Bundala National Park

Bundala National Park is situated in the southeast part of the country in the semi arid zone in the Southern Province. The park area consists mainly of dry thorny scrubland and lagoons. In addition, there are streams, seasonal water holes, tanks, salt marshes, mangroves, seashores and salterns, aspects that add to the diversity of habitat and the richness of its bio diversity.

The abundance of lagoons has made Bundala an ideal location for a large number of migratory and resident birds. Up to 2,000 Grater Flamingos having been recorded during November – January season and the total bird population can exceed 20,000 during migratory season. This has made Bundala top priority location for the bird enthusiast.

Bundala is also popular for its elephant population. Though physically smaller than the elephants in the other regions, they are reputed be more violent than their cousins in other parts of the country.

In This coastal area also attracts four out of Sri Lanka's five sea turtle species, which come ashore to lay their eggs. This park is much less visited than Yala so largely voids the weekend crowds.

Bundala was declared a sanctuary in 1969 and upgraded to a national park in 1992. In 1990, under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance for Migratory Waterfowl, Bundala was declared a Ramsar site, the only one in this country.

As Bundala National Park is located in semi arid zone, rainfall is highly seasonal. Main source of rainfall is Northeast monsoons (December- February). The area experiences a prolong drought from May to October. The temperature during this period can exceed 30C.