Kumana

The island's great bird sanctuary in the wild east.

What makes Kumana.

Kumana, adjoining Yala on the south-east coast, is one of Sri Lanka's most important bird sanctuaries, built around the Kumana Villu — a vast mangrove swamp that becomes a riot of nesting waterbirds from May to July. Pelicans, storks, herons, spoonbills and rare migrants crowd the lagoon in their thousands. Far less visited than neighbouring Yala, Kumana also holds leopards, elephants and crocodiles, with the ancient Bowattagala cave inscriptions hidden in its forest. Its remote, end-of-the-road feel — reached near the surf of Arugam Bay — makes it a rewarding detour for birders and wildlife travellers.

The island's great bird sanctuary in the wild east.

April – July (peak waterbird nesting)Best time
6Spots to see
~50KVisitors / year

What to see

Where to explore in Kumana.

The landmarks and corners worth carving out time for. Each one a reason this place earns its place on the route.

01
Kumana Villu
A vast mangrove swamp that fills with nesting and migrant waterbirds in season.
02
Bird hides & lagoons
Pelicans, storks and herons crowding the lagoons of one of Asia's top bird parks.
03
Coastal wilderness
A remote stretch of wild south-east coast where the park meets the sea.
04
Leopards & elephants
The same big game as neighbouring Yala, but seen with far fewer jeeps around.
05
Bowattagala cave
An ancient rock shelter with early Brahmi inscriptions hidden within the park.
06
Kumbukkan Oya river mouth
A wild river-and-sea estuary at the park's edge, rich in crocodiles and birds.