A coastal wetland and Ramsar site of lagoons and salt pans, one of Sri Lanka's finest birdwatching parks and a winter home for greater flamingos.

Overview

Bundala protects a string of shallow lagoons, salt pans, dunes and scrub along the south-east coast, and is a paradise for birdwatchers. It hosts thousands of migratory waterbirds between the northern winter months, most famously large flocks of greater flamingos, alongside pelicans, storks, ibises and terns. Elephants, crocodiles, monitor lizards and all five of Sri Lanka's sea turtle species also occur here. Jeep safaris are quieter and more relaxed than at neighbouring Yala, making it a rewarding half-day trip from Tissamaharama or Hambantota.

History

Bundala was designated a wildlife sanctuary in 1969 and upgraded to a national park in 1993. In 1991 it became the first site in Sri Lanka to be recognised as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance, and in 2005 it was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve for its outstanding coastal wetland ecosystems and migratory bird populations.