Situated on the Southeast coast of the island Kumana National Park, once known as Yala East National Park is one continuous reserve with Yala only separating from the Kumbukkan Oya. Kumana was established as a National Park in 1970 and includes an area of 18,149 hectares.

Kumana shares a similar biodiversity with that of Yala with Dry mixed evergreen forests but the presence of large villus and lagoons have made Kumana a unique wetland ecosystem and are one of the prime birding locations in the island, it is one of the 6 main RAMSAR designated wetlands in the country.

An avifauna high region, Kumana is home to 255 birds and between the months of April to July tens of thousands of migratory birds could be seen in the park. In the park can also be found other animals such as Elephant, Wild Boar, Jackal, the Fishing Cat etc. A large number of reptiles too could be found within the park such as the Mugger Crocodile, the Indian Python, the Cobra, and three wetland turtle species as well.

Main attractions:

• Painted Stork (Mycteria leucocephala)
• Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia)
• Many other species of Birds
• The Kumana mangrove swamp

Best Season: May to June (when a large number of birds nest in the Mangroves)

Routes:The Park has only one entrance at Panama on the east coast but permits should be obtained from the Park office at Okande.

• Route 01 – Colombo -> Ratnapura -> Pelmadulla -> Koslande -> Welawaya -> Moneragala -> Pottuvil and Panama – 390 km.
• Route 02 – Colombo -> Ratnapura -> Pelmadulla -> Udawalawe -> Thanamalwila -> Welawaya -> Moneragala -> Pottuvil and Panama – 390 km.