Greater flamingos
Migrant flocks on the shallow lagoons.
Shenal Sadurshan — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Sham11as — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Isuru Dinush — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Nipuna Gamage — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Nipuna Gamage — CC BY-SA 4.0
Bundala National Park is an internationally important wintering ground for migratory water birds in southeastern Sri Lanka. It holds 197 bird species, the highlight being greater flamingos arriving in large flocks, and it offers a calmer outing for bird lovers than busy Yala nearby. It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in December 1969 and a national park in January 1993. In 1991 it became the first Ramsar wetland in Sri Lanka, and UNESCO named it a biosphere reserve in 2005. It now covers 3,698 hectares after being regazetted in 2004. The 2004 tsunami struck the coast here, but sand dunes spared it most of the damage. The park has five shallow brackish lagoons: Bundala, Embilikala, Malala, Koholankala and Mahalewaya, the last two largely used for salt production. Safari jeeps move between thorny scrub and marshes, past wooden boats on the channels and red dunes by the sea. Some 383 plant species have been recorded here, mostly thorny shrubs and herbs suited to the dry climate. The park lies about 14.7 km from Tissamaharama and 170.4 km from Colombo in a straight line. The dry period runs from May to September, while migrant birds arrive in the cooler months, so plan around what you want to see. Visits run by jeep, so bring binoculars and a hat, and stay in the vehicle. Early morning is best for birds and light.
Migrant flocks on the shallow lagoons.
Red sand looking over the sea.
Wooden boats among the marshes.
Near Tissamaharama, southeast Sri Lanka
In the cooler migrant season, and numbers change from year to year.
Bundala centres on birds and lagoons and is usually calmer than Yala.