Bundala National park

"**Bundala National Park** is a coastal wildlife haven in southern Sri Lanka, celebrated for its rich biodiversity and status as a **UNESCO Biosphere Reserve**. Stretching along the coast, it’s a mix of lagoons, marshes, and sand dunes, offering a unique landscape quite different from Sri Lanka’s other national parks. Bundala is a paradise for **birdwatchers**, especially from September to March, when thousands of migratory birds, including **flamingos**, arrive. It's also home to Sri Lanka's native bird species, with over **200 bird species** recorded here. Unlike the larger parks like Yala, Bundala offers a quieter, less crowded safari experience. Apart from birds, you can spot **elephants, crocodiles, spotted deer, monkeys, and wild boars**. If you’re lucky, you might even glimpse a **leopard**, though sightings are rare. The saltwater lagoons are also teeming with fish, making it a feeding ground for aquatic birds. **History tidbit:** Bundala was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1969 and later a Ramsar Wetland, recognizing its global importance for bird migration routes. It became a **UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2005**, highlighting its environmental value. **Pro tip:** The best time for birdwatching is from **September to March** when migratory species arrive. Take a morning or late afternoon safari for better chances of spotting wildlife, as the heat can drive animals into hiding during the midday sun. Unlike Yala, Bundala is much less crowded, offering a more peaceful safari experience."

"If you love birds, Bundala is a must-see bird paradise and a great way to escape the tourist crowds. In addition to birds, Bundala occasionally harbours leopards, elephants, reptiles, amphibians, and other animals. Bundala is close to Yala but is a less-famed safari destination. The park has five lagoons that serve as a wintering area for migrating waterbirds in addition to housing many different bird species."