Bundala National Park

About Bundala National Park

Bundala National Park is one of Sri Lanka's foremost destinations for birdwatchers, protecting an important area of coastal wetland famous for its abundant aquatic (and other) birdlife. Located 251 km southeast of Colombo, it was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1969 and advanced to a National Park in 1993.

The park stretches along the coast for around 20km, enclosing five shallow and brackish lagoons, separated by thick low scrubby forest running down to coastal dunes. The park is spread out on 6,218 hectares with a striking landscape made up of a mix of thorny scrublands, marshes, lagoons, waterways and dunes.

Park Highlights

• Sri Lanka's first 'Ramsar' wetland site
• Over 200 species of birds including 150 endemic species
• Large flocks of Greater Flamingos (over 1000 birds)
• 383 plant species with 6 endemic varieties
• 32 species of mammals including elephants
• Sanctuary for five species of marine turtles