National park · Sri Lanka
Bundala National Park
Go for a half-day birding visit in December–April: walk the 2 km (1.2 mi) lagoon boardwalk on your own (LKR 6,000–8,000 foreign entry), or book a guided wetland walk (≈2 h) for deeper marsh access; skip the July–September monsoon when trails flood and birds thin out.Go for a half-day birding visit in December–April: walk the 1.2 mi (2 km) lagoon boardwalk on your own (LKR 6,000–8,000 foreign entry), or book a guided wetland walk (≈2 h) for deeper marsh access; skip the July–September monsoon when trails flood and birds thin out.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
62 km² (24 sq mi)24 sq mi (62 km²)
approximate
Established
1993
Best months
Dec–Mar
UNESCO
Biosphere
Rules in force · 8
- South Asia ↗Trekking regions, border districts and several Indian states need separate permits on top of the visa; check the permit before you book transport into them.
- South Asia ↗Remove shoes (and in many Jain and Hindu temples, leather) before entering; cover shoulders and legs; ask before photographing people or rituals.
- Sri Lanka ↗Apply for the Electronic Travel Authorisation only on the official government ETA site; lookalike sites charge extra, and the rules and fees change.
- Sri Lanka ↗At temples cover shoulders and knees, take off shoes and hats, and never pose with your back to a Buddha statue; Buddha images on clothes or tattoos cause offence.
- Sri Lanka ↗Carry Sri Lankan rupees in small notes; tuk-tuks, buses and small shops are cash-only, and ATMs are fewer outside the cities.
- Southern Province ↗The coastal line from Colombo serves Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Galle, Weligama and Matara; check whether services currently run beyond Matara to Beliatta. Second class is the value seat, reserved seats sell out days ahead in season.
- Southern Province ↗Most visitors need a Sri Lanka ETA before arrival; check the official route and current rules before booking flights.
- Southern Province ↗Agree the fare or use the meter app before you get in a tuk-tuk; short hops in Galle or Mirissa are a few hundred rupees.
At a glance
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Area
- 62 km² (24 sq mi)24 sq mi (62 km²)
- Area is approximately 62 km²; figures may vary slightly between sources.
- Established
- 1993
- Best months
- Dec–Mar
- Permits
- For some areas
Bundala National Park, a Ramsar wetland and UNESCO biosphere reserve, protects extensive marshes and lagoons that host large flocks of greater flamingos and other migratory waterbirds. The flat boardwalks and guided wetland walks make it ideal for short bird‑watching trips, especially in the dry season when trails are dry and bird activity peaks.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- Ramsar wetland · 1991First Ramsar wetland in Sri Lanka.
- UNESCO Biosphere Reserve · 2005Biosphere reserve.
Size and age
62 km² (24 sq mi)24 sq mi (62 km²) · national park since 1993
Area is approximately 62 km²; figures may vary slightly between sources.
Why go
- Wintering ground for migratory waterbirds, especially large flocks of greater flamingo.
- Flat wetland trails suitable for short walks and bird‑watching.
- Ramsar and biosphere status highlight conservation importance.
When to go
- JanBest
- FebBest
- MarBest
- AprGo
- MayCaution
- JunCaution
- JulAvoid
- AugAvoid
- SepAvoid
- OctGo
- NovGo
- DecBest
- JanPeak flamingo numbers; dry trails
- FebPeak flamingo numbers; dry trails
- MarWarm, bird activity high
- AprHeat rising; birds start to depart
- MayPre-monsoon heat; fewer birds
- JunMonsoon begins; trails muddy
- JulHeavy rain; flooding risk
- AugHeavy rain; flooding risk
- SepMonsoon tails; trails wet
- OctMigratory birds return; drying
- NovBirds arriving; trails improving
- DecPeak flamingo numbers; dry trails
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greater flamingo (large flocks)Oct–Apr · Peak numbers Dec‑Feb. | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes |
| Various migratory waterbirds (e.g., storks, ducks)Oct–Apr | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes |
| Spotted deer, wild boarAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Colombo
Drive south on the A2 highway via Galle and Matara; turn inland at Hambantota to the park gate.
3.5–4.5 h
Open the page →
From Hambantota
Taxi or tuk-tuk east along the coast road; the gate is about 15 km (9.3 mi) from town.Taxi or tuk-tuk east along the coast road; the gate is about 9.3 mi (15 km) from town.
20–30 min
Open the page →
From Tissamaharama
Drive south-east on the B44 road; the park gate is about 25 km (16 mi) from Tissa.Drive south-east on the B44 road; the park gate is about 16 mi (25 km) from Tissa.
30–40 min
Open the page →
From Yala National Park
Drive west along the coast road; Bundala is about 40 km (25 mi) from Yala's main gate.Drive west along the coast road; Bundala is about 25 mi (40 km) from Yala's main gate.
45–60 min
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Main entrance and boardwalk zone | Park gate, ticket office, and the 2 km (1.2 mi) lagoon boardwalk with bird hides.Park gate, ticket office, and the 1.2 mi (2 km) lagoon boardwalk with bird hides. | Open with a ticket; self-guided. |
| Wetland marsh zone | Deeper marshes and seasonal pools beyond the boardwalk. | Guided only; book at the gate. |
| Coastal scrub and forest zone | Drier areas with spotted deer and wild boar. | Guided only; limited access. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates from official park maps; approximate for orientation.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foreign adult entry | LKR 6,000–8,000 | person | Paid at the park gate; check official site for current rate. |
| SAARC visitor entry | LKR 4,000–5,000 | person | Check official site for current rate. |
| Sri Lankan adult entry | LKR 3,000–4,000 | person | Check official site for current rate. |
| Guided wetland walk (per group) | LKR 2,000–4,000 | group | Guide fee; park entry paid separately. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- LKR 6,000–8,000
- LKR 4,000–5,000
- LKR 3,000–4,000
- LKR 2,000–4,000
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Check with the park or your operator before you go.
Park rules
- Guides
- Required for any walk beyond the main boardwalk.
- Camping
- Not allowed inside the park; stay in nearby towns.
- Fire
- Open fires prohibited.
- Litter
- Carry out all rubbish.
Where to stay
Near the park
Hambantota town
Budget hotels and guesthouses, 30 min drive.
Near the park
Kalapitiya village
Eco‑lodges and homestays close to the southern sector.
Safety
Heat and sun exposure medium
Monsoon flooding high
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Main boardwalk is wheelchair‑accessible and level.
- Guided wetland walk includes uneven paths, not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Stay in locally‑run guesthouses; support community tourism.
- Do not feed wildlife; keep distance from birds.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Bundala National Park?
Sri Lankan visitors pay LKR 3 000–4 000; foreign visitors pay LKR 6 000–8 000. Check the park’s official site for the latest rates.
What are the best hikes in Bundala National Park?
The 2 km lagoon boardwalk is a short, easy walk for quick birdwatching. For a longer experience, join a guided wetland walk (≈2 h) that covers deeper marshes.
When is the best time to visit Bundala National Park?
The dry season (December to April) offers the best birding and dry trails. Avoid July‑September monsoon months.
Can I camp inside Bundala National Park?
No. Camping is prohibited; stay in nearby towns such as Hambantota.
Do I need a guide for the lagoon boardwalk?
No, the boardwalk is self‑guided with signage. A guide is required for any extended wetland walks.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Sources
Ask about Bundala National Park
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