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Tangalle
Hambantota
Things to Do in Hambantota
Kumana National Park
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Kumana National Park

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Kumana National Park
4.5
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The area
Address
Panama-Kumbukkana Road, Hambantota, Tangalle 32508 Sri Lanka
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
24 reviews
Excellent
14
Very good
7
Average
3
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Anjleen H
Bremen, Germany14 contributions
Beautiful National Park
May 2022
An amazing experience! In comparison to Yala, Kumana has less visitors and has a calmer and quieter atmosphere. We had the luxury of only seeing five other vehicles during the day and were able to enjoy the company of birds, deers, wildboar, crocodiles, elephants, and even a leopard. The guide was very helpful and a lot of them do this work on a volunteer basis - aka be nice and tip them. The paths were well maintained which made driving around easier. Bring a camera along but also take the time to just enjoy the nature.
Written July 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelerRanitha
Moratuwa, Sri Lanka480 contributions
Kumana-One of the best Camping experiences
Nov 2011 • Friends
This was our first camping trip ,and we went to “Gal-Amuna” camp site at Kumana Sanctuary We have been going into Wild life sanctuaries for some time now, and we have been to most of the bungalows (Wasgomuwa, Yala, Wilpattu, Horton Plains. etc ) .We had to pay a considerable amount for the camping tent, safari jeep and for the cooking equipment since we didn’t have any of those in our possession. But it was worth it. Our camping site was absolutely HUGE!! Near a Kumbuk tree, their were 8 of us and we had the whole place to our self’s so nobody can just come nosing around. The best thing about this place is the river that runs near the camp site it’s not that deep so u can dip in at any time
Near the river! Awesome place!!!!! you can see some animals come to drink water from river ,the tracker told us there is a huge leopard about 10 feet in length(head to tail) which lives nearby, which we didn't see , but we saw one next day early morning (First picture ,but you have to see it closely then u can see the spots of the leopard to the left of the tree)when we were touring .some says kumana is not the best place to see those animals and you can only see the birds their ,but I guess we were luck enough to see a 6feet long leopard , not to mention the jackal ,elephants, deer, peacocks …etc
It's the best of both worlds, nothing better than sitting around the campfire Putting a barbeque and enjoying a good drink, we stayed at the camp site for 2 nights and on our return trip we went to arugam bay ..wow the beach there is superb ..the food is bit expensive when you compare with Colombo prices but it’s worth it since you don’t go their ever day
Written June 21, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shanthi398
Perth, Australia9 contributions
The beautiful Kumana National Park (bird sanctuary)
Jan 2014 • Family
About 40 kilometers from the picturesque Arugam Bay in the South East coast of Sri Lanka is Kumana National Park. Kumana is famous for its avifauna and is home to a multitude of migratory birds such as Open-bills, spoonbills, Black necked storks, Waterfowl, Ibis, Heron, many types of Egret, cormorant, Pelicans, Sandpipers, Malkohas and many others. About 20 tanks and lagoons support the extensive bird life in the sanctuary. The best time to visit Kumana is April - July.

Some of the mammals found in Kumana are Elephants, Leopards, Deer, wild Boar and water Buffalo. Other attractions are mugger crocodiles, Snakes and a variety of Lizards. The place is inundated with monkeys and peacocks. During the four hours we spent there we saw more than a hundred fully grown peacocks. To see these magnificent birds on flight or displaying their iridescent tails into a magnificent fan is a real treat to the eye.

If you happen to visit Arugam Bay or Potuvil please make an effort to visit Kumana National Park. You will not be disappointed. At the park you can either hire a 4 wheel drive with a guide or if you are driving a 4 wheel drive the park will provide you with a qualified guide for a small fee. The bird watching towers within the sanctuary offers vantage positions to observe the many animals in the park.

Wishing you a memorable holiday and I hope you will enjoy Kumana as much as I did.
Written April 13, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ian W
Montreal, Canada334 contributions
Amazing
Jul 2019 • Family
We did an afternoon private safari and were amazed by the variety of animals we saw: dozens of bird species, elephants, deers, jackals, wild boars, etc. If you have one safari to make in Sri Lanka, visit Kumana.
Written July 21, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
osvald_lund
Copenhagen, Denmark3 contributions
Overall a great succes
Jan 2017 • Couples
Its the "same" park as yala national park, but a different entrance. Its way way cheaper than yala or other Nature parks in Sri Lanka and has the same animals. We were 4 people and booked a safari jeep through where we stayed - we payed 8000 rupees for the jeep and around 2100 rupees each for the entrance + a guide ( well he was included in the price but you have to ask for one ). Before we even entered the park we save lizards, peacocks and two elephants. Throughout the day we saw a great numbers of different an colorful birds, lizards, spotted dears, impalas, cows, peacocks, buffalos, wild boars, pelicans and crocodiles. Then suddenly around the corner there stood a great elephant only 10m from the jeep. And from that point we saw plenty of elephants, around 10. On our way back we were so lucky to se a freaking leopard walking one the road :) overall a top notch day with many animals, a great guide, a great chauffeur who took his time so we could take pictures and "study" the animals. Go around 1 o clock as there is better chances of seeing the animals as the sun sets.
Written January 17, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yasara S
Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka39 contributions
Superb!
Jan 2017 • Family
Kumana is famous for birds' park in Sri Lanka.We entered into the park at 2.00. we returned at 6.15. The forest is beautiful. No harm from animals,like elephants. We could see birds,deers and rabbits and many more.. Friendly guide. Its a original nature park in Sri lanka. WE can get a safari jeep at Panama area. There are many people who own Jeeps. And From Panama to Kumara its,18kms and hard to drive in a car. The road is not so good. Even we can get a jeep at Kumana entrance park also. In the park, we were going more than about 100kms. I think its cheap to get a jeep at Panama.
Its the best safari journey that I had ever in my life.
Written January 15, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chand
colombo77 contributions
For Wilde life lovers
Aug 2014 • Family
I had not visited the park over 30 years during the war. Childhood memories took me on a nostalgic trip. We stayed at Panama lagoon cabanas. A 45 minute drive away from the park. The park opens only at 6.30 am . we Had problems finding a reasonably priced 4x4 vehicle on our own. I needed a 4x4 vehicle as we wanted to drive on the beach .I was assured on my booking the cabanas that finding a good vehicle & driver was no problem. Mr wijeyaratna 011 3818133 at lagoon cabanas found me sandun 071 2704351 who had a Mahendra 4x4 vehicle. Seats were good mid row folds upto a table , front row seats can face backrow seats making it ideal for a small group to have a drink or picnic inside vehicle. We did a full day tour for rs 11000. Though the water was low managed a river bath visited the mouth of the river ,stunning view. Saw many birds deer jackawls . Couple of elephants. Two elephants mother & baby so near a pilgrim spot both parties unaware of proximity doing there own thing. Another spotting near the bird viewing point. We watched the elephants graze drink water . The elephants upon spotting us made our vehicle reverse quite a distance . Having demarcated a distance ,they went back to graze drink water ignoring our presence.peaceful park . At present very dry. Must be stunning after the rains. There is a bungalow to stay overnight. Need to book it from Colombo or perhaps at Kumana if available. Could not see the bungalow as there was a party occupying. I assume it is like Yala, no fridge need to take all food supplies & drinking water , a cook is provided.The trees in the park are beautiful , large creepers & huge differently shaped barks of trees specially alongside the river. Some areas were so dry that the shrub was silver in colour & looked as though smoke was emanating.scenery very peaceful. On our way out , Just outside the park We did a short stop at the Okanda kovil, climbed kudumbigala monastery rock. Witnessed an argument by a couple over the lady having to wear a sarong over shorts as it is a place of worship. AND surely the highlight of the day on our return journey on the road to Kumana we spotted a huge leopard seated by a water trough made by wildelife dept for animals due to prevailing drought.made our day. Our driver was most disappointed that no photos were taken as we had packed all our camera equipment away . It was getting on to dusk, drive back was as scenic as the early morning drive. A full day in the park is an absolute treat for the Wilde life lover. Need to take your drinking water & snacks & food. We are very grateful for the staff at Lagoon cabanas who promptly & very willingly supplied us at sharp 5 am everything we ordered for take-away breakfast & lunch .
Written September 3, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dean A
London, UK4 contributions
A heaven , Birds Paradise
Feb 2014 • Friends
Top location for birds watchers and wild life lovers, full of nature with one side pure white sand beach and lush green jungle with lakes , pond and rivers.
Written April 14, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dasuntharanga
Colombo, Sri Lanka69 contributions
Kumana National Park
Sep 2019 • Friends
Great location for birds watching in Sir Lanka. Many types of Storks, Varieties of Eagles and Elephants can be seen at the Kumana. I invite all of world nature lovers to come and visit the Wonder of Asia, Sri Lanka. Thank you. Dasun
Written September 28, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Evarts Photography
Colombo, Sri Lanka781 contributions
One of the least visited national parks in the country
Feb 2019 • Couples
This park hardly has any visitors mainly because it is about 8 hours drive from Colombo. The nearest guesthouse or hotel is in Arugam Bay and the park has 2 bungalows which you can book online or there are home says in Panama. The drive from Arugambay to the park is about 1 - 1.5 hour due to the terrible road condition. Most people do a half day tour of the park but I did 2 full day tours. This park is famous for the rare black neck stork which is extremely hard to spot in any other park in Sri Lanka. There are no restaurants nearby and the only toilet at the park entrance is not clean. If visiting its best to go on a week day where there is no crowd as it tends to be crowded on weekends with sight seers who visit the park on their way to the famous Kovil nearby
Written March 7, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Kumana National Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Kumana National Park
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