Kumana National Park

Location: Eastern Province, Sri Lanka

Area: 181 sq km

Established: 1970

Kumana National Park, also known as Yala East, is a haven for birdwatchers. Its wetlands attract over 100 bird species during migration seasons, including painted storks, spoonbills, and pelicans. The Kumana Villu swamp is particularly famous for nesting birds.

The park also hosts mammals like elephants and leopards but sees fewer visitors than Yala, making it ideal for those seeking solitude amidst nature. Ancient ruins within Kumana add a cultural dimension to its natural beauty.

Attractions: Kumana is a bird lover’s paradise, offering sightings of over 100 species. It’s also a great alternative to crowded parks like Yala and Minneriya, with opportunities to spot elephants and leopards.

Things to Do: Birdwatching tours are popular here, with the chance to see hornbills, minivets, and other bird species. The park’s swampy grasslands and natural lakes are home to storks and ibis.

Unique Features: Kumana’s ancient ruins, including meditation caves and crumbling stupas, add a cultural dimension to the park.