Bundala National Park – Haven To Migrant And Resident Birds

Bundala National Park is located in the Southeastern zone of Sri Lanka. This is in a semi – arid part of the country. The National Park belongs to the Southern Province. The

Bundala National Park occupies an area of 6216 hectares. This National Park was originally recognized as a sanctuary in the year 1969. Due to the magnificent role played by the Park this was declared as the RAMSAR Wetland in 1990. The Bundala National Park serves as the wintering area to all sorts of the wandering birds.

Since the National Park is situated in the semi – arid part of the province, so the rainfall in the Park is highly seasonal. Focal cause of the rainfall in this area is the Northeast Monsoon Winds that blow over this part of the country in the period of December to February. The average annual Rainfall marked in this area is 900 – 1300 mm. Area generally experiences an elongated drought from May to October. The average twelve – monthly temperature is 27 C. The Daily Temperature of the region is 30 C and this is quite tolerable by the dwellers of the area.

The Bundala National Park serves as the home to a large population of the elephants, Quagmire and estuarine crocodiles, turtles as well as other faunal animals that include leopards. Elongated along the eastern coast of the Hambantola, the Bundala National Park is an ideal spot for the immediate enjoyment. You can travel four hours in a jeep and take a stunning view of the leopards, elephants, eight feet crocs, huge squirrels and the flamingoes. The afternoon travel to the National Park in the dry season (that extends from December to May) provides the tourists with the most suited chance of viewing the wildlife.

The Bundala National Park encloses the coast for nearly 20 km. This includes five shallow and brackish lagoons and the leeway which entirely dry up at times when the drought extends for long period. These lagoons are separated by the thick low scrubby wooded area that runs down the coastal dunes.

The most vital characteristic of the Bundala National Park is the pink flocks of the flamingoes that provide a highlighted image to the park. The sight of this pink flock is quite awkward. But in the dusk it will blow you off and force you to capture the image of this sight in your cameras. Herons, Spoonbills, Painted Storks are frequently sighted.

So if you are trying to find a place that can serve your purpose of vacation and has striking surroundings as well then this National Park is fit for you.