Highlights
- Lamp lit tents and campfire dinners under the stars
- A change from staying in a hotel
- Watch for langurs, deer and many birds
- Enjoy the quiet of a night in the park
Overview
Bundala National Park, on the south-east coast between Hambantota and Tissamaharama, is a place where land, lagoon and sea meet. It is one of the best bird areas in Sri Lanka and a Ramsar wetland. Camping nearby lets you be out at dawn, when birds and animals are most active.
What camping is like
Most "camping" here is through tour operators or camps that set up equipped tents, with beds, meals and lamps provided. Some camps are in shade near lagoons; others look over the coast. Evenings bring campfires, a meal outdoors and the sounds of the bush. Camp locations and standards vary, so ask exactly where the camp is, what the tents include, and who provides the guide and jeep.
Wildlife
Bundala is famous for water birds: flamingos in some winters, storks, herons, ibises, spoonbills and many migrant waders from about October to March. Elephants, crocodiles, spotted deer, grey langurs and wild boar are common. Pangolins live here too, but are rarely seen.
How long to stay
One or two nights, with a morning and an afternoon game drive.
When to go
October to March for migrant birds. The area is dry and hot for much of the year; mornings and evenings are best for drives.
Getting there
Bundala is about 20 to 30 minutes from Tissamaharama and close to Hambantota. Entry to the park itself is by jeep with a licensed driver.
Practical tips
- Bring a torch, insect repellent and long sleeves for evenings.
- Never walk outside camp at night without a guide.
- Pack binoculars for birds.
Read more on birdwatching in Bundala, or compare with glamping at Yala. See things to do near Bundala and Bundala hotels.