Kumana Birdwatching Safari
A full-day jeep safari in Kumana National Park near Arugam Bay, one of Sri Lanka's top birding sites, with nesting water birds at Kumana Villu, plus elephants, crocodiles and a chance of leopards.
- Location: Arugam Bay
- Duration: Full Day
- Difficulty: Easy
- Best time: Best from about April to July for nesting birds at Kumana Villu, and during the dry season through to September. Start at dawn for the most bird activity. The park may close for part of the year; check dates before booking.
About this experience
The Kumana Birdwatching Safari is a full-day private jeep safari in Kumana National Park, in Sri Lanka's south-east corner next to Yala. The park is famous for Kumana Villu, a mangrove swamp where thousands of water birds nest each year. Kumana is quieter than Yala, with far fewer jeeps. It suits birdwatchers, photographers and wildlife lovers. What birds can you see? Kumana has more than 200 recorded bird species, including painted storks, spoonbills, pelicans, black-necked storks, herons, ibises and the rare lesser adjutant. From about April to July, Kumana Villu becomes a busy nesting colony. What other wildlife lives in Kumana? Elephants, mugger crocodiles, spotted deer, wild buffalo, sloth bears and leopards. Leopards are seen less often than in Yala, but sightings are quieter and longer when they happen. Why a full-day safari? The park is large and its lagoons and villus are spread out. A full day lets you reach the best birding areas and the coast, with a packed lunch inside the park. What else is near Kumana? The Okanda Devalaya, a Hindu shrine where the annual pilgrimage on foot to Kataragama passes through, and long empty beaches where turtles nest. How far is Kumana from Arugam Bay? The Okanda entrance is about 35 km south of Arugam Bay, around 1 hour by road. Why book with Figo Holidays? Figo Holidays is a Colombo-based destination management company running private tours across Sri Lanka and the Maldives. We arrange private transport, licensed guides and timings that avoid the heat and crowds, and build this experience into a tailor-made itinerary.Highlights
- Over 200 bird species
- Kumana Villu nesting colony
- Painted storks and pelicans
- Elephants and crocodiles
- Chance of leopards
- Fewer jeeps than Yala
- Full-day private jeep safari
Travel tips
Bring binoculars, a zoom lens, hat, sunscreen, water and a packed lunch. Wear neutral colours. Stay in the jeep and keep noise low near nesting areas. Insect repellent is useful near the lagoons.