Southern Province · Sri Lanka
Bundala National Park
Safari
Shallow lagoons, salt pans and dunes full of birds, just west of Yala. Tell us where you are staying and we will arrange your private Bundala safari.
About Bundala National Park
A coastal wetland
for birdwatchers
Bundala National Park, Sri Lanka, protects a chain of shallow lagoons, scrub and sand dunes on the south coast near Hambantota. It was the first place in Sri Lanka named a Ramsar wetland of international importance, in 1990.
A Bundala National Park safari is all about birds: around 200 species have been recorded, and from about November to March thousands of migrants arrive, including flocks of greater flamingos. Crocodiles, elephants and jackals live here too, and turtles nest on the beach.
Planning a southern trip? See our page on Yala National Park, all national parks in Sri Lanka, or our Sri Lanka safari packages.
Inside the park
How Bundala
is laid out
Bundala covers about 62 square kilometres between the main southern road and the sea. Jeep tracks run along the lagoon shores, so you are rarely far from water and the birds that feed in it.
The lagoons
Five shallow, brackish lagoons where flamingos, stilts and pelicans feed.
Salt pans and mudflats
Open, flat ground that draws waders and is easy to scan from the jeep.
Dunes and beach
Sand dunes and a long beach where sea turtles come ashore to nest.
Animals to look for
Flamingos, waders
and crocodiles
Flamingos and waders
Greater flamingos, black-winged stilts and many sandpipers, mostly from November to March.
Storks and raptors
Painted storks, spoonbills, crested hawk eagles and white-bellied sea eagles.
Reptiles and mammals
Mugger and saltwater crocodiles, monitor lizards, jackals and the odd elephant.
Safari times
Bundala National Park safari times
The park is usually open from about 6 am to 6 pm. Every Bundala National Park safari we arrange is a half-day safari in your own private jeep.
6:00 – 10:30 amMorning · our pick
Morning safari
The best time for birds, when it is cool and the lagoons are busy with feeding flocks.
2:30 – 6:00 pmAfternoon
Afternoon safari
Softer light over the water and a good chance of crocodiles basking on the banks.
Times are approximate, and we confirm everything when you book.
Arrange a Bundala National Park safari
Arrange your
Bundala safari
We arrange every Bundala safari to order, with pickup from your hotel. Tell us where you are staying and your dates, and we will send an itemised quote.
01
Price on request
Private jeep and transfer · pickup anywhere in Sri Lanka
Pickup from your hotel
Staying in Tissamaharama, Hambantota, Tangalle or on the south coast? We arrange the jeep, the transfer and the timing for you.
- Pickup from your hotel on the south coast or near Yala
- Morning or afternoon safari in a private jeep
- Easy to combine with Yala on the same trip
Park tickets are charged per person, plus vehicle fees and taxes, and are listed separately in your quote. Pay on the day of the tour or in full in advance. Free cancellation until 24 hours before pickup.
Around Bundala
Worth adding
to your trip
Bundala sits between Hambantota and Tissamaharama, close to Yala and on the way to the south coast beaches.
Where to stay
Bases for
your Bundala trip
Tissamaharama
A small town about 30 minutes away, and the usual base for Yala and Bundala.
Hambantota
Larger hotels on the coast, about 20 minutes from the park.
Tangalle
Quiet beaches about an hour west, good for a few days by the sea.
We can book your hotel as part of your trip, or arrange pickup from wherever you are staying.
Travel tips
Tips for a better
Bundala visit
Come for the migrants
Visit from about November to March to see flamingos and the big flocks of migrant birds.
Bring binoculars
Many birds feed far out on the lagoons, so binoculars make a big difference.
Start early
Mornings are cooler and the birds are most active.
Wildlife first
Stay in the jeep, keep a respectful distance and never feed animals.
FAQs
Your Bundala questions
When is the best time for a Bundala National Park safari?
From about November to March, when migrant birds, including greater flamingos, arrive. The park is good for resident birds and crocodiles all year.
What can I see in Bundala National Park?
Around 200 bird species, including flamingos, painted storks and pelicans, plus crocodiles, monitor lizards, jackals and sometimes elephants.
Is Bundala better than Yala?
They are different. Yala is best for leopards and big mammals, while Bundala is best for birds. Many travellers visit both, as they are less than an hour apart.
How far is Bundala from Tissamaharama and Colombo?
About 30 minutes from Tissamaharama and roughly 4 hours from Colombo by the Southern Expressway.
Can NH Lanka Holidays arrange a private trip to Bundala?
Yes. NH Lanka Holidays is a licensed, Sri Lankan-owned tour operator based in Negombo. Tell us where you are staying and we arrange the transfer, jeep, park tickets and hotel pickup, or include Bundala in a longer private tour. You can pay on the day of the tour or in full in advance, and cancellation is free until 24 hours before pickup.
Nearby: Yala National Park · Udawalawe National Park · Mirissa · All national parks in Sri Lanka
Ready when you are
Plan your Bundala trip
with local experts
Tell us your dates and where you are staying. Our Negombo-based team will reply within 24 hours.