Lanka Sites

Located in the southeast corner of Sri Lanka, the 18,149 hectare KUMANA (YALA EAST) NATIONAL PARK is a well known bird sanctuary where varied species of birds make their home.The sanctuaries at Kumana, 335 km from Colombo (8 hour drive). One of the most significant features of the park is the 'Kumana Villu' - a 200 hectare natural swamp lake, fed by the 'Kumbukkan Oya' through a half mile long narrow channel.It contains a mangrove swamp where aquatic bird species such as painted storks, pelicans, white ibis, spoonbills, egrets, herons and little cormorants, Ceylon Jungle Fowl are frequently seen. Many water birds nest in May and June. From about August migratory birds have been coming to Sri Lanka to escape the harsh winters of Siberia, Scandinavia and Western Europe.With the first gleam of light, Kumana is musical fiestas of bird singing, rising in crescendo. sanctuary has its own surprises with varied colourful birds flying into the waterways, their wings flapping, gliding over the waters in search of food or rising up to the skies in search of greener pastures. Migratory birds stay in Sri Lanka till the end of the season and often make their homeward journey in May.

The mean annual temperature is 27 centigrade all though in the dry season it comes up to 37 centigrade. Besides the prolific birdlife, Kumana is also home to some of the mammals found in the larger YALA NATIONAL PARK (west) park, such as Deer, elephants, bears and leopards.

Sri Lankan Expeditions and Sri Lanka Travel Forum