Bundala National Park, Biosphere reserve and national park in Southern Province, Sri Lanka
Bundala National Park is a protected area with coastal wetlands, lagoons, and sandy beaches stretching roughly 20 kilometers along the southern coast. The landscape features flat water surfaces and marshland used by a range of bird and marine species.
The protected area began as a wildlife sanctuary in 1969 and was later recognized in 1991 as Sri Lanka's first Ramsar wetland site. Its designation as a national park in 1993 reflected growing recognition of the ecological importance of this coastal region.
The coastal wetlands have long supported neighboring communities who depend on the natural resources found in this landscape. Local people continue to share their knowledge about the area and its wildlife with visitors passing through.
The park is easily accessible from the main road, and a visitor center offers information with views across the wetlands. Guests should allow time to explore and watch for birds, which are most active during early morning and sunset hours.
Four of the five marine turtle species found in Sri Lanka use the park's beaches as nesting grounds between October and January. These animals lay their eggs in the sand before returning to the ocean, making this location essential to their reproduction.
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