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A wetland sanctuary on the south coast
Bundala National Park is a Ramsar-listed wetland reserve stretching along Sri Lanka's southern coastline, made up of lagoons, dunes and scrubland that support one of the island's richest concentrations of water birds.
What to see at Bundala
Flamingos are one of Bundala's signature sightings, particularly when migratory flocks arrive, alongside pelicans, storks, and a wide range of resident wetland species. Elephants and crocodiles are also present, though birdlife is the main draw.
Best time to visit
Migratory bird numbers generally peak from around October through to March, though the resident wetland bird population makes Bundala worth visiting throughout the year.
Getting to Bundala
Bundala sits close to Tissamaharama and within easy reach of Yala, making it simple to combine a short Bundala visit with a Yala leopard safari on the same southern coast trip.
Planning a Bundala safari
A half-day drive is usually enough to cover Bundala's highlights, making it an efficient add-on rather than requiring a dedicated overnight stay purely for this park.
