KUMANA NATIONAL PARK

History
Located in the southeast corner of Sri Lanka , the 18,149 hectare KUMANA (YALA EAST) NATIONAL PARK is a well-known eco tourism attraction and bird sanctuary where a multitude of birds breed and roost. One of the most significant features of the park is the 'Kumana Villu' - a 200 hectare natural swamp lake, fed by the 'Kumbukkan Oya' through a half mile long narrow channel. It is at this mangrove swamp that many water birds nest in May and June. Regular sightings include such species of bird as pelicans, painted storks, spoonbills, white ibis, herons, egrets and little cormorants. 

The very rare black-necked stork has also been spotted at the swamp. Besides the prolific birdlife, Kumana is also home to some of the mammals found in the larger YALA NATIONAL PARK (west) park, such as elephants and leopards. The vegetation in Kumana consists mainly of mangrove trees, kumbuk trees and the karan fern, as well as the open marsh area. For bird watching enthusiasts, the park is an 'absolute must'. 


Kumana is well known for its prolific bird life. The Park is located in the south east corner of Sri Lanka, and spans 18,150 hectares. A significant number of birds come to breed and feed here. One of the most significant features of the park is the 'Kumana Villu' - a 200 hectare natural swamp lake, fed by the Kumbukkan Oya through a long narrow channel. It is in this mangrove swamp that many water birds nest in May and June.

Originally known as the Yala East National Park, it was renamed Kumana National Park in 2006. Kumana has an average annual temperature of 27°C and an annual rainfall of 1,300 mm and its elevation ranges from sea-level to the low height of 90 metres.

There are about 20 lagoons and tanks here which are major contributors to the diversity of birdlife that can be seen in Kumana, most of which are water and wading species. These tanks can be less than two metres deep and are often flooded by seawater. The Kumana Bird Sanctuary, within the boundaries of the Kumana National Park, was declared a protected area in 1938, and is rated as one of the most important breeding grounds for birds in Sri Lanka.

Ancient cave inscriptions have been discovered here dating back to the 1st and 2nd Centuries BC. Buddhist and Hindu devotees annually cross the Kumana area on their foot pilgrimage to the nearby Temple in Kataragama.

A total of 255 species of birds have been recorded in Kumana. Commonly seen on a birding safari are Pelicans, Painted Storks, Spoonbills, White Ibis and Cormorants. The very rare Black-necked Stork has also been spotted here.

Kumana is also home to some of the mammals found in the neighbouring Yala National Park such as elephants and leopards which can also be seen on safari. Other animals which reside in the Kumana National Park include the Golden Jackal and the European Otter. It is also reported that approximately 30 to 40 Sri Lankan Elephants reside in the Park, although they do crossover to the Yala National Park.

Two Hundred and Fifty Five species of birds have been recorded in the Kumana National Park and from April to July tens of thousands of birds migrate to the Kumana swamp. Rare species such as the Black-necked Stork, Lesser Adjutant, Eurasian Spoonbill and the Great Thick-knee are breeding inhabitants.

Most commonly seen are the Pacific Golden Plover, Greater Sand Plover, Lesser Sand Plover, Grey Plover, Ruddy Turnstone, Little Ringed Plover, Wood Sandpiper, Marsh Sandpiper, Common Redshank, Common Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper, Little Stint, Common Snipe and the Pintail Snipe.

The Asian Openbill, Glossy Ibis, Purple Heron, Great Egret, Indian Pond Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, Intermediate Egret, Little Egret, Spot-billed Pelican, Indian Cormorant, Little Cormorant, Common Moorhen, Watercock, Purple Swamphen, White-breasted Waterhen, Pheasant-tailed Jacana, Black-winged Stilt, Lesser Whistling Duck and Little Grebe migrate here in large flocks while the Pintails fly 9,000 kilometres from far away Siberia. Rare migrants include the Yellow-footed Green Pigeon, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, Malabar Trogon, Red-faced Malkoha and the Sirkeer Malkoha.

Due to its coastal location, turtles are sometimes spotted coming ashore to lay their eggs. These turtles include the Indian Black turtle and the Indian Flap-shelled turtle. Mugger crocodiles can also been seen here. Fish species to be found in the lakes and tanks include the Tilapia and common Mullet.

The elevation of Kumana ranges from sea level to 90 metres, the mean annual temperature is 27°C and the area receives 1,300 mm of annual rainfall.

The Park's wetland areas are surrounded by dry zone tropical thorn forest. The inland forest's flora consists mainly of Manilkara hexandra which is known as Palu in Sinhala. There is also a range of aquatic plants, trees and reeds.

There are two routes from Colombo; they fork off at Pelmadulla and meet again at Wellawaya; one going via Beragala and Koslanda and the other via Thimbolketiya, Udawalawe and Thanamalwila. From Wellawaya the road goes through Moneragala, Pottuvil and Panama. There is only one entrance to the Park from Panama, through the Kudumbigala Sanctuary. The distance from Colombo is approximately 391 km. You can also take an air taxi from Colombo (Peliyagoda) and land in Arugam Bay. From there reach the Kumana National Park by road. By helicopter: take off either from the Bandaranaike Airport or Ratmalana and land in Kumana and then reach the Park by road.

When considering accommodation options for a Kumana National Park birding and wildlife safari you need to find a solution that allows you to cut down on travel time. With Big Game safari tented safari camps you will be set up inside the Park itself, allowing for minimal travel time and maximum time inside. For more information on Big Game Safari tented safari camping options, please visit our accommodation page. However, if you would like to stay in a hotel close by, just let us know and we can make the necessary arrangements.