Why Every Wildlife Enthusiast Must-visit Bundala National Park

Sri Lanka has some of the most beautiful national parks in South Asia. Though Yala and Udawalawe are the most popular locations for wildlife lovers in Sri Lanka, a visit to Bundala National Park offers a more serene experience which is off-the-beaten track. Situated in the southern region of the island, Bundala National Park has been declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It’s one of the best wildlife and birdwatching sanctuaries in Sri Lanka. Here are the top reasons why you should visit Bundala National Park:

The climate at the park is normally hot and dry. The average temperature is around 27 degrees Celsius, with annual rainfall ranging from 900mm to 1300mm. The dry season usually occurs from May to September. However, the best time to visit Bundala National Park is from September to March, as this is when the migratory birds flock to the park. Go on a safari in Bundala National Park to capture amazing close-ups of diverse bird species as well as animals.

Bundala National Park is great for birdwatching and most water bird species in Sri Lanka can be found here. There are almost 200 bird species, and 58 of them are migratory. Visitors will be able to glimpse a large number of migratory birds who arrive from September to March. Some of these species include Marsh and Curlew Sandpiper, Curlew and Greenshank, as well as the Golden and Kentish Plover, along with Large and Lesser Sandplovers.

While the Broad-billed Sandpiper and Red-necked Phalarope tend to be rarer, the greater flamingo is the best-known migratory bird in the area. It’s common to see large flocks of flamingos along with 10,000 shorebirds that can be seen feeding on any given day. The lagoons in the park also attract a diverse group of aquatic birds, such as ibises, pelicans, painted storks, Black-necked Storks, terns, gulls, sandpipers, snipes, teals, egrets, and spoonbills. Among the endemic birds are the Brown-capped Babbler, Ceylon Woodshrike, and Ceylon Junglefowl.

32 different mammal species in Bundala which includes civets, wild boars, grey and ruddy mongooses, porcupines, giant Indian palm squirrels, black-naped hares, spotted deer, wild buffalo. Also, present are the endemic jackal and fishing and rusty-spotted cats. The most common mammals in the park are grey langurs and toque macaques. At the same time, Bundala National Park is a great place for elephant watching in Sri Lanka. It is home to a small herd of elephants, whose numbers range from 25 and 60 throughout the year.

Bundala National Park is also home to a variety of reptile species. Visitors will have a chance to see the estuarine and mugger crocodiles. The coastal regions nearby are a nesting ground for Loggerhead, Green, Hawksbill, and Olive Ridley turtles – four of Sri Lanka’s five marine turtle species. These turtles come ashore to lay their eggs from October to January. Seeing the turtles laying their eggs on the beaches of Bundala at night is an unforgettable experience.

The park has a diverse variety of vegetation. There are 383 plant species, with six of them being native to the region. Seven species are said to be endangered. Among the most important plant species are Weera (Drypetes Sepiaria), Palu (Manikara Hexandra), Satin (Chloroxylon Sweitenia), Kohomba (Azadirachta Indica), and Divul (Limonia acidissima).

Bundala National Park is located just 15 km away from Hambantota, making it a great spot to visit for travellers exploring southern Sri Lanka. A short drive away from Bundala are other attractions like Yala National Park. Visitors to the area can combine their visit to Bundala with a safari in Yala. Unwind in the secluded but luxurious Jetwing Jungle Lodge, situated outside the park’s borders. You can also take a trip to the historic town of Galle, and find the best places to stay in Galle, Sri Lanka.

Bundala National Park might not be as famous as some of the other parks in the country – but that’s what sets it apart. Whether you’re a birdwatcher, a wildlife photographer, or simply want to experience the country’s flora and fauna, Bundala is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.