What to Expect in Kumana National Park: One of the Best Places in Sri Lanka for Leopards and Sloth Bears
Kumana National Park stands apart from frequently visited destinations like Yala, promising almost private sightings of leopards and sloth bears guided by our experienced team.
A haven for birdwatchers, Kumana National Park boasts 255 recorded species, including Pelicans, Painted Storks, Spoonbills, White Ibis, and Cormorants. The rare Black-necked Stork can also be spotted in the swamps.
In addition to its prolific birdlife, Kumana National Park is home to mammals like elephants, leopards, Golden Jackals, and the elusive European Otter. Approximately 30 to 40 Sri Lankan Elephants reside in Kumana, often crossing into Yala. Experience the serenity and rich biodiversity of Kumana National Park, a perfect destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
Plan your 2 night / 3 day safari adventure with us and witness the wonders of this natural paradise.
Accommodation inside the Kumana National Park
Experience the exclusive, private, and mobile luxury of Explorer by Mahoora at Kumana National Park. Our fully serviced, all-inclusive tented camp is meticulously set up and dismantled with your arrival and departure, ensuring a seamless wilderness retreat. Each tent combines modern amenities with en-suite bathrooms, offering comfort amid the natural beauty of the park. Enjoy personalized service, gourmet meals, and guided safaris that bring you close to Kumana's diverse wildlife. For an unparalleled experience in Kumana National Park accommodation, Explorer by Mahoora promises a unique blend of adventure and relaxation, making your stay unforgettable.
Birding Safaris in Kumana National Park
Discover Kumana National Park's vibrant birdlife, boasting an impressive 255 bird species. From April to July, tens of thousands migrate here, including rare breeds like the Black-necked Stork, Lesser Adjutant, Eurasian Spoonbill, and Great Thick-knee, which breed within its boundaries. The park is also a haven for diverse waders and waterfowl.
Witness large flocks of migratory birds such as the Asian Openbill, Glossy Ibis, Purple Heron, and Spot-billed Pelican, adding to Kumana's allure as a birdwatcher's paradise. Its wetlands and forest patches provide ideal habitats for these feathered visitors, ensuring an enriching experience for bird enthusiasts.
Embark on birding safaris with Mahoora Safaris in Kumana National Park, promising unforgettable encounters with Sri Lanka's rich avifauna. Common sightings include the Pacific Golden Plover, Greater Sand Plover, Little Ringed Plover, offering ample opportunities for bird photography and appreciation.
What’s the best time to Visit Kumana National Park
The best time to visit Kumana National Park is during the dry season, which typically runs from April to September. This period is ideal because the weather is generally dry, and wildlife, including birds and mammals, tends to concentrate around water sources, making them easier to spot during Kumana safaris. The months of April to July are particularly good for birdwatching as many migratory birds arrive during this time to nest in the park's wetlands.
It's important to note that Kumana National Park becomes very challenging to access during the northeast monsoon season, which usually spans from October to January, due to heavy rains that make access difficult and wildlife sightings less frequent. Therefore, planning a visit between April and September ensures better weather conditions and higher chances of encountering the park's diverse wildlife.
How do I get to Kumana National Park, considered one of the best things to do from Arugambay?
There are two routes from Colombo, they fork off at Pelmadulla and meet again at Wellawaya, one going via Beragala and Koslanda and the other via Thimbolketiya, Udawalawe and Thanamalwila. From Wellawaya the road goes through Monaragala, Pottuvil and Panama. There is only one entrance to the Park from Panama, through the Kudumbigala Sanctuary. The distance from Colombo is approximately 391 km. You can also take an air taxi from Colombo (Peliyagoda) and land in Arugam Bay. From there reach the Kumana National Park by road. By helicopter: take off either from the Bandaranaike Airport or Ratmalana and land in Kumana and then reach the Park by road.
Reviews
Goansoon A, Dundee, United Kingdom
What a great experience
CaraAdelaid, Adelaide
The highlight of our Sri Lankan trip!
Mandeville, Cambridge, United Kingdom
Tented experience within the national park
