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Kumana National Park
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Kumana National Park is in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. While Kumana is contiguous with Yala National Park, Kumana National Park in particular is known for its rich birdlife.
Understand
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History
[edit]Kumana National Park was established in 1970 as "Yala East National Park", and was renamed in 2006. It is a wild and undeveloped place with few human encroachments. The yearly Hindu pilgrimage called the pada yatra passes through the park in April-May from the north, headed to the pilgrim town of Kataragama on the southern side of the park. There are some ancient cave drawings believed to have been done by the Veddas (indigenous people). These cave drawing represented a group of hunters and heard of wild elephant. Some say that the park was once home to the Lankan legend called Nittaewo, a race of dwarves who lived here in ancient times.
Landscape
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The park covers 35,664 hectares (88,130 acres) and is home to over 255 bird species. Its wild landscape is known for its animal diversity, with over 20 tanks all over the park, Kumana Wildlife Sanctuary is known to be the largest bird sanctuary in Sri Lanka. The park is mostly covered with wide plains, thick forests and the aforementioned water bodies.
Flora and fauna
[edit]Flora
[edit]The dry zone rain forests are surrounded by dry tropical thorn forests. The park's most common plant is Manilkara hexandra, called 'Palu' by the locals.
Birds
[edit]Kumana Bird Sanctuary (declared in 1938) is part of the national park. Kumana is the most important breeding and migrating ground for the birds in Sri Lanka. From April to July, thousands of birds migrate and breed in the area. Very rare species, such as the black necked stork, which cannot be found elsewhere in the country, use Kumana as their main migrating stop and breeding grounds.
Mammals
[edit]Even though mammals are present in the park, many can rarely be seen to the visitors. The frequently seen mammals can be simply put forward as deer, elephants and wild boar. Other than that, many other shy mammals such as golden jackals and European otters exist within the park. Elephants are usually seen bathing in the water beds of the park. Deer can usually be seen as groups in the open areas of the park. As it was a part of the Yala National Park, you might see a Sri Lankan Leopard.
Reptiles and others
[edit]Reptiles such as the mugger crocodile can usually be seen near water bodies throughout the park (usually around noon). Indian flap-shelled turtles and Indian black turtles also exist in the park. Apart from reptiles, fascinating varieties of butterflies and fish can be seen inside the park as well.
Climate
[edit]Kumana National Park is in Sri Lanka's dry zone, but heavy rainfall can be expected during the south-western monsoon season (May–September). From December to March, Kumana receives dry northerly winds. The average temperature of this area is about 33 °C (92 °F), with around 58% humidity.
Get in
[edit]By car
[edit]The distance from Colombo to Kumana is 363 km. Possible routes include:
- via Colombo-Kandy Rd/A1: 8½ hours
- via Southern Expressway/E01: 8 hours
- via via Colombo–Batticaloa Hwy/Colombo–Ratnapura–Wellawaya–Batticaloa Rd/A4: 7¾ hours
By public transport
[edit]There are no train stations in the area. The nearest major bus stop is in Pottuvil (for Arugam Bay). Travellers bound for Kumana will need to take a taxi or join a tour from there. Many tour operators advertise trips from Arugam Bay, prices as of 2023 were Rs 33,000 pp including entry fees, pick-up & drop-off at your accommodation in Arugam Bay.
The 16 km entrance road is a brutal, bumpy ride, so be prepared.
Fees
[edit]For non-SAARC foreigners, Kumana entrance fees were US$12 pp in mid-2024, plus 18% VAT and Rs. 400 service charge.
Get around
[edit]Walking is not an option: a truck/jeep will be supplied along with a driver at the main entrance, if you haven't come in as part of a tour. It is important that you only get out of your vehicle under the guide's supervision. The tour is taken care of by the driver or your guide if you hired one. A safari truck usually has a separated driver's cab and passenger compartment. One person usually ride up front with the driver, while the others can enjoy the ride with a panorama view of the park. Safari trucks with a fold-down front windscreen may be preferred for taking photos through the driver's cab.
Because this national park receives fewer visitors than Yala and Udawalawe national parks, there are fewer safari trucks in the park and drivers tend to be less aggressive in their driving.
See
[edit]Kumana as a national park does not have any special places for tourism, but interesting rituals such as the Pada Yathra is a spectacular moment to see. It is a group of Hindu pilgrims walking from Jaffna to Kataragama. Near the park there is a small Hindu Kovil, which was built for the pilgrims to stop during their journey.
- 1 Kudumbigala sanctuary, ☏ +94 77 697 7417.
- 2 Uganthai Malai Murugan Kovil.
Bring
[edit]The park has few amenities so bring everything you need with you, including enough cash for your trip. The nearest ATMs are in Arugam Bay. You will need sunscreen, insect repellent, food and drink, appropriate clothing and enclosed footwear, as well as a camera, binoculars or field guide to enhance your enjoyment of the wildlife.
Do
[edit]With over 255 bird varieties, the Kumana National Park is the ideal place for bird-watching. Especially waders who visit the tanks of Kumana regularly. There are also some ancient cave drawings and a few Hindu temples (Kovils). Tell your driver to take you to see them.
Buy
[edit]A small store is at the main entrance of the park, with pocket guides, souvenirs and snacks. Other than that the only other shops that can be found are in the village nearby. Things required for the trip can be bought in the supermarket in Pottuvil.
Eat
[edit]There are no restaurants or snack bars inside the park and picking fruit from trees is prohibited. You will need to bring all your food in with you and take your rubbish home with you.
Drink
[edit]It is necessary to bring along a water bottle. You can buy drinks at the entrance shop or Kumana Village.
Sleep
[edit]An overnight stay is required when travelling from Colombo to the South East. Some hotels near Kumana may lack facilities such as hot water showers, if you need a hotel with full services it is advised that you lodge in a hotel at Arugam Bay (35 km north).
Lodging
[edit]- 1 Waypoint Arugam Bay, Panama Rd, Arugam Bay•076 905 4292. hotel with full facilities in Arugam Bay LKR 8,859.
- 2 The Blue Wave Hotel, The Blue Wave Hotel Road, Arugam Bay, Pottuvil 05, Arugam Bay 32500, ☏ +94 76 692 9929. 4-star hotel in Arugam Bay LKR 16,082.
Camping
[edit]- 3 Mahoora Tented Safari Camp - Kumana, Kumana National Park, 32000, ☏ +94 77 373 9708 (mobile). Rs. 203,096 per person.
Stay safe
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As a wildlife sanctuary, the animals in there are a threat to visitors just like we are a threat to them.
Wild elephants – Sri Lanka is well known for its elephants, and in this national park, you will be sure to spot one. But when you do, you must stay inside the vehicle at all times. You may only get out if the elephant is over 60 m away. Unlike some of the tourist spots in Sri Lanka, feeding is not an option.
Crocodiles – The park has over 20 tanks in the interior. Most of these tanks are infested with giant crocodiles. Stay inside the vehicle.
Wild buffaloes – Wild buffaloes are not that hostile to visitors, but only a fool would bother these animals with such large horns.
Snakes and other reptiles – Snake bites are pretty uncommon in these areas, just avoid tall grass and don't wander off into the forest by yourself. Making noise repels snakes.
In case of a medical emergency, dial 110. Other emergency numbers are 119 and 118.
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