Bundala National Park

Bundala National Park on Sri Lanka's southern coast, near Hambantota, 245 kilometers from Colombo, is one of the best places on the island to see wading and coastal birds. Bundala is a bird lover's heaven because it is one of the best places to see winter migrating species as well as a variety of resident and migratory waterbirds.

Photo from davidallaneaston

Bundala National Park is the first in Sri Lanka designated a Ramsar wetland site and a UNESCO biosphere reserve with rich biodiversity. Bundala is in a low country dry zone climate zone. Hence it has a tropical monsoonal climate. It has five shallow brackish lagoons, three of which have salt pans for salt production.  It is home to 197 bird species, of which 58 are migratory. You will see Black-Headed Ibis, Black-Tailed Godwit, Painted Stork, Terns, and many other bird species, as well as animals, amphibians, butterflies, and reptiles, during the visit.

Photo from wasirigajaman

How to get to Bundala National Park

Bundala National Park is about 12 kilometers away from Hambantota and roughly 245 kilometers from Colombo. The road from Colombo takes you through Galle, Matara, and Hambantota. You can use a bus or the train to get here from Colombo.

Photo from thingstodoinyala

Best time to visit Bundala National Park

Bundala National Park's climate is often hot and dry. While the average temperature is 27°C, the yearly rainfall ranges from 900mm to 1300mm. The dry season lasts from May through September. The best time to visit is from September to March when migrating birds arrive at the Park. Bundala National Park covers an area of 6216 square kilometers and primarily from dry thorny marshlands, marshes, and four salty lagoons. The topography is predominantly flat, with dunes lining the coast.

Photo from road_diary_by_sheh