Bundala National Park covers about 62 square kilometres along Sri Lanka’s southern coast, blending lagoons, salt pans, scrub jungle and dunes. Its wetlands are internationally recognized under the Ramsar Convention, highlighting their global importance. The park is most celebrated for its birdlife, with more than 200 species recorded, from tiny bee eaters to majestic flamingos, which arrive in spectacular flocks during the migratory season. 

Beyond birds, Bundala hosts elephants, marsh crocodiles and estuarine crocodiles, which bask along waterways. Mammals such as jackals, grey langurs and fishing cats also inhabit the park. Its lagoons glimmer at sunrise, attracting both wildlife and photographers eager to capture the interplay of light and movement. 

Bundala’s quieter safaris are part of its charm. Unlike the often crowded Yala, here travellers encounter fewer jeeps, allowing more immersive experiences. The park lies conveniently close to Hambantota and Yala, making it easy to combine destinations. 

For conservationists, Bundala symbolizes resilience, balancing ecological value with human use, as salt production continues nearby. For travellers, it’s a reminder of nature’s elegance, where flamingos paint the sky pink, crocodiles patrol silent waters and every dune whispers the timeless story of Sri Lanka’s southern wilds.