Sri Lanka Bundala vs Kumana - which national park for birds?
3 Answers from travellers
Bundala National Park (near Tissamaharama, near Yala) - Ramsar wetland site, easier access, 200+ bird species including migratory flamingos (Dec-Mar), painted stork, great pelican, jungle fowl. Half-day safari sufficient. Kumana National Park (east of Yala) - richer in variety but harder access, dry-season limited (May-Nov peak), boat + jeep combination. For dedicated birder with time: Kumana. For efficient half-day: Bundala. Kumana is one of Sri Lanka's least-visited parks - special for that reason alone.
Bundala also has crocodiles, elephants passing through, jackals - so mixed wildlife, not pure bird focus. Kumana is quieter (fewer jeeps), more specialist. Both benefit from local bird guide over generic safari driver.
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