Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Located in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka, Kumana National Park was established in 2006 and covers a coastal area characterized by lagoons, streams, and dry jungle forests. The park lies adjacent to the larger Yala National Park, separated by the Kumbukkan Oya river, and together these parks form a significant contiguous protected wildlife zone. Kumana’s geography features a unique blend of dry zone forest and coastal wetland habitats, supporting a wide variety of flora and fauna. The park is internationally acclaimed for its bird diversity, including over 200 bird species, with several migratory waterbirds like flamingos, pelicans, storks, and herons arriving from Siberia and other regions during the monsoon season. Alongside birds, Kumana harbors mammals such as elephants, leopards, sloth bears, and water buffalo. Visitors are attracted by the park's prime opportunities for wildlife viewing, especially bird watching, safari drives, and nature photography. The park has a number of small lagoons and coastal ecosystems, which offer serene backdrops for observing wildlife in their natural habitats. Kumana National Park's historical importance includes its earlier status as a bird sanctuary since the 1930s and its recovery after disruptions caused by civil conflict in Sri Lanka. Today, it is managed by the Department of Wildlife Conservation and is well regarded for eco-tourism, helping to preserve rich biodiversity and natural heritage.
