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A.Savin CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Bundala National Park

National Park

Along Sri Lanka's southeast coast, Bundala National Park protects lagoons, salt pans and migratory waterbirds; safaris and boat rides focus on flamingos, herons and coastal wetlands.

Bundala National Park KandySigiriyaNuwara EliyaGalleColomboAnuradhapuraBundala National Park
In this guide

Bundala National Park essentials

Address: Bundala National Park, Uva Province, Sri Lanka
Website: dwc.gov.lk
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About Bundala National Park

Bundala National Park is a coastal wetland and sanctuary in southeastern Sri Lanka, protecting a complex of lagoons, salt pans and coastal habitats. The reserve is internationally recognised for its importance to migratory and resident waterbirds.

The park’s highlights are shallow lagoons, tidal flats and brackish pools that host large congregations of birds including flamingos, pelicans and a variety of ducks and waders; viewing is organised via hides, short trails and designated roads. The coastal zone includes sandy spits and mangrove-lined channels that support a range of wetland species.

Bundala was set aside for conservation to protect coastal wetlands and migratory stopover habitat and is managed to balance habitat protection with controlled visitor access. Conservation status includes international wetland recognition and ongoing habitat management.

The park lies along Sri Lanka’s southeastern coast in Hambantota District, within Uva Province administrative boundaries, and is accessed from nearby coastal towns and tourist centres in the region.

  • Bird diversity: Home to over 200 species of birds, including large wintering and migratory populations of flamingos and waterfowl, making it an important birdwatching site in Sri Lanka.
  • Best season: Best time to observe migratory birds is during the dry season and winter months when numbers peak along the lagoons and coastal flats.

What to See#

  • Bundala Lagoon: Bundala Lagoon and associated shallow saline pools that form the core wetland habitat for migratory and resident waterbirds.
  • Coastal habitats: A mosaic of sand spits, salt pans and mangrove-lined channels along the coastal fringe that provide feeding and roosting areas for birds.
  • Observation hides and trails: A set of birdwatching hides and trails used by visitors to view flamingos, pelicans and other waterfowl without disturbing breeding areas.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Bundala National Park

Same as Bundala National Park: best during the dry season for birdwatching and access.

Dry season
May-September · 25-32°C (77-90°F)
Best for birdwatching with many migratory species present and dry access.
Wet season
October-January · 24-30°C (75-86°F)
Heavier rains can restrict access but bring breeding waterbirds.

Weather & Climate near Bundala National Park

Climate

Bundala National Park's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 23°C to 32°C. Moderate rainfall (947 mm/year).

Air Quality: AQI 61 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
AugustFebruaryJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
33°
Warmest Month
22°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Very Good 23° - 30° 26° 89 mm partly cloudy 82% 2.9 m/s 1.9 very high 11.7h
February Excellent 23° - 30° 27° 58 mm partly cloudy 80% 2.6 m/s 2.2 extreme 11.8h
March Very Good 24° - 31° 31° 61 mm partly cloudy 79% 2.2 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.0h
April Good 25° - 32° 33° 94 mm partly cloudy 81% 2.1 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.2h
May Very Good 25° - 31° 34° 70 mm partly cloudy 84% 3.1 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.3h
June Very Good 25° - 31° 33° 28 mm partly cloudy 84% 3.3 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.4h
July Very Good 25° - 31° 32° 25 mm partly cloudy 84% 3.0 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.3h
August Excellent 25° - 31° 32° 23 mm partly cloudy 83% 2.8 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.2h
September Very Good 24° - 31° 32° 42 mm partly cloudy 83% 2.9 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.0h
October Very Good 24° - 31° 31° 117 mm partly cloudy 83% 2.2 m/s 2.2 extreme 11.9h
November Good 24° - 30° 27° 206 mm overcast 83% 2.2 m/s 1.8 very high 11.7h
December Very Good 23° - 30° 27° 134 mm overcast 84% 3.1 m/s 1.7 very high 11.6h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Bundala National Park

Same as Bundala National Park above: access via Hambantota or Tangalle with local jeep safari arrangements; the park is signposted from the A2 coastal road.

Tips for Visiting Bundala National Park

  • Visit the main Bundala bird lagoons at dawn for the best bird activity
  • Bring a telephoto lens-many waterbirds and migratory species are readily visible but maintain distance
  • Hire a local naturalist guide to improve chances of identifying rarer species (same as Bundala National Park entry)