Located in the southeast corner of Sri Lanka, Kumana National Park is renowned as bird sanctuary where large flocks of migratory waterfowl and wading birds can be seen. From May to June, many water birds nest in the mangrove swamps surrounding the 200-hectare Lake Kumana Villu. The species inhabiting this area include pelicans, painted storks, spoonbills, white ibis, herons, egrets and little cormorants. Also, the very rare black-necked stork has been spotted here. Besides the abundant birdlife, Kumana is home to many mammals such as elephants and leopards.
The Kumana Bird Sanctuary, located within the boundaries of Kumana National Park, was declared a protected area in 1938, and it is rated as one of the most important breeding grounds for birds in Sri Lanka.
In Kumana, there are about 20 shallow lagoons and lakes that have a major contribution to the abundant birdlife. The wetland zones are surrounded by dry zone tropical thorn forest, whereas inland forests consists mainly of Manilkara hexandra, known as Palu in Sinhalese. Also a wide range of aquatic plants, trees and reeds is found in Kumana.
Tour in brief
Initial meeting with the Ecoteam crew and the safari guide, a brief of the tour will take place in the entrance to the Kumana Safari. For the morning half-day tour, the starting time will be at 6 a.m. while the afternoon tour begins at 2.30 p.m.
After entering the national park with your guide in a jeep, you will be able to spot several species of birds and other animals that have made their homes in this sanctuary. The guide will explain about the various interesting attributes as you will learn and enjoy about the flora and fauna of Kumana.
You will be taken through most of the Kumana National Park, covering the wetlands, grasslands, forest patches, etc. We will make longer stops at certain watering holes for unique photography opportunities.
Finishing the safari, either round 11 a.m. or around 6 p.m. you will be dropped at the park entrance.
