Here is your Bundala National Park Ultimate Guide.
A trip to Sri Lanka offers endless natural experiences. It is home to many national parks and beautiful natural landscapes. If you are a nature-enthusiast, Sri Lanka should definitely be on your travel list. And if it already is, make sure to visit Bundala National Park.
The best way to reach this national park is to first reach Tissamaharama. The national park is at a distance of 30-minutes from this town. You can book a taxi or travel by bus or train.
Let us now begin with some more information about Bundala National Park.
About Bundala National Park
Located in the southern province (Hambantota district) of Sri Lanka, Bundala National Park is spread over 62 sq. km. It is a coastal park and has a diverse ecosystem. Being first recognised as a Ramsar Wetland, it received the tag of a national park in 1993. It was in 2005 that Bundala National Park became a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
You will find lagoons, dunes, wetlands, and scrub forests in this diverse national park. On record, we find over 200 species of migratory birds in Bundala National Park. This one is also home to mammals, aquatic life, and even reptiles. It is considered a rich biodiversity hotspot.
Bundala National Park is considered an important wintering ground internationally for migratory birds. The scenic landscapes and wildlife capture the attention of the visitors.
Best time to visit
You need to visit Bundala National Park during the proper season to spot the most species. The dry season, i.e., from November to March, is the best time to visit Bundala National Park. Predictable weather and low water levels make it easy to spot various animals.
But if you are more interested in watching birds, then the best time would be from December to March. As discussed already, the migratory birds come here in these months often. This is also the best time to spot greater flamingos.
The climate during these months is cool and less humid. It will be comfortable for the tourists to spend the whole day in the national park. What else do you need to have a pleasant travel experience? A cool climate and easy to spot species will give you a memorable trip.
Things to see
There are a lot of things to do and see at Bundala National Park. First of all, it is a paradise for bird watchers. The rich avian diversity attracts more visitors to this national park. You can see some key species of birds, like greater flamingos, in large numbers. Around the lagoons, painted storks, pelicans, and spoonbills can be seen commonly. Visit the wetlands in Bundala National Park to spot egrets, herons, and cormorants.
Mammals like elephants, mongooses, fishing cats, and civets, as well as primates like toque macaques and gray langurs, can be seen here. Also, in the lagoons or in wetlands, you can easily find crocodiles, monitor lizards, and various species of snakes.
The vegetation at Bundala National Park is a blend of dry, thorny scrublands, mangrove forests, and marshes. Thus, you can see unique flower and plant species in this national park.
Location
To reach Bundala National Park, let us give you clear directions so you are left with no doubts. The national park is situated in the Hambantota District, southeastern Sri Lanka. From Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, you will have to head southeast and travel 245 km to reach Bundala National Park.
Hambantota town and Yala National Park are close to Bundala National Park. The best way to reach Bundala National Park is by car. It takes around 6-7 hours to reach the park from Colombo. For this, your route must be through the southern expressway.
You can book a taxi on various taxi booking platforms available online. If you wish to use public transport, you can travel by bus or train. Several buses and trains run every day from Colombo to Hambantota. After reaching Hambantota, you can hire a taxi or a tuk-tuk to reach your final destination, i.e., Bundala National Park.
Opening times
Usually, Bundala National Park is open throughout the year. The visiting hours of Bundala National Park are 6 am to 6 pm daily. But if you want to spot most species, the best time to visit the national park is either early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The tickets are sold only till 4 pm.
Animals are often more active during these times. And as we have mentioned before, visiting the Bundala National Park during dry season provides more chances to see the largest number of species. To get the best view, make sure you book the tickets online to avoid crowds.
Ticket prices
You will have to purchase tickets to enter Bundala National Park. As of now, below-mentioned are the entry ticket prices-
Sri Lankan Adults- approx. LKR 60
Sri Lankan Children- approx. LKR 30
Foreign Adults- approx. $15 USD
Foreign Children- approx. $8 USD
Along with the entry fee, visitors need to pay an additional charge of $8 USD as a guide service charge. Guides ensure you are safe inside the national park. They also help you spot the species and provide knowledge related to the national park.
Depending on the safari package you choose, you will have to pay separately for that. You can choose animal wildlife safari, bird safari, or even both.
Conclusion
Bundala National Park offers some of the most unique experiences to its visitors. It provides an enriching experience for all nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The biodiversity, landscapes, and migratory birds offer a memorable trip. Thus, make the most of your trip.
It is necessary that you keep a few things in mind. Make sure to wear light and breathable clothes along with shoes. If you can, carry a camera and binoculars to watch birds. Also, stay hydrated, as the park is too big and you will have to be fit. Also, keep the park area clean. Have a great bird spotting session.
Editorial Staff at Ceylon Empire Travels are Specialist in Sri Lanka Travel.
