Formerly known as the Yala East National Park, with its year of establishment dating back to 1970, Kumana, Sri Lanka, is located southeast of Colombo, and is renowned for its wide variety of migratory and resident birds. Declared as one of the most significant bird resting and breeding grounds in the island, Kumana bird sanctuary houses pelicans, herons, egrets, painted storks, and other avians of over 430 different species and varieties.
Encompassing Kumana’s area of 35,664 hectares is the Kumbukkan Oya, a stream which forms the southern boundary of the park. With over 20 lagoons and artificial reservoirs to support and sustain wildlife, one may often stumble upon avians fishing for tilapia and mullet, only occasionally accompanied by jackals, boars, otters, and fishing cats.
However, much of the park’s activity transpires at the “Kumana Villu”, which is a mangrove swamp that is occasionally subjected to sudden influxes of sea water. During the months of May and June, this swamp teems with nesting birdlife, alongside other predators which lurk in the area in pursuit of prey.
Interestingly enough, rock inscriptions of the 1st and 2nd centuries BC have been uncovered in the region. Moreover, the Kumana area is confirmed to have been a part of an ancient civilization that dates back to the 3rd century BC, thus, effectively rendering it a cultural treasure.
Discover the best bird watching tours at the Kumana National Park