Kumana National Park

Kumana National Park, formerly known as Yala East, is renowned for its spectacular wetland ecosystem and rich avifauna.

Native Flora

The park features a diverse range of vegetation including mangrove swamps, salt grass, and thorny scrubland. Notable tree species include Sonneratia caseolaris (Mangrove Apple), Avicennia marina, and Rhizophora mucronata. The park also contains ancient tropical dry-mixed evergreen forests with species like Chloroxylon swietenia (Satinwood) and Manilkara hexandra.

Wildlife

Kumana is famous for its bird colonies, with over 255 species recorded. The park hosts annual migrations of waterfowl, waders, and raptors. Notable species include the painted stork, black-necked stork, and Eurasian spoonbill. The park also supports elephants, leopards, and three species of crocodile.

Visitor Guide

The Kumana Villu is a 200-hectare natural swamp lake central to the park's ecosystem. Visit the bird observation platforms, ancient Buddhist ruins, and take boat safaris through the mangrove networks. The park offers camping facilities at designated sites.