Bundala National Park, on the south coast between Hambantota and Kirinda, is a mosaic of lagoons, salt pans, dunes and scrub. It was Sri Lanka's first Ramsar wetland (1990) and a UNESCO biosphere reserve, and it is one of the best places in the country for water birds, especially migrants in the northern winter.
Top things to do in Bundala
Bird watching
Around 200 species have been recorded. Greater flamingos usually arrive from about September to March, with painted storks, pelicans, spoonbills and many waders.
Camping
Tented camps near the park offer nights close to the wildlife.
Weerawila and Tissa wetlands
The tanks around Weerawila and Tissamaharama are excellent for water birds.
Ridiyagama Safari Park
A safari park opened in 2016, with animals viewed from enclosed buses.
Telulla archaeological site
A site with the remains of several small stupas and an image house.
Golf at Shangri-La Hambantota
An 18-hole resort course on the coast near Hambantota.
Crocodiles and turtles
Mugger and saltwater crocodiles bask in the lagoons, and sea turtles nest on the beaches.
Best time to go
The best time for birds is from about September to March. The area is hot and dry most of the year.
Safari tips
Jeep safaris are usually booked through lodges or drivers; park fees are paid at the gate on top of the jeep hire. Morning and late afternoon drives are best. Bring binoculars, a hat and water, and stay in the vehicle.
Plan your visit
Bundala is about 20 minutes from Tissamaharama. For history, background and how to get there, see the Bundala travel guide, and for accommodation see hotels in Bundala.
Related posts
Telulla Archaeological Site
Telulla is a small, little-visited archaeological site near Bundala. It has the remains of eleven small stupas, an image house and other buildings that were part of an old monastery.
Image Credit: ShutterStock
Ridiyagama Safari Park
Ridiyagama, near Hambantota, is Sri Lanka's first drive-through safari park, opened in 2016. Visitors tour it in closed vehicles to see animals such as lions, elephants and deer.
Image Credit: ShutterStock
Weerawila Tissa Sanctuary
The old tanks and wetlands around Weerawila and Tissamaharama are some of the best bird areas in the south. Visit early in the morning for water birds, raptors and waders close to Bundala and Yala.
Image Credit: ShutterStock
Golf at Shangri-La’s Hambantota
Play the 18-hole course at Shangri-La Hambantota on the south coast. Designed by Rodney Wright, it runs through coconut groves and scrub beside the Indian Ocean.
Image Credit: ShutterStock
Bird watching in Bundala National Park
Bundala National Park, Sri Lanka's first Ramsar wetland, is a maze of shallow lagoons, salt pans and dunes on the south coast. From about September to March, flamingos and thousands of migrant birds arrive.
Image Credit: ShutterStock
Camping at Bundala National Park
Stay at a tented camp near Bundala, where lagoon, scrub and sea meet. Camping puts you close to the park for early bird watching and safaris.
Image Credit: ShutterStock