Bundala National Park - birdwatching in southern Sri Lanka
Less visited than nearby Yala National Park, Bundala National Park is one of Sri Lanka’s foremost destinations for birdwatchers, as it forms the most important wetland sanctuary in the Southern Province. The lagoons are famous for the variety and profusion of aquatic birds. Although visitors should not expect safaris in this small national park would be like going on one in Africa, Bundala wetlands and the adjacent shrub jungle of Wilmanna sanctuary are also wildlife zones, monkeys and deer and large crocodiles will be sighted almost certainly. Besides Yala and Kumana, Bundala is Sri Lanka's only national park where both species of crocodiles occuring on the island can be sighted. Chances to observe wild elephants are good, too. Bundala of course is a highlight for birdwatchers in the first place. The best time to visit Bundala National Park is October to March, when migratory birds winter in the wetlands. Almost all aquatic bird species of Sri Lanka, resident as well as migrant ones, are said to occur in Bundala during northern autumn and winter months. Usually, morning safaris in Bundala are more rewarding than afternoon safaris.
History of Bundala National Park and Wilmanna Sanctuary
Bundala was designated a bird sanctuary in 1969 (Gazette No. 44,883). It became the island nation's first wetland to be declared as a Ramsar site soon after Sri Lanka's ratification of the Ramsar Convention in October 1990. The santuary was elevated to national park status in 1993. When the park was re-gazetted in 2004, it was almost bisect, as the size was reduced from 62 to 37 square kilometres (14 square miles) and now contains the wetland areas exclusively. In 2005, Bundala National Park was declared Sri Lanka's firth biosphere reserve by UNESCO. In mid 2006, the scrubland area adjacent to Bundala National Park (and largely forming a part of it till 2004) was established as Wilmanna Sanctuary, covering an area of 33 square kilometres, but without clearly marked boundaries. Wilmanna Sanctuary to the northeast of Bundala serves as a buffer zone of the national park. It has become an area of increasing human-elephant conflicts. There is an ongoing debate whether the boundary of the national park should be widened and encompass the Wilmanna shrublands again. Bundala safaris usually cross both wetlands of the national park and the shrub jungle of Wilmanna Sanctuary. Most of the national park area is state-owned, parts of the Bundala and Koholanka lagoons have been leased to the National Salt Corporation.
Geography of Bundala National Park
Bundala National Park, situated about 250 km southeast of Colombo, stretches along the coast for 17 km, from Koholankal Lagoon 2.5 km to the east of Hambantota to the river mouth of Kirindi Oya 5 km west of Kirinda. The maximum width is 4 km, between main gate and ocean. The national park area mainly consists of wetlands and sand dunes, whereas the adjacent Wilmanna Sanctuary is typical dry-zone scrubland.
The park encloses four shallow and brackish lagoons. From west to east, they are Koholankal Lewaya, Malala Lewaya, Embilikala Kalapuwa, Bundala Lewaya. They are separated from the ocean by sand dunes partly covered with scrub. There are some freshwater springs at the dunes bordering the sea.
Koholankal Lewaya at the Lewaya Road of Hambantota covers 390 hectares. Knudson Salinity in Koholankal Lewaya exceeds 30 ppt (parts per thousand), which is exactly the conventional limit value between "brackish" and "saline". For comparison, the average seawater salinity is 35 ppt. The only 1 m deep Koholankal Lagoon can dry up completely during severe droughts and is partly used for salt production. Salt pans in the western half are operated throughout the year. Koholankal Lagoon, which marks the western border of Bundala National Park, drains into the neighbouring Maha Lewaya, which is about 250 hectares in size. The latter is situated outside the park boundaries within the municipality of Hambantota. Maha Lewaya, also only 1 m in depth, is now almost completely covered with salt pans.
Malala Lewaya, with 650 hectares the largest lagoon of Bundala National Park, never dries up. The 1 to 2 meters deep Malala Lagoon is fed by the Malala Oya. Malala Lewaya is the park’s waterbody closest to the sea, separated from the ocean by a natural sand-bar of only 40 m width. Malala Lewaya only drains into the sea during floods or when the sand-bar is breached. Large flocks of gulls and terns rest on the shores of Malala Lagoon.
Koholankal Lewaya at the Lewaya Road of Hambantota covers 390 hectares. Knudson Salinity in Koholankal Lewaya exceeds 30 ppt (parts per thousand), which is exactly the conventional limit value between "brackish" and "saline". For comparison, the average seawater salinity is 35 ppt. The only 1 m deep Koholankal Lagoon can dry up completely during severe droughts and is partly used for salt production. Salt pans in the western half are operated throughout the year. Koholankal Lagoon, which marks the western border of Bundala National Park, drains into the neighbouring Maha Lewaya, which is about 250 hectares in size. The latter is situated outside the park boundaries within the municipality of Hambantota. Maha Lewaya, also only 1 m in depth, is now almost completely covered with salt pans.
Malala Lewaya, with 650 hectares the largest lagoon of Bundala National Park, never dries up. The 1 to 2 meters deep Malala Lagoon is fed by the Malala Oya. Malala Lewaya is the park’s waterbody closest to the sea, separated from the ocean by a natural sand-bar of only 40 m width. Malala Lewaya only drains into the sea during floods or when the sand-bar is breached. Large flocks of gulls and terns rest on the shores of Malala Lagoon.
Embilikala Lagoon in Bundala National Park
Embilikala Kalapuwa, a lagoon measuring 430 hectares and 1 to 2 m in depth, is further inland to the northeast of Malala Lagoon. Among the four largest waterbodies of the park, Embilikala Lagoon has the lowest salinity. This is why it is inhabited by birds that prefer fresh water, such as teals, spoonbills and cormorants. This is the first lagoon you will see when arriving at Bundala for a safari, as the main gate and visitors centre are situated at its northern bank. At its southern end, Embilikala Kalapuwa overflows into Malala Lewaya via a natural channel. Due to the thick growth of cattail, the banks of Embilikala Kalapuwa and the channel are nesting sites of swamphen, bitterns and Little grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis).
The namegiving Bundala Lewaya is the easternmost lagoon, measuring 520 hectares. With a mean depth of less than one metre, large parts of Bundala Lewaya dry up during the northern hemisphere summer months. The entire Bundala Lagoon can dry up during long periods of drought. The southwestern creek of Bundala Lewaya has been converted to salt pans by a series of earth bunds. The northern part of Bundala Lewaya remains to be a favourite winter habitat of migratory waders. This is the area where chances are best to observe flamingoes, since salinity levels of Embilikala have become too low. Flamingo season in Bundala is almost identical with the general migrant bird season, lasting from October till March.
To the east of the Bundala Lagoon, there are several freshwater lakes such as Yoda Maha Wewa, Bomaniya Wewa and Uraniya Wewa, strictly speaking, they are not located within the national park boundaries but in the so-called buffer zone. Usually, Bundala safaris cross mainly this buffer zone.
The park falls within the semi-arid zone of southeastern Sri Lanka. The general climate that can be classified as dry and hot. Annual Rainfall is between 900 mm and 1300 mm, with the dry season falling between May and September, September being the driest month. The average temperature is 27 degree centigrade (81 degree Fahrenheit). The area has an average relative humidity of 80 per cent.
To the east of the Bundala Lagoon, there are several freshwater lakes such as Yoda Maha Wewa, Bomaniya Wewa and Uraniya Wewa, strictly speaking, they are not located within the national park boundaries but in the so-called buffer zone. Usually, Bundala safaris cross mainly this buffer zone.
The park falls within the semi-arid zone of southeastern Sri Lanka. The general climate that can be classified as dry and hot. Annual Rainfall is between 900 mm and 1300 mm, with the dry season falling between May and September, September being the driest month. The average temperature is 27 degree centigrade (81 degree Fahrenheit). The area has an average relative humidity of 80 per cent.
Flora of Bundala National Park
Bundala National Park consists mainly of lagoons separated from the ocean by sand dunes partly covered with scrub and maritime grasslands and wetlands with inter-tidal mudflats, whereas the adjacent Wilmanna Sanctuary is mainly a dry thorny scrubland, interspersed with open plains, small tanks and waterholes, bordering the riverine forests of Kirindi Oya. This mix of terrestrial and wetland and sand dune vegetation types within a relatively small area is the reason for the immense biodiversity: A total of 383 plant species of 90 botanical families have been recorded in the park and sanctuary, including 6 that are endemic to Sri Lanka.
The Phytoplankton in the lagoons is dominated by blue-green algae. The reed-beds in the shallow marshes consist of Lesser bulrush (Typha angustifolia), the most common cattail in northern hemisphere brackish lagoons. Water hyacinths and water lilies are found in the marshes and streams. Salicornia brachiata, known as Umari keerai, and the lefaless Tecticornia indica are typical examples of halophyte (salt-tolerant) tropical plants.
The main semi-arid shrubland vegetation is wattle of the Fabaceae family. The dominant scrub is Sicklebush (Dichrostachys cinerea), well-known as “Chinese lantern tree”. Its Sinhala name is Andara. Another shrub is indigoberry called Emetic Nut (Randia dumetorum), called Madhanapala or Kaarai in India or Maalankaar in Tamil or Kukuruman in Sinhala. Conkerberry (Carissa spinarum), also known as bush plum in English or Karamba in Sinhala, is a typical shrub of the Bundala-Wilmanna area, too. All
The most common tree species in thicker scrub jungle areas are toothbrush tree (Salvadora persica), which is called Malittan in Sinhala, Veerai tree (Drypetes sepiaria), Weera in Sinhala,and Bidi leaf tree (Bauhinia racemosa), commonly known as Maila in Sinhala. Khirni tree (Manilkara hexandra), well-known as Palu in Sinhala, dominate the dense evergreen forest in the arid zone close to the sand dunes.
Less frequent larger trees in the Bundala and Wilmanna sanctuaries are Ceylon Satinwood (Swietenia chloroxylon), known as Burutha in Sinhala, Elephant-apple (Limonia acidissima), which is Divul in Sinhala, and Neem (Azadirachta indica), Kohomba in Sinhala, a tree in the mahagony family.
Only a small patch of mangrove is found at the Bundala lagoon, dominated by Black mangroves (Lumnitzera racemosa), known as Tonga mangrove in South Africa.
The habitats of wading birds in the shrub forest and dunes are threatened as a result of the spread of two invasive alien plants, Opuntia dillenii and Prosopis juliflora. The spread of the latter is the result of uncontrolled livestock herds.
The Phytoplankton in the lagoons is dominated by blue-green algae. The reed-beds in the shallow marshes consist of Lesser bulrush (Typha angustifolia), the most common cattail in northern hemisphere brackish lagoons. Water hyacinths and water lilies are found in the marshes and streams. Salicornia brachiata, known as Umari keerai, and the lefaless Tecticornia indica are typical examples of halophyte (salt-tolerant) tropical plants.
The main semi-arid shrubland vegetation is wattle of the Fabaceae family. The dominant scrub is Sicklebush (Dichrostachys cinerea), well-known as “Chinese lantern tree”. Its Sinhala name is Andara. Another shrub is indigoberry called Emetic Nut (Randia dumetorum), called Madhanapala or Kaarai in India or Maalankaar in Tamil or Kukuruman in Sinhala. Conkerberry (Carissa spinarum), also known as bush plum in English or Karamba in Sinhala, is a typical shrub of the Bundala-Wilmanna area, too. All
The most common tree species in thicker scrub jungle areas are toothbrush tree (Salvadora persica), which is called Malittan in Sinhala, Veerai tree (Drypetes sepiaria), Weera in Sinhala,and Bidi leaf tree (Bauhinia racemosa), commonly known as Maila in Sinhala. Khirni tree (Manilkara hexandra), well-known as Palu in Sinhala, dominate the dense evergreen forest in the arid zone close to the sand dunes.
Less frequent larger trees in the Bundala and Wilmanna sanctuaries are Ceylon Satinwood (Swietenia chloroxylon), known as Burutha in Sinhala, Elephant-apple (Limonia acidissima), which is Divul in Sinhala, and Neem (Azadirachta indica), Kohomba in Sinhala, a tree in the mahagony family.
Only a small patch of mangrove is found at the Bundala lagoon, dominated by Black mangroves (Lumnitzera racemosa), known as Tonga mangrove in South Africa.
The habitats of wading birds in the shrub forest and dunes are threatened as a result of the spread of two invasive alien plants, Opuntia dillenii and Prosopis juliflora. The spread of the latter is the result of uncontrolled livestock herds.
Fauna of Bundala National Park
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 Gray Langurs are frequently seen in Bundala National Park
24 species of vertebrates have been recorded in Bundala National Park, most of them are birds. Among the invertebrates, 52 species of butterflies have been recorded.
In particular, the national park is home to 32 species of mammals, 5 of which are classified as threatened. The most commonly seen mammals are Spotted Deer (Axis axis) and Tufted gray langurs (Semnopithecus priam). This langur species is native to dry zones in Sri Lanka and southern India, though less common in Tamil Nadu than in Andhra Pradesh. Gray Langurs are sacred animals in India, since they represent Lord Hanuman. They are therefore known as Hanuman Langurs, too. Like other Gray langurs, the Sri Lankan langur is mainly a leaf-eating monkey. Gray langurs are playful monkeys usually seen in groups ot ten to twenty individuals. In Bundala National Park, the endemic Toque macaque (Macaca sinica), otherwise the most widespread monkey in Sri Lanka, is less frequently seen. This monkey is known as "Rilawa" in Sinhala and hence named "Rillow" in English. Herds of cattle can be seen in the sanctuary, too, as they can get into the sanctuary, which is not protected by a fence. There are only a dozen permantly resident Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in Bundala and adjacent Wilmanna, but larger seasonal migratory herds of up to sixty. |
Sambar deer (Rusa unicolor), Wild boar (Sus scrofa), Golden jackal (Canis aureus), Small indian civet (Viverricula indica), Indian hare (Lepus nigricollis), Indian Giant squirrel (Ratufa indica) and Indian gray mongoose (Herpestes edwardsi) are not sighted very often and they do not live here in large quantities, but chances to spot them are not too bad.
Sloth bear (Melursus ursinus), Leopard (Panthera pardus), Rusty-spotted cat (Prionailurus rubiginosus), Fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus), Barking deer (Muntiacus muntiacus), the small mouse dear called White-spotted chevrotain (Moschiola meminna), and Indian crested porcupine (Hystrix indica) and Indian pangoline (Manis crassicaudata) occur in the Bundala and Wilmanna sanctuaries, too, but they are almost never sighted on safari tours. Elephants and leopards usually don’t come out if it rains.
48 species of reptiles occur in Bundala National Park. The Bengal monitor (Varanus bengalensis), widespread in Sri Lanka’s dry zones, is often sighted in Bundala National Park or, more precisely, in its buffer zone Wilmanna.
Sloth bear (Melursus ursinus), Leopard (Panthera pardus), Rusty-spotted cat (Prionailurus rubiginosus), Fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus), Barking deer (Muntiacus muntiacus), the small mouse dear called White-spotted chevrotain (Moschiola meminna), and Indian crested porcupine (Hystrix indica) and Indian pangoline (Manis crassicaudata) occur in the Bundala and Wilmanna sanctuaries, too, but they are almost never sighted on safari tours. Elephants and leopards usually don’t come out if it rains.
48 species of reptiles occur in Bundala National Park. The Bengal monitor (Varanus bengalensis), widespread in Sri Lanka’s dry zones, is often sighted in Bundala National Park or, more precisely, in its buffer zone Wilmanna.
Chances of spotting crocodiles are quite good in Bundala National Park. Estuarine and mugger crocodiles are both found here. The lagoons hold good numbers of them.
Bundala is the place in Sri Lanka where chances to observe estuarine crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) are best. A relatively high number of these “salties”, being the world’s largest crocodile species, live in the lagoon areas as well as in the estuary of Kirindi Oya. In fact, the saltwater crocodile is the largest reptile at all. On average, adult males grow to a length of 4.5 m and weigh 450 kg. Males of more than 6 m length and 1000 kg can occor. Females are significantly smaller in comparison, at around 3.3 metres in length. Saltwater crocodiles are famous for the long distances they can swim in the ocean. As in all crocodilians, the sex of the hatchlings is determined by temperature. Below 30 degrees centigrade all hatchlings will be female, at 30 to 32 degrees almost all hatchlings are male, and above 33 degrees they are usually female.
The mugger crocodile (Crocodylus palustris), otherwise much more common in Sri Lanka, also occurs, dwelling in the less saline Embilikala lagoon and in small freshwater lakes of Wilmanna sanctuary and in the upper regions of the River Kirindi.
Bundala is the place in Sri Lanka where chances to observe estuarine crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) are best. A relatively high number of these “salties”, being the world’s largest crocodile species, live in the lagoon areas as well as in the estuary of Kirindi Oya. In fact, the saltwater crocodile is the largest reptile at all. On average, adult males grow to a length of 4.5 m and weigh 450 kg. Males of more than 6 m length and 1000 kg can occor. Females are significantly smaller in comparison, at around 3.3 metres in length. Saltwater crocodiles are famous for the long distances they can swim in the ocean. As in all crocodilians, the sex of the hatchlings is determined by temperature. Below 30 degrees centigrade all hatchlings will be female, at 30 to 32 degrees almost all hatchlings are male, and above 33 degrees they are usually female.
The mugger crocodile (Crocodylus palustris), otherwise much more common in Sri Lanka, also occurs, dwelling in the less saline Embilikala lagoon and in small freshwater lakes of Wilmanna sanctuary and in the upper regions of the River Kirindi.
Olive ridley turtle in Bundala National Park
A walk along the beach at dawn can reveal turtle tracks in the sand, when endangered sea turtles have come ashore to nest during the night. From October to January the park receives visits from all five endangered marine turtles occuring in the Indian Ocean. Five of the seven species of sea turtles in the world visit the shores of Sri Lanka. Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), the smallest of them, is the most common sea turtle species visiting the shores of Sri Lanka, sometimes in large numbers. The peak nesting period is between September and November. It can also be seen outside this period within the swamp area of Bundala National Park.
Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) and Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) are also common sea turtles in Sri Lanka, whereas Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and the huge Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) are rare. Sea turtles are called Kesbawa in Sinhala and Amai in Tamil.
Sri Lanka’s terrestrial tortoise occuring in the sanctuary is the star tortoise (Geochelone elegans). It’s a threatened species, since it’s very popular in the exotic pet trade.
Reptiles also include Indian python (Python molurus), Oriental ratsnake (Pytas mucosus), and Sri Lanka Flying snake (Chrysoplea taprobanica). The latter is common gliding snake known as "Ddangara danda" in Sinhala. This species formerly considered endemic to Sri Lanka has recently be recorded in in southeastern India, too.
A noteworthy of the 15 amphibian species is an endemic frog called Athukoralei's Toad (Bufo athukoralei).
Bundala National Park is home to 32 fishes species, including the marine Bald glassy (Ambassis gymnocephalus), Milkfish (Chanos chanos) in brackish water, freshwater fish Striped snakehead (Channa striata), and Indonesian shortfin eel (Anguilla bicolor).
Sri Lanka’s terrestrial tortoise occuring in the sanctuary is the star tortoise (Geochelone elegans). It’s a threatened species, since it’s very popular in the exotic pet trade.
Reptiles also include Indian python (Python molurus), Oriental ratsnake (Pytas mucosus), and Sri Lanka Flying snake (Chrysoplea taprobanica). The latter is common gliding snake known as "Ddangara danda" in Sinhala. This species formerly considered endemic to Sri Lanka has recently be recorded in in southeastern India, too.
A noteworthy of the 15 amphibian species is an endemic frog called Athukoralei's Toad (Bufo athukoralei).
Bundala National Park is home to 32 fishes species, including the marine Bald glassy (Ambassis gymnocephalus), Milkfish (Chanos chanos) in brackish water, freshwater fish Striped snakehead (Channa striata), and Indonesian shortfin eel (Anguilla bicolor).
Avifauna of Bundala National Park
About two hundred bird species have been recorded in Bundala National Park, including migratory birds as seasonal visitors between October and March. Half of the roughly 100 species of waterbirds are migrants. Some migratory birds such as Curlew sandpiper, Little stint, Red-necked phalarope and Ruff make their journey from as far as Siberia. Bundala is considered an internationally important wintering ground for migratory water birds. The numerous species of migratory waterfowl were a main reason to declare Bundala Sri Lanka 's first Ramsar wetland, signifying international importance.
In particular, Bundala has long been famous for large flocks of Greater Flamingoes (Phoenicopterus roseus), the most common species of flamingoes. They migrate from the Rann of Kutch (Rann of Kachch) at the coasts of northwestern India at the border to Pakistan. Greater Flamingo used to visit Bundala in flocks of over 1,000 individuals. Some individuals could be seen throughout the year, apparently residents, an unusual phenomenon for this species. Nest mounds of flamingoes have been found neat the southern boundary of Bundala. Their exact breeding habits remain a mystery.
Regrettably, the once impressive numbers of Greater Flamingoes have significantly decreased in recent years, probably because too much freshwater added to the brackish lagoons. The freshwater inflow to Embilikala Kalapuwa and Malala Lewaya has increased significantly, since drainage water from irrigation settlement schemes of both main rivers of the Southern Province, Walawe Ganga and Kirindi Oya, has fed the Malala Oya, which is the main tributary of the lagoons. As a result, the specific algae that provides food for the flamingoes has died off.
Apart from flamingoes, Bundala’s most visible birds birds are blue peacocks. They are residents in Sri Lanka. They are correctly named Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus).
Garganey (Dendrocygna javanica) is the most abundant migratory duck in Sri Lanka, large flocks are common winter visitor of coastal lagoons and large dry-zone tanks. Northern Pintails are migrant ducks often seen in dry zone, large flocks only occur in wetlands like Bundala National Park. Northern shoveller (Spatula clypeata) is also a widespread duck that winters in Bundala, too.
Other very common migrant birds in Bundala are Pintail ducks (Anas acuta), Marsh sandpiper (Tringa stagnatilis), Common Redshank (Tringa totanus), Common greenshank (Tringa nebularia), Little stint (Calidris minuta), Pacific golden plover (Pluvialis fulva), Lesser sand plover (Charadrius mongolus), Greater sand plover (Charadrius leschenaultii), Curlew sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea).
A less common winter migrant is a race of Kentish plovers (Charadrius alexandrinus curonicus), whereas another race (C.a. seebohmi) is a breeding resident (race seebohmi) in dry areas of Sri Lanka’s lowlands.
The small Broad-billed Sandpiper (Calidris falcinellus) and Red-necked phalarope (Phalaropus lobatus) and the medium-sized ruff (Calidris pugnax), although not threatened species, are waders less frequently seen in Bundala.
Regrettably, the once impressive numbers of Greater Flamingoes have significantly decreased in recent years, probably because too much freshwater added to the brackish lagoons. The freshwater inflow to Embilikala Kalapuwa and Malala Lewaya has increased significantly, since drainage water from irrigation settlement schemes of both main rivers of the Southern Province, Walawe Ganga and Kirindi Oya, has fed the Malala Oya, which is the main tributary of the lagoons. As a result, the specific algae that provides food for the flamingoes has died off.
Apart from flamingoes, Bundala’s most visible birds birds are blue peacocks. They are residents in Sri Lanka. They are correctly named Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus).
Garganey (Dendrocygna javanica) is the most abundant migratory duck in Sri Lanka, large flocks are common winter visitor of coastal lagoons and large dry-zone tanks. Northern Pintails are migrant ducks often seen in dry zone, large flocks only occur in wetlands like Bundala National Park. Northern shoveller (Spatula clypeata) is also a widespread duck that winters in Bundala, too.
Other very common migrant birds in Bundala are Pintail ducks (Anas acuta), Marsh sandpiper (Tringa stagnatilis), Common Redshank (Tringa totanus), Common greenshank (Tringa nebularia), Little stint (Calidris minuta), Pacific golden plover (Pluvialis fulva), Lesser sand plover (Charadrius mongolus), Greater sand plover (Charadrius leschenaultii), Curlew sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea).
A less common winter migrant is a race of Kentish plovers (Charadrius alexandrinus curonicus), whereas another race (C.a. seebohmi) is a breeding resident (race seebohmi) in dry areas of Sri Lanka’s lowlands.
The small Broad-billed Sandpiper (Calidris falcinellus) and Red-necked phalarope (Phalaropus lobatus) and the medium-sized ruff (Calidris pugnax), although not threatened species, are waders less frequently seen in Bundala.
Grey-headed swamphen (Porphyrio poliocephalus), formerly considered a subspecies of Purple swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio)
Resident waterfowl occuring in large numbers in Bundala National Park include Lesser whistling duck (Dendrocygna javanica), Grey-headed swamphen (Porphyrio poliocephalus), Little cormorant (Microcarbo niger), the similar Indian shag (Phalacrocorax fuscicollis), Little Egret (Egretta garzetta), Indian pond heron (Ardeola grayii), Grey heron (Ardea cinerea), Great thick-knee (Esacus recurvirostris), Black-winged stilt (Himantopus himantopus), Black-headed ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus), Common spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia), Asian openbill stork (Anastomus oscitans), Painted stork (Mycteria leucocephala).
Several kingfisher species are often sighted in Bundala National Park.
Several kingfisher species are often sighted in Bundala National Park.
In general, many species of forest and scrub birds can easily be seen in Bundala National Park, for example Green Bea-eater (Merops orientalis), Blue-tailed Bee-eater (Merops philippinus), Indian silverbill (Euodice malabarica), Sirkeer cuckoo (Phaenicophaeus leschenaultii). The Yellow-wattled lapwing (Vanellus malabaricus) is found on the dry plains.
Some rare bird species live in Bundala National Park throughout the year, for example the Black-necked Stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus) and Lesser adjutant (Leptoptilos javanicus) are storks inhabiting the mudflats.
Endemic birds include Ceylon Junglefowl (Gallus lafayettii), the national bird of Sri Lanka; Brown-capped Babbler (Pellorneum fuscocapillus), known as Parandel Kurulla in Sinhala; and Sri Lanka woodshrike (Tephrodornis affinis), a scrubland bird sometimes considered a subspecies of the Common woodshrike (Tephrodornis pondicerianus).
Blue-faced malkoha (Phaenicophaeus viridirostris), a forest bird of the cuckoo order (Cuculiformes), is restricted to Sri Lanka and southern India.
Birds of prey often sighted in Bundala National Park are Brahminy kite (Haliastur indus), Crested serpent eagle (Spilornis cheela), Changeable hawk eagle (Nisaetus cirrhatus).
Some rare bird species live in Bundala National Park throughout the year, for example the Black-necked Stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus) and Lesser adjutant (Leptoptilos javanicus) are storks inhabiting the mudflats.
Endemic birds include Ceylon Junglefowl (Gallus lafayettii), the national bird of Sri Lanka; Brown-capped Babbler (Pellorneum fuscocapillus), known as Parandel Kurulla in Sinhala; and Sri Lanka woodshrike (Tephrodornis affinis), a scrubland bird sometimes considered a subspecies of the Common woodshrike (Tephrodornis pondicerianus).
Blue-faced malkoha (Phaenicophaeus viridirostris), a forest bird of the cuckoo order (Cuculiformes), is restricted to Sri Lanka and southern India.
Birds of prey often sighted in Bundala National Park are Brahminy kite (Haliastur indus), Crested serpent eagle (Spilornis cheela), Changeable hawk eagle (Nisaetus cirrhatus).
Safaris in Bundala National Park and Wilmanna Sanctuary
In contrast to Yala, which usually is closed in September and begin of October, Bundala is open year-round. Visitors staying in Tissamaharama should start their trip at 5.30 to start their safari at sunset. In general, it’s more recommendable to visit the birdlife of Bundala in the morning and the wildlife of Yala in the afternoon.
The park office of Bundala National Park is located at the northern banks of Embilikala Kalapuwa, in less than 2 km distance from the Hambatota-Tissamaharama road (A2). The road to the national park’s main gate and visitors center turns off at Weligatta junction at the 251 km post. Near the visitors center is a platform that has views over the marshes of the Embilikala Lagoon. The mini museum displays skeleton of a huge crocodile and a dolpin and preserved snakes in jars. The safari route then runs along the banks of Bundala Lewaya and to some waterholes crowded with storks, pelicans, herons, and spoonbills
Distances are not far in the Bundala area, the safari will not take more than two or three hours.
But the rangers will be patient and the vehicles will only move on after you have spotted everything the guide wants to show you and what sometimes might be difficult to detect for unexperienced birdwatchers.
Viewing big game is not what you should expect on a Bundala safari. Leopards are almost never sighted and there is no elephant guarantee, either. However, there is a 50% chance to spot one. Be aware, Elephants in this area close to human settlements are more aggressive than in larger national parks. It’s quite likely you will see monkeys, deer and crocodiles. Compared to other national parks, chances to observe saltwater crocodiles are higher, they inhabit the lagoon area.
In case you stay in the Yala area, don’t miss Bundala. Although it will not turn out to be as spectacular as Yala block 1, a Bundala safari makes sense, as a supplement or contrast, as this pretty charming national park is tranquil and not overcrowded by jeeps.
The park office of Bundala National Park is located at the northern banks of Embilikala Kalapuwa, in less than 2 km distance from the Hambatota-Tissamaharama road (A2). The road to the national park’s main gate and visitors center turns off at Weligatta junction at the 251 km post. Near the visitors center is a platform that has views over the marshes of the Embilikala Lagoon. The mini museum displays skeleton of a huge crocodile and a dolpin and preserved snakes in jars. The safari route then runs along the banks of Bundala Lewaya and to some waterholes crowded with storks, pelicans, herons, and spoonbills
Distances are not far in the Bundala area, the safari will not take more than two or three hours.
But the rangers will be patient and the vehicles will only move on after you have spotted everything the guide wants to show you and what sometimes might be difficult to detect for unexperienced birdwatchers.
Viewing big game is not what you should expect on a Bundala safari. Leopards are almost never sighted and there is no elephant guarantee, either. However, there is a 50% chance to spot one. Be aware, Elephants in this area close to human settlements are more aggressive than in larger national parks. It’s quite likely you will see monkeys, deer and crocodiles. Compared to other national parks, chances to observe saltwater crocodiles are higher, they inhabit the lagoon area.
In case you stay in the Yala area, don’t miss Bundala. Although it will not turn out to be as spectacular as Yala block 1, a Bundala safari makes sense, as a supplement or contrast, as this pretty charming national park is tranquil and not overcrowded by jeeps.
Accommodation near Bundala National Park
Hambantota and Tissamaharama are close-by and offer a wide range of accommodations. Hambantota has beachside resorts. The advantage of Tissamaharama is the location just in between Yala and Bundala national parks and Wirawila bird sanctuary.
Kirinda Beach is a perfect launch pad, too, situated at the beach between Yala and Bundala, too. Yala Village Hotel in Kirinda is a 3/4-star eco-resort with a pool in a scrub jungle area, in about 700 m distance from Kirnida harbour. The main hotel building houses a 360 degree observation deck overlooking a nearby water hole. Elephant Reach Hotel is a slightly cheaper mid-range hotel in Kirinda. It’s made up of chalets and has a pool, too. Kirinda Beach Resort and Beach Camp Yala in the are situated at the beachside.
Cinnamon Wild Yala is of the same price category as Yala Village, located closer to Yala National Park. In this area about 10 km east of Kirinda, there are several comfortable hotel resorts at the beachside, such as Jetwing Yala, Laya Safari, and Pardus Seek. The high end is Chena Huts.
Kirinda Beach is a perfect launch pad, too, situated at the beach between Yala and Bundala, too. Yala Village Hotel in Kirinda is a 3/4-star eco-resort with a pool in a scrub jungle area, in about 700 m distance from Kirnida harbour. The main hotel building houses a 360 degree observation deck overlooking a nearby water hole. Elephant Reach Hotel is a slightly cheaper mid-range hotel in Kirinda. It’s made up of chalets and has a pool, too. Kirinda Beach Resort and Beach Camp Yala in the are situated at the beachside.
Cinnamon Wild Yala is of the same price category as Yala Village, located closer to Yala National Park. In this area about 10 km east of Kirinda, there are several comfortable hotel resorts at the beachside, such as Jetwing Yala, Laya Safari, and Pardus Seek. The high end is Chena Huts.
