Bundala National Park

Want to visit the Bundala National Park? Here are all the essential details.

Recognized internationally as a Ramsar Wetland site, Bundala offers a unique mixture of coastal ecosystems, scrub jungle, and salt pans. It is famed for being a haven for migratory birds, making it a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Sri Lanka.

About Bundala National Park

It was declared a national park in 1993. Bundala spans approximately 6,216 hectares along the southeastern coast of Sri Lanka. The park is known for its complex mosaic of lagoons, marshes, salt pans, and sand dunes, providing an ideal habitat for a wide variety of species.

It is home to around 200 bird species, 32 mammal species, and many reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. It is one of the best wintering grounds for migratory birds, including the greater flamingo, which travels thousands of miles from northern Asia to spend the season in the park.

It is also an important nesting site for several species of marine turtles. The landscape here is flat and open. Thus, wildlife spotting is easier and more accessible.

Location

Bundala National Park is located in the Hambantota District of Sri Lanka’s Southern Province, around 250 kilometers from Colombo. The nearest major town is Hambantota, situated about 15 kilometers away. It is easily accessible via the Southern Expressway (E01).

Being near to the coast, you get stunning views of the Indian Ocean, especially at dawn and dusk. If you are about to explore the southern circuit of Sri Lanka’s wildlife parks and historical towns, then Bundala will be accessible.

Safari

Most safaris are done by jeep and typically last around 3 to 4 hours. You can choose between morning and afternoon safaris, with early morning being the best time for birdwatching.

Bundala is a birdwatcher’s paradise. The park’s shallow lagoons and brackish water bodies attract thousands of migratory birds between September and March. You may get to see flamingos, pelicans, herons, storks, terns, and many other waterbirds.

Apart from birds, the park is also home to elephants, spotted deer, wild boars, jackals, crocodiles, leopards, and the gray langur. You can book your vehicle for safari from the park or even hotels and tour operators can arrange it for you.

Entrance fee

• Foreign Adult: USD 15
• Foreign Child (6–12 years): USD 8
• Local Adult: LKR 100
• Local Child: LKR 50
• Jeep Hire: LKR 4,000–6,000 per safari
• Guide Fee: Optional (LKR 1,000–2,000)

You may need to pay additional taxes and service fees, including a vehicle entry fee and a VAT.

Opening time

Bundala National Park is open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, including weekends and public holidays. But the best times for visiting are early in the morning (6:00 AM to 9:00 AM) and late afternoon (3:00 PM to 6:00 PM). During these times the wildlife activity is at its peak.

Are you planning your visit to Bundala National Park? Consider this article as your guide to plan your itinerary. From various species of birds to animals, Bundala has a lot for all of its visitors.