Renowned worldwide for its avifauna, Kumana National Park should definitely be on your travel bucket list when you visit Sri Lanka. The park was formerly known as the Yala East National Park before its name officially changing to “Kumana” in September 2006. Being contiguous to the famous Yala National Park, this area often goes unnoticed, even though it is an underrated paradise that remains largely untouched and rarely visited. This is your invitation to visit Kumana and make memories that are as special as the park itself.
Cultural and Historical Significance:
The Kumana area is part of an ancient civilization that goes back to the 3rd century BC, as evident from the rock inscriptions found on the park site. It also lies on the route of the traditional annual foot pilgrimage to the Hindu temple at Kataragama, which is of great importance to the Tamil and Sinhalese communities. You could also take a tour of the religious site of Kataragama on your trip to Kumana, to bask in the glory of the rich history, culture and values of Sri Lanka and understand the country’s roots better.
The Location and Geography:
The Kumana National Park is located in the Ampara district, 391km away from Colombo. The entrance to the park can be found 22km south of Panama, in Okanda.
Kumana National Park spreads over an area of 35,664 hectares. It is bordered by the Kumukkan Oya on the west, and by a beautiful golden coast that stretches to Panama on the south. There is a swamp by the name of “Kumana Villu”, which is sometimes subject to inundation of sea water, and is a hub for birds. Kudawila wewa, Thummulla wewa and Kotalinda wewa are also quite popular among birds and other wildlife throughout the year. To make the most of your trip to Kumana, visit during the months of April to August.
Birdlife at Kumana:
An ornithologist’s paradise, Kumana National Park is easily the best place in Sri Lanka to spot a large variety of birds, of all kinds. During the months of April–July, thousands of birds migrate to the Kumana swamp area, annually recording up to 255 species. Regular sightings of birds include pelicans, painted storks, spoonbills, white ibis, herons, egrets and hundreds of little cormorants. The very rare black-necked stork has also been spotted at the swamp. Among the extraordinary birds that migrate to Kumana are the Yellow-footed Green Pigeon, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, Malabar Trogon, Red-faced Malkoha, and Sirkeer Malkoha.
Other Animals at Kumana:
Because it is adjacent to Yala, Kumana National Park is also home to much of the same species, making it the one-stop destination to witness the best of Sri Lanka’s amazing wildlife. You can see the majestic Asian elephant, the elusive Sri Lankan Sloth Bear, the great Sri Lankan Leopard, Golden Jackals, Wild Boars, herds of Buffaloes, as well as the endangered Fishing Cat.
Kumana National Park provides excellent feeding and resting habitats for a large number of threatened wetland species, including three turtle species such as the Green Turtle, Loggerhead Turtle, and the Olive Ridley Turtle. Among other threatened species of reptiles are the globally vulnerable Mugger Crocodile. The more commonly seen reptiles are Mugger Crocodile, the Indian Flap-shelled Turtle, and the Indian Black Turtle.
