Park or nature areaUsable guide

Kumana National Park

National park in Sri Lanka

Photo: Dr.S.Rajivraja, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

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.

Sights and activities

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Where to eat, drink and stay

Sleep3 places

Lodging

Waypoint Arugam BayLKR 8,859
hotel with full facilities in Arugam Bay
Price
LKR 8,859
Address
Panama Rd, Arugam Bay•076 905 4292
The Blue Wave HotelLKR 16,082
4-star hotel in Arugam Bay
Price
LKR 16,082
Address
The Blue Wave Hotel Road, Arugam Bay, Pottuvil 05, Arugam Bay 32500
Phone
+94 76 692 9929

Camping

Mahoora Tented Safari Camp - KumanaRs. 203,096 per person
Price
Rs. 203,096 per person
Address
Kumana National Park, 32000
Phone
+94 77 373 9708 (mobile)

Getting there and around

Getting there

By public transport
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.

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Getting around

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.

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Airports and nearby hotels

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Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport

Mattala · Regional · HRI

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Read before you go to Kumana National Park

Articles and travel topics about Kumana National Park and Sri Lanka.

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Full travel guide

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UnderstandKumana 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.

Get inThe distance from Colombo to Kumana is 363 km. Possible routes include:

FeesFor non-SAARC foreigners, Kumana entrance fees were US$12 pp in mid-2024, plus 18% VAT and Rs. 400 service charge.

Get aroundWalking 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.

SeeKumana 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.

BringThe park has few amenities so bring everything you need with you, including enough cash for your trip. The nearest ATMs are in Arugam Bay.

DoWith over 255 bird varieties, the Kumana National Park is the ideal place for bird-watching. Especially waders who visit the tanks of Kumana regularly.

BuyA 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.

EatThere 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.

DrinkIt is necessary to bring along a water bottle. You can buy drinks at the entrance shop or Kumana Village.

SleepAn overnight stay is required when travelling from Colombo to the South East.

Stay safeAs a wildlife sanctuary, the animals in there are a threat to visitors just like we are a threat to them.

Go next

Yala National Park

Sources and licences

Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Kumana National Park" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Summary from the Wikipedia article "Kumana National Park", available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikipedia
Photo: Dr.S.Rajivraja, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

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Overview

Sights and activities

Kudumbigala sanctuary

Uganthai Malai Murugan Kovil