Kumana National Park, situated in the southeast corner of Sri Lanka, spans across 18,149 hectares. Renowned as a prominent eco-tourism destination and bird sanctuary, Kumana National Park is an integral part of the eastern sector of Yala National Park. One of its most notable features is the ‘Kumana Villu,’ a natural swamp lake covering 200 hectares. Fed by the Kumbukkan Oya through a narrow half-mile-long channel, this mangrove swamp serves as a breeding and roosting ground for a diverse array of bird species, particularly during May and June.

Visitors to Kumana National Park can expect to witness a multitude of bird species, including pelicans, painted storks, spoonbills, white ibis, herons, egrets, and little cormorants. Additionally, sightings of the rare black-necked stork have been reported in the park.

In addition to its rich avian population, Kumana National Park is also home to various mammals found in its larger counterpart, Yala National Park, such as elephants and leopards. The park’s vegetation primarily consists of mangrove trees, kumbuk trees, karan ferns, and open marsh areas.

For birdwatching enthusiasts visiting Sri Lanka, a visit to Kumana National Park is considered an absolute must, offering an unparalleled opportunity to observe a diverse range of birdlife in its natural habitat.