About Bundala National Park
Bundala National Park is one of Sri Lanka's most important bird habitats — a string of coastal lagoons, scrub jungle, and sand dunes stretching 62 km² along the southern coast between Hambantota and Tissamaharama. It is designated both a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
The park is best known for its migratory birds — October to March brings thousands of birds from Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent, including greater flamingos (several hundred winter here), grey pelicans, painted storks, black-tailed godwits, and dozens of shorebird species. The lagoons provide year-round habitat for resident species including the sarus crane (Sri Lanka's rarest resident bird), lesser adjutant, and purple heron.
In addition to birds, the park has healthy populations of Asian elephants, saltwater crocodiles in the lagoons, and both sea turtle species on the beach. The park road follows the lagoon edge, with jeep safaris covering the 15 km circuit in 3–4 hours.
Bundala is far less visited than nearby Yala (30 km east) and offers a more peaceful, birding-focused safari. It pairs naturally with Yala for a two-day southern circuit — wildlife-focused mornings in Yala, birding afternoons in Bundala.
Highlights
- Greater flamingo flocks — hundreds winter in the coastal lagoons October to March
- 240+ bird species including sarus crane, painted stork, and grey pelican
- Ramsar Wetland and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve — protected coastal lagoon system
- Saltwater crocodiles in the lagoons — Sri Lanka's largest reptiles
- Sea turtle nesting beaches (November to April)
- Far fewer tourists than Yala — birding in near-solitude
Plan & Book
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What to See & Do
Jeep Safari
The 15 km circuit road along the lagoon edge covers the best birding spots, crocodile-viewing areas, and elephant habitats. Morning and afternoon safaris available — morning best for flamingos and shorebirds when light is optimal.
Coastal Lagoon System
A chain of five interconnected coastal lagoons — the defining ecosystem of the park. The lagoons hold saltwater crocodiles, aquatic birds, and serve as critical wintering habitat for flamingos and migratory shorebirds.
Sea Turtle Nesting Beach
The park's southern coastline is a nesting site for olive ridley and green sea turtles (November to April). Night excursions with guides are available during peak nesting season.
Getting There from Colombo
Via Southern Expressway to Hambantota, then east along the coast road. Park entrance near Hambantota.
Bus to Hambantota, then tuk-tuk to the park entrance.
Best Time to Visit
October to March for migratory birds and flamingos. Year-round for resident birds, elephants, and crocodiles.
Traveller Tips
- ▸Bring a telephoto lens — many birds are in the open lagoon and distances are large
- ▸Morning (6–10 AM) is best for flamingos and shorebirds before the heat creates shimmer
- ▸Bundala and Yala pair perfectly — many safari operators run both parks in a single two-day package
- ▸Binoculars are essential — the lagoon setting means birds are often 100m+ away
- ▸October arrival is the best time to witness flamingo flocks at their largest
Entry Fee
Tickets at the park gate. Jeep hire from Tissamaharama or Hambantota.
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