Bundala National Park
A coastal park of lagoons and dunes in the deep south, a Ramsar wetland where greater flamingos winter.
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Bundala protects a chain of brackish lagoons, salt pans and dunes along the deep south coast and was the first Ramsar site declared in Sri Lanka. It is a bird park above all: greater flamingos winter here in numbers, along with migrant waders from as far as Siberia, and close to two hundred species have been recorded. Elephants, crocodiles and all five of the island's turtle species use the park as well.
What you actually see
- The flamingos - greater flamingos wintering on the lagoons from September.
- The migrant waders - shorebirds arriving from northern Asia for the winter.
- The dunes and salt pans - coastal habitats between the lagoons and the sea.
- The turtles - all five Sri Lankan species nesting on the park's beaches.
When to go
September to March is the migration and wintering season and the reason to come. April to August is much quieter for birds. Early morning is best.
Honest expectations
Flamingo numbers vary considerably year to year and some seasons are poor. The park is small and half a day covers it. Jeep drivers often rush it as an add-on to Yala.
Nearby
Tissamaharama is northeast, and Yala is beyond it.
What to pack for Bundala National Park
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
