Kumana National Park
Kumana National Park, located 391 kilometers (243 miles) southeast of Colombo on Sri Lanka’s southeastern coast, is famous for its birdlife, especially migratory waterfowl and wading birds. Kumana is contiguous with Yala National Park and was previously known as Yala East National Park before it was renamed on September 5, 2006.
Bundala National Park
Bundala National Park, situated 245 kilometers (152 miles) southeast of Colombo, is an important wintering ground for migratory water birds in Sri Lanka. It is home to 197 bird species, including the large flocks of Greater Flamingos. Bundala became a wildlife sanctuary in 1969, later redesignated as a national park on January 4, 1993. In 1991, it was declared the first Ramsar wetland site in Sri Lanka, and in 2005, it was designated as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO.
Kaudulla National Park
Located 197 kilometers (122 miles) from Colombo, Kaudulla National Park was established on April 1, 2002, and is renowned for birdwatching, especially in the nearby Minneriya and Girithale areas. The park was once part of an irrigation tank built by King Mahasen and was reconstructed in 1959. Kaudulla supports diverse plant and animal life, including large mammals, fish, and reptiles.
Horton Plains National Park
Horton Plains, an Important Bird Area, is home to numerous species, many of which are endemic to Sri Lanka. The park`s rich biodiversity makes it a prime destination for nature lovers.
Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary
Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary, covering 1,400 hectares in the North-Western Province of Sri Lanka, is the second Ramsar site in the country. It is a prime location for birdwatching, with over 20,000 birds from 150 species, including migratory waterfowl like the Little Grebe and the Lesser Whistling Duck. The sanctuary is known for its lush vegetation, water lilies, and abundant birdlife, especially during migration seasons.
Muthurajawela Marsh
Muthurajawela Marsh, located near Negombo, is the largest saline peat bog in Sri Lanka and is believed to have originated around 7,000 years ago. It is home to 192 species of flora and 209 fauna, including 102 bird species. The marsh supports various wildlife, including the endangered nocturnal slender loris.
Knuckles Range
The Knuckles Range, located 25 kilometers east of Kandy, is a unique ecosystem separate from the central hills of Sri Lanka. Spanning 12 miles, the range is home to over 120 bird species, including several endemics like the Yellow-fronted Barbet, Dusky-blue Flycatcher, and Ceylon Grackle.
Kithulgala Forest Reserve
Kithulgala Forest Reserve, located alongside the Kelani River, is a secondary rainforest that offers high biodiversity. The forest is home to wild boar, Toque Macaque, Purple-faced Leaf Monkey, and Barking Deer, along with bird species such as the Red-faced Malkoha, Ceylon Blue Magpie, and Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher.
Note: Some of these parks have specific visiting seasons, especially for birdwatching. Please let us know your preferences, and we will provide information on the best times to visit based on availability.
