted at the swamp. Besides the prolific birdlife, Kumana National Park is also home to some of the mammals found in the larger Yala National Park, such as Elephants and Leopards. If you are on a bird watching tour in Sri Lanka, Kumana National Park is an ‘absolute must’.