The Bundala Natinoal Park is located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka close to Hambantota comprising of a wetland ecosystem. Declared a Sanctuary in 1969 it gained National Park status on 1^st January 1993 and is the first wetland identified by RAMSAR. The park covers an area of 6,216 hectares.

Bundala contains of a semi-arid climate with an annual rainfall of 900-1300mm and an average temperature of 27 C. The park comprises of four large shallow brackish lagoons, the Koholankal Lewaya (390 hectares), the Embillikala Lagoon (430 hectares), Bundala Lewaya (520 hectares) and the Malala Lewaya (650 hectares) as well as impressive sand dunes. The vegetation mainly composes of dry thorn shrubs and herbs belonging to over 300 species.

Bundala’s main attraction is its birds where 197 species have been identified thus far out of which 58 species are migrants and 11 endemics. Amoung the other species are 32 species of mammals, 15 amphibians, 48 reptiles and 32 species of fish. 

Main attractions:

• Water birds
• Sea turtles

Best Season: 

Routes:The Park entrance is found to the right of Wlipoththa junction and there are two main routes to the Park.

• Route 01  – Colombo -> Galle -> Matara -> Tangalle -> Hambantota -> Welipoththa junction – 256 km.
• Route 02  – Colombo -> Ratnapura -> Pelmadulla -> Embilipitiya -> Hambantota   -> Welipoththa junction – 245 km.