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Kumana National Park

Located in the Eastern Province, this park is famous for the Kumana Villu mangrove swamp, a key nesting site for water birds (May–June). It also features ancient water pools rich in wildlife.

Details of Kumana National Park

Open now 

Accessibility

Wheelchair-accessible toilet 

Wheelchair-accessible car park 

Wheelchair-accessible entrance 

Children

Good for kids 

Parking

Paid parking lot 

Free parking lot 

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Overview - Kumana National Park

Nestled in Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province, Kumana National Park offers a tranquil sanctuary where nature’s diversity unfolds across 35,664 hectares of rugged wilderness. Dominated by the 200-hectare Kumana Villu mangrove swamp, this protected area transforms into a seasonal paradise for water birds during May and June, when seawater inundation creates ideal nesting conditions. Beyond the mangroves, ancient reservoirs like Kudawila, Thummulla, and Kotalinda wewa—once vital for ancient Sinhalese irrigation systems—now serve as lifelines for rich wildlife, including deer, crocodiles, and over 150 bird species. The park’s coastal proximity and riverine ecosystems combine to form a rare mosaic of habitats, where visitors can spot herons, egrets, and the occasional leopard against a backdrop of serene water bodies and lush vegetation. As Ampara’s top-ranked attraction, Kumana invites travelers to explore its untouched beauty through guided safaris, offering a peaceful escape into Sri Lanka’s ecological heartland—where history, nature, and tranquility converge.

Tags/ Categories

National ParkMangroveBirdwatchingWildlifeFamily FriendlyCouplesSolo TravelFriends Getaway

Highlights

Kumana Villu Bird Sanctuary-image

Kumana Villu Bird Sanctuary

Leopard Sightings-image

Leopard Sightings

Elephant Herds-image

Elephant Herds

Mangrove Ecosystems-image

Mangrove Ecosystems

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Yala National Park-image
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Kebiliththa Devalaya-image
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Kudumbigala Sanctuary-image
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Navigations

Ampara Sri Lanka

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Reviews

LA

LAHIRU HASARANGA

Kumana National Park Safari Authentic wildlife safari experience in a less visited national park in Sri Lanka...

2 weeks ago

CH

Charitha De Silva

A good all-round experience. Stay at Kirigalbe was nice! A leopard sighting was the icing on the cake 👌

a week ago

SU

Sudila Buthsara

Kumana National Park is an important wildlife sanctuary located in the Ampara District of the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. It was originally known as “Yala East” and later renamed Kumana National Park.

6 days ago

AD

Adrian Corera

Kumana National Park spread over 350 sq kms, lies to the east of the more popular Yala National Park separated by the Kumbukkan Oya. The River (Oya) demarcates a part of the boundary between the Southern and Eastern Provinces, as well.

3 months ago

DA

Dasha Crozier

One of the highlights of my whole trip to Sri Lanka! I can’t recommend this more! I booked it via the official main website and everything was really easy to organise. We were picked up from our hostel in Arugam Bay at 5.30am...

4 months ago