Kumana National Park
Eastern Province
About Kumana National Park
Kumana National Park, once known as Yala East, is Sri Lanka's most celebrated bird sanctuary and the wild, quiet counterpart to its famous neighbour across the Kumbukkan Oya river. Its centrepiece is the Kumana Villu, a 200-hectare mangrove-fringed swamp lake that erupts with life during the May–June nesting season, when tens of thousands of pelicans, painted storks, spoonbills, herons, and rare black-necked storks crowd the half-submerged trees. Away from the wetlands, the park's dry forest and rocky outcrops hide leopards, elephants, and sloth bears - seen by only a handful of jeeps a day, since Kumana receives a tiny fraction of Yala's traffic. The route in passes the dramatic cliff-top hermitage of Kudumbigala and the ancient Okanda temple, a major stop on the Pada Yatra pilgrimage. For birders and safari purists coming from Arugam Bay, Kumana is unmissable.
Top Activities
- ✓Birdwatching at Kumana Villu (May–June nesting)
- ✓Uncrowded leopard and elephant safaris
- ✓Climb Kudumbigala hermitage rock at sunrise
- ✓Visit Okanda temple
- ✓Camping on the Kumbukkan Oya riverbank
Nearby Attractions
Travel Tips
Base yourself in Arugam Bay - the park entrance is about 40 minutes south.
Bring binoculars and a long lens; the birdlife is the star here.
May and June mornings at the villu are unforgettable for nesting colonies.
Quick Info
Best Time
April to July (bird nesting season)
Weather
Dry and sunny April–September. North-east monsoon November–January.
Estimated Daily Budget
6.5717°N, 81.6690°E
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