Kumana National Park

Kumana National Park was formerly known as Yala East National Park, and as such is connected with the most famous and largest of Sri Lankan national parks. Kumana is famous for its birds and promises visually orgasmic experiences to bird enthusiasts visiting Sri Lanka. The park is located 391km southeast of Colombo along Sri Lanka’s south eastern coast. It is very close to travel hotspots such as Yala and Arugam Bay, the latter a surfers and beach paradise.

A highlight of Kumana National Park is the large estuary fed by the Kumbukkan Oya river. This is a mangrove swamp that is home to many of the birds that nest at Kumana. The pelican is the most common bird found here while the rarest has to be the black necked stork. Birdwatchers need look no further as the best safari camp spot to observe the animals is from the shores of the Kumbukkan Oya. An old shrine for one of the forgotten gods of the area also occupies the vicinity, adding some exotic mystery which harks back to times gone by in Sri Lanka, and island steeped in forgotten myths.

You can only get here by four wheeled drive, but once you do most operators can set you up with luxurious tents. Enjoy the jungle air in the luxury of a penthouse apartment while you savor from fresh barbecued meat and await scintillating sights of beloved jungle animals, taking back some solid memories of your adventurous journey into the jungle heartland of Sri Lanka.

Being located quite close to main travel hubs, Kumana offers some great places to stay. While camping is a popular option, If you want to be right next to the park but not inside we would suggest Laya Safari, Thaulle Resort and Chaaya Resort and Spa.