Kumana National Park

Kumana National Park, located on the southeastern coast of Sri Lanka, is a wildlife haven that spans over 18,000 hectares. Known for its rich biodiversity, the park is particularly famous for its birdlife and is a crucial bird sanctuary. It is part of the Eastern Rainforest Complex and is situated near Yala National Park. Kumana is an excellent destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, offering an off-the-beaten-path experience compared to more popular parks like Yala and Udawalawe.

Wildlife and Famous Animal Sightings

• Kumana is home to a variety of wildlife, with its extensive wetlands attracting many species of birds, including both migratory and endemic species. It is a prime location for birdwatching, especially for species like the painted stork, little cormorant, egrets, herons, and kites. Kumana is also a habitat for the Sri Lankan elephant, crocodiles, water buffalo, and a variety of small mammals like jackals and monkeys.
• The park’s villus (natural lakes) attract wildlife, and it is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to spot leopards and sloth bears, though these animals are not as commonly seen as in Yala. Visitors may also encounter wild boar and deerspecies, particularly the spotted deer and sambar deer.

Best Time to Visit The best time to visit Kumana National Park is during the dry season, from April to September, when the weather is ideal for safaris, and wildlife is easily spotted near water sources. The park is especially popular for birdwatching during this period when migratory birds from across Asia and Europe converge in the park. The wet season (October to March) brings heavy rains, making the park harder to access, but it is still an excellent time for birdwatching due to the influx of migratory species.

Distance from Major Cities

From Colombo: Kumana National Park is approximately 395 km southeast of Colombo, taking about 6 to 7 hoursby car.

From Tissamaharama: The park is about 30 km from Tissamaharama, which is around 45 minutes by car. Tissamaharama is the nearest town with accommodation options and serves as the base for visiting the park.

How to Visit

Kumana is best explored via jeep safari, which is available from several entrances such as Kumana Entrance. Safaris generally last 3-4 hours, offering an opportunity to see a variety of wildlife along the way. The park’s villus (wetlands) and mangrove areas are particularly rich in wildlife, including both land and water species.

The birdwatching tours are especially popular, as the park is home to over 250 species of birds, including migratoryspecies that visit the wetlands during the winter months. During the dry season, animals tend to congregate near the park’s water sources, which increases the chances of spotting large animals like elephants.

Accommodation and Nearby Attractions Accommodation options near Kumana are mostly eco-lodges and guesthouses in nearby towns like Tissamaharama or Hambantota. These towns offer basic amenities and access to local attractions.

Kumana is close to Yala National Park, which is another famous wildlife destination, and you can easily combine visits to both parks in one trip. Nearby attractions also include the Kataragama Temple, an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists, located just a short distance away from Kumana.