Introduction

Where land meets lagoon and the sky fills with wings, Bundala is a place for stillness, observation, and quiet discovery. This Ramsar-listed wetland hosts thousands of migratory birds each year and offers a contemplative contrast to Sri Lanka’s busier parks.

About the Park

• Location: Southern coast of Sri Lanka (Hambantota District)
• Size: ~6,200 hectares
• Designation: UNESCO Biosphere Reserve & Ramsar Wetland
• Habitats: Lagoons, salt pans, scrub forest, dunes and sandy coastline

Bundala’s patchwork of wetlands supports enormous flocks of migratory birds and a rich coastal ecosystem, from flamingos and pelicans to nesting sea turtles on nearby beaches.

Wildlife Highlights

• 🦩 Flamingos & Waders - seasonal flocks that turn the lagoons rose and white at dawn.
• 🕊️ Waterbirds - pelicans, painted storks, black-headed ibis and a host of migratory species.
• 🐊 Reptiles & Mammals - marsh crocodiles, monitors, and occasional elephants at wetland edges.
• 🐢 Marine Life - nearby beaches host turtle nesting grounds (seasonal).

Best Time to Visit

Peak birdwatching season runs from November to March when migratory flocks arrive. Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light and bird activity.

Visitor Experience

Bundala is designed for slow observation. Safaris here are measured and quiet, perfect for birdwatchers, photographers, and travellers seeking contemplative wildlife encounters. Guides interpret the wetlands and explain the seasonal rhythms that bring flocks and shorebirds to the lagoons.

Conservation & Responsibility

As a Ramsar site and Biosphere Reserve, Bundala’s conservation value is global. One’s Destination supports low-impact visits, community initiatives, and wetland restoration efforts that protect birds and coastal habitats.

Please follow your guide’s instructions, avoid trampling salt pans, and maintain respectful distances from birds and nesting areas.

Getting There

Bundala is easily reached via the southern expressway and fits neatly into a southern wildlife circuit.

• From Colombo: ~250 km — approx. 4.5–5 hours by road
• From Yala: ~1 hour (depending on route and block openings)
• From Tangalle: ~1–1.5 hours

Most visitors enter via the Weligatta gate near Hambantota. Private transfers and combined park itineraries can be arranged for smooth arrivals and timely safaris.

Practical Information

Nearby & Suggested Extensions

• Yala National Park — Combine Bundala’s wetlands with Yala’s dry-zone wildlife for a complete southern safari.
• Udawalawe National Park — Elephant plains and open savannahs, ideal on a multi-park route.
• Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary — A smaller reserve with great local birding opportunities.
• Tangalle & Mirissa — Beaches and coastal retreats to unwind after birding.

For custom multi-day routes or transfers between parks, contact our team to craft a tailored wildlife and coastal itinerary.