Kumana National Park

Where thousands of waterbirds nest undisturbed in a remote eastern wilderness

About Kumana National Park

Kumana National Park, formally known as Yala East, is renowned primarily as a bird sanctuary. During the nesting season, the park's mangroves and swamps teem with thousands of migratory and resident birds, including pelicans, painted storks, spoonbills, and ibis. Beyond birds, the park also supports elephants, leopards, and crocodiles, offering a much quieter and wilder safari experience than Yala.

Location on Map

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Destination Guide

Best Time to Visit

April to July is the optimal nesting season for birds. The park closes during the inter-monsoon. June to September for wildlife generally. Access via the coastal road from Arugam Bay.

Recommended Stay

1 day (ideally combined with Arugam Bay)

Key Highlights

✨Kumana Villu Bird Sanctuary
A large wetland area (the 'villu') where thousands of herons, storks, egrets, and cormorants nest in enormous colonies from April to July.
✨Coastal Wilderness
The park borders a pristine, completely deserted stretch of coastline — one of the wildest beaches in Sri Lanka.
✨Leopards
The park has a healthy leopard population with far fewer tourist vehicles than Yala, making encounters feel truly wild.
✨Access via Arugam Bay
Most comfortably visited as a day trip from Arugam Bay — 35 km along a coastal road passing through fishing villages and lagoons.