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Location Profile

Kumana National Park Details

Mangroves & Lagoons • Southeast Coast

Kumana National Park is one of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful and less crowded wildlife parks, located on the southeast coast near Arugam Bay. It is famous for birdwatching, wetlands, lagoons, and peaceful safari experiences. The park borders Yala National Park and shares similar wildlife, but with far fewer safari jeeps. The park covers about 35,000 hectares and was officially declared a national park in 1970.

Why Kumana is Special

  • One of the best bird sanctuaries in Sri Lanka with massive mangrove swamp colonies
  • Quiet and less crowded compared to neighboring Yala, preventing vehicle congestion
  • Excellent for professional wildlife photography and nature lovers seeking solitude
  • Beautiful saltwater lagoons, coastal dunes, and undisturbed mangrove forests
  • Great combination of wildlife encounters and ancient historical rock shelters

Species Sightings

Common species spotted regularly by our naturalists at this destination.

Painted Storks Pelicans Eurasian Spoonbills Leopards Elephants Mugger Crocodiles
Total Area 35,000 Hectares
Declared Park 1970
Former Name Yala East Park
Reopened 2003

Wildlife Sanctuary Dashboard

Birds (250+ Species)

Kumana is internationally famous for nesting water birds and seasonal migratory colonies.

  • Painted Storks
  • Pelicans
  • Eurasian Spoonbills
  • Black-necked Storks
  • Egrets & Herons
  • Peacocks & Cormorants
  • Flamingos (Seasonal)

Mammals

Sharing a border with Yala, Kumana is home to Sri Lanka’s major land mammals.

  • Sri Lankan Elephant
  • Sri Lankan Leopard
  • Spotted Deer & Wild Boar
  • Jackals & Sloth Bears (Rare)
  • Fishing Cats

Reptiles & Others

Rich coastal wetland biospheres support diverse cold-blooded predators.

  • Mugger Crocodiles
  • Monitor Lizards
  • Sea Turtles
  • Pythons

Safari Experience

Kumana offers a relaxed and natural safari. With fewer jeeps and zero vehicle crowding around sightings, you can observe animals in their undisturbed habitats.

Half-day Morning Safari Half-day Evening Safari Full-day Safari Trackers Dedicated Birdwatching Tour Wildlife Photography Safari

Best Time to Visit

  • April to July for peak bird nesting & migratory bird sightings.
  • February to September for dry weather mammalian safaris.
  • Tip: Morning safaris generally provide the best active wildlife viewings.

Nearby Attractions

  • Arugam Bay Beaches & Surfing
  • Kudumbigala Forest Monastery
  • Panama Beach & Giant Dunes
  • Yala National Park (Eastern Blocks)

Perfect For

Avian Enthusiasts & Birdwatchers
Wildlife Photographers
Nature & Wilderness Lovers
Quiet, Jeep-Free Safaris
Sustainable & Eco-Tourism Travelers

Did You Know?

Kumana was formerly named “Yala East National Park” and was closed for many years during the island’s civil conflict. It was officially reopened to nature lovers and travelers in 2003.

Adventure Opportunities

Available Tours in Kumana National Park

Safari Early Bird Tour

Morning Safari Kumana National Park

From $200 USD / Person
Duration: 5.30 am - 11.00 am Group Size: Max 6 Guests Difficulty: Easy

Tour Overview

Explore the peaceful Kumana National Park at dawn. Ideal for birdwatching and capturing the morning activity of diverse wildlife without the crowds.

What's Included

  • Free hotel pick up and drop (From Kumana area Hotels)
  • Private Safari Jeep
  • Naturalist / Game Ranger
  • Complimentary light Water & Softdrink refreshment pack
  • Park Entrance fees
  • All applicable taxes

Tiered Group Pricing

Private 4x4 safari jeep rate based on total passengers:

2 Pax USD 200
3 Pax USD 240
4 Pax USD 280
5 Pax USD 320
6 Pax USD 360
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Safari Ultimate Experience

Full Day Safari Kumana National Park

From $320 USD / Person
Duration: 5.00 am - 6.00 pm Group Size: Max 6 Guests Difficulty: Moderate

Tour Overview

Immerse yourself in a full-day birdwatching and wildlife adventure across Kumana’s lagoons and mangroves, complete with a picnic lunch.

What's Included

  • Free hotel pick up and drop (From Kumana area Hotels)
  • Private Jeep
  • Naturalist / Game Ranger
  • Complimentary refreshment pack
  • Picnic Lunch
  • Park Entrance Fees
  • All applicable taxes

Tiered Group Pricing

Private 4x4 safari jeep rate based on total passengers:

2 Pax USD 320
3 Pax USD 360
4 Pax USD 400
5 Pax USD 440
6 Pax USD 480
Book This Tour Enquire Now
Safari Golden Hour Tour

Evening Safari Kumana National Park

From $200 USD / Person
Duration: 1.30 pm - 6.00 pm Group Size: Max 6 Guests Difficulty: Easy

Tour Overview

Enjoy the golden hour in Sri Lanka’s premier bird sanctuary as wildlife gathers around the scenic lagoons and wetlands.

What's Included

  • Free hotel pick up and drop (From Kumana area Hotels)
  • Private Safari Jeep
  • Naturalist / Game Ranger
  • Complimentary light Water & Softdrink refreshment pack
  • Park Entrance fees
  • All applicable taxes

Tiered Group Pricing

Private 4x4 safari jeep rate based on total passengers:

2 Pax USD 200
3 Pax USD 240
4 Pax USD 280
5 Pax USD 320
6 Pax USD 360
Book This Tour Enquire Now
Safari 2 Nights Camping

Kumana Safari Expedition (Kumana National Park) – 2 Nights / 3 Days

From $750 USD / Person
Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights Group Size: Custom Group Difficulty: Easy

Tour Overview

Kumana National Park – 2 Nights / 3 Days Safari Package. Experience the wild beauty of Kumana National Park with a peaceful safari adventure away from the crowds. Famous for leopards, elephants, and migratory birds.

Package Quick Facts
Duration: 2 Nights / 3 Days
Location: Kumana National Park
Accommodations: Eco Lodge / Campsite / Boutique Hotel
Tour Type: Birdwatching & Quiet Safari
Pick-up Locations: Arugam Bay / Panama / Pottuvil / Yala / Ella / Kandy

What's Included

  • 2 Nights accommodation (Eco Lodge, Campsite, or Boutique Hotel)
  • 2 Safari jeep drives in Kumana National Park
  • Private safari jeep with experienced naturalist
  • National park entrance fees
  • Daily breakfast & dinner
  • Safari guide / Naturalist assistance
  • Water and refreshments during safari
  • Pick-up & drop-off from Arugam Bay, Panama, Pottuvil, Yala, Ella, or Kandy

Recommended to Bring

  • Binoculars
  • Camera with zoom lens
  • Sun hat
  • Insect repellent

Kumana is especially famous for birdwatching and quieter safari experiences compared to Yala. Recommended nearby destinations include Arugam Bay and Panama Beach.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival & Evening Safari

Pickup from Arugam Bay, Panama, Pottuvil, Yala, Ella, or Kandy. Check-in to your safari lodge or campsite. Go on an evening jeep safari in Kumana National Park to spot elephants, crocodiles, deer, wild boar, and exotic wetland birds.

Highlights:
  • Pickup from regional hubs
  • Check-in & campsite lunch
  • Evening Kumana safari

Overnight: Safari Lodge / Campsite near Kumana

Day 2 – Full Day Safari Adventure

Early morning tea/coffee. Full-day safari with a picnic breakfast and lunch. Visit famous bird breeding areas and the Kumana Villu wetlands. Track leopards and enjoy a riverside relaxation break during midday.

Highlights:
  • Full-day safari & picnic meals
  • Kumana Villu wetlands visit
  • Leopard tracking & river break

Overnight: Safari Lodge / Campsite near Kumana

Day 3 – Nature Walk & Departure

Early morning nature walk, the best time for birdwatching and wildlife photography. Breakfast at the lodge/camp, check-out, and transfer to Arugam Bay or your next destination.

Highlights:
  • Morning birding nature walk
  • Campsite breakfast
  • Check-out & departure transfer
Book This Tour Enquire Now
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