Bundala National Park stands as the primary breeding and wintering ground for migratory birds, particularly the pink flamingo. Throughout the year, the sanctuary earns its reputation by sheltering over 20,000 species. The reserve is equally known as the den of remarkable animals such as elephants and leopards. Initially recognized as a wildlife sanctuary in 1969, the site was designated a national park on January 4, 1993, after being declared a Ramsar Site in 1990. It was ultimately named Sri Lanka's fourth UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2005.

Location and Geographic Character

Positioned approximately 245 km southeast of Colombo, Bundala National Park encompasses five shallow, brackish water expanses. These are the Bundala Lagoons (520 ha), Embilika (430 ha), Malala (650 ha), Koholankaha (390 ha) and Mahalewaya (260 ha), the latter two being entirely exploited for salt production. The entire park is predominantly covered with gneiss, a result of plutonic rock formations composed of hornblende and biotite.

While climatic conditions reveal 80% humidity due to abundant rainfall, the dry season predominates throughout most of the year. Temperatures remain temperate thanks to proximity to the Indian Ocean, though they tend to rise during April, May and June.

History

The park's origins date back to 205–161 BC, a period corresponding to the reign of Ruhuna's king, Kavan Tissa. He commissioned the construction of a temple named Kirinda within the zone, which also marked the arrival point of a vessel carrying Princess Viharamahadevi.

In 2004, the Indian Ocean tsunami caused minimal damage to the park, thanks to the protective sand dunes erected around it.

Today

Bundala Park offers an ideal opportunity to embark on a safari across the entire zone. Beyond the ancient temple, you will discover four villages inhabited by a population of 4,000 residents. They live primarily from livestock and agriculture, as well as exploiting deposits of fossilized shells used to produce lime. Fishing is also a crucial source of income for villagers. To support this, cooperatives and organizations have been established, ensuring favorable business continuity. Beyond the countless animal species that made the park famous, enjoy a unique moment witnessing a stunning sunrise amid this haven of tranquility.

Flora and Fauna of Bundala National Park

Among all animal species living within the reserve, more than 300 types of vertebrates are recorded, including 32 varieties of fish, 15 species of amphibians, 48 genera of reptiles, 197 bird species and 32 categories of mammals, most of which are endangered. Among invertebrates, 52 butterfly species are found, including the "Troides darsius," considered the largest butterfly in Sri Lanka.

The ecological habitats of Bundala National Park comprise seven terrestrial habitat zones and six wetland areas in total. Vegetation in Bundala National Park consists predominantly of dry thorny shrubs and bushes, including endemic and threatened species. Furthermore, the forests shelter numerous trees with medicinal properties such as "Bauhinia Racemosa" and "Salvadora Persica," among others. There are also plants remarkably tolerant of salt presence, such as salicorns. Bundala Lagoon conceals a small mangrove section where a variety of trees known as "Lumnitzera Racemosa" flourish.

Animal Species Within the Park

Birds

Bundala National Park harbors a true bird sanctuary, with most species being migratory. It is home to over a thousand pink flamingos thriving in wetland zones. Other varieties such as the whistling dendrocyne, summer teal, Vieillot's cormorant, brown-necked cormorant, grey heron, black-headed ibis, white spoonbill, and rare species including the marabou stork and coot are among the varieties present.

Mammals

Forested areas serve as the primary refuge for numerous mammals. Besides the Sri Lankan elephant, which appears to be facing extinction, the sambar, panther, wild boar, grey Indian mongoose, sloth bear, axis deer, Indian civet, golden jackal and Indian porcupine coexist within the reserve.

Fish, Reptiles and Amphibians

Numerous fish species inhabit the fresh, salt, marine and brackish waters of Bundala National Park, namely bicoloured eel, ambasse, milk fish and snakehead fish. Furthermore, the marsh crocodile and saltwater crocodile are observed in certain areas. The shores neighboring the park designate a favorable nesting site for sea turtles migrating to Sri Lanka, including two endemic Sri Lankan species—the toad and snake—belonging to the families "Duttaphrynus Atukoralei" and "Xenocrophis de Boulenger."

Access to the park is via the A2 national highway at kilometer 251, turning towards the village of Bundala.