Kumana National Park

Kumana National Park became an independent wildlife sanctuary in 1969, with not much of an evidence that showed the history of the large landmark. Kumana, before it was named as a sanctuary, was a great hunting ground for elephant poachers and zoo keepers from Dehiwala who wanted the animals to be presented at their zoo. The only evidence of what remains in cultural aspects is the Tamil Kovil which supports the pilgrimage foot tour known as the pada yatra (pronounced Pardha Yarthra). But what shows the most interest in the park are the old cave drawings believed to have done by the Veddas. These cave drawing represented a group of hunters and heard of wild elephant. Some say that the park was once home to the Lankan legend called Nittaewo, a race of dwarves who lived in the country many years ago.

In 2006, the park that had been named 'Yala-East Park' was renamed "Kumana".

The park covers 35,664 hectares (88,130 acres) and is home to over 255 bird species. Its wild landscape is known for its animal diversity, with over 20 tanks all over the park, Kumana Wildlife Sanctuary is known to be the largest bird sanctuary in Sri Lanka. The park is fairly flat but some mountainous structures can be seen from place to place. The park is mostly covered with wide plains, thick forests and the aforementioned water bodies. Manmade structures are quite rare in the park, apart from a few ancient buildings built for the Tamil pilgrimage walk.

The dry zone rain forests are surrounded by dry tropical thorn forests. The park's most dominating plant is Manilkara hexandra, known as 'Palu' by the local Sri Lankans. The trees are usually dry and weak due to the lacking of minerals and water.

Kumana national park's main specialty is it's vast diversity of animal species, and it is also a reason for it's separation from Yala National Park.

Kumana Bird Sanctuary is included in the national park. Kumana is the most important breeding and migrating ground for the birds in Sri Lanka. From the month of April to the month of July, thousands of birds migrate and breed in the area, Very rare species, such as the black necked stork, which cannot be found elsewhere in the country, use Kumana as their main migrating stop and breeding grounds. the reason for the vast consensus of birds is the perfectly compatible landscape for breeding.

Even though mammals are present in the park, many can rarely be seen to the visitors. The frequently seen mammals can be simply put forward as deers, elephants and wild boar. Other than that, many other shy mammals such as golden Jackals and European otters exist within the park. Elephants are usually seen bathing in the water beds of the park. Deers can usually be seen as groups in the open areas of the park. As it was a part of the Yala National Park, there are chances that you might see a Sri Lankan Leopard.

Reptiles such as the mugger crocodile can usually be seen near water beds throughout the park (usually around noon). Indian flap-shelled turtles and Indian black turtles also exist in the park. Apart from reptiles, fascinating varieties of butterflies and fish can be seen inside the park as well.

Kumana National Park has a persistent dry climate where heavy rainfall is uncommon, but can be expected during the south-western monsoon season (May–September). From December to March, Kumana receives dry winds coming from the northern parts of the country. The average temperature of this area is about 33 °C (92 °F), with around 58% humidity.

Hiring a car is a good option if you like road trips. The estimated time taken for travelling is 7½–8 hours; this may differ according to the route you take

• via Colombo-Kandy Rd/A1: 8 hours 36 minutes
• via Southern Expressway/E01: 7 hours 51 minutes
• via via Colombo–Batticaloa Hwy/Colombo–Ratnapura–Wellawaya–Batticaloa Rd/A4: 7 hours 43 minutes.

the cost may differ according to the needs such as fuel and repairments. When fueling your vehicle, only do so in trusted stations such as Ceypetco (Ceylon Petrol corporation) and IOC.

You must keep about Rs. 20,000 with you when travelling using this medium.

An 8-hour journey from the Colombo Fort station to Ella in the Badulla district costs of Rs. 250-800 and departs every four hours. The train is basic but comfortable and passes through some spectacular mountainous countryside. As this is a popular route, it is recommended to book in advance as first class tickets often sell out. Third class tickets never sell out, but you may not get a seat.

After getting off from Ella, you must hire a taxi, which should be metered. It will take about 3 hours to get there and it might cost about Rs. 9,000–11,000.

• Get on at the Colombo Bastian Mawatha Bus Terminal and enjoy a journey of 3 hours or more. Payment may differ according to the features included in the bus. The cost for a public bus is US$1–2 (Aug 2019). You will stop your bus journey at Tangalle, after getting off you will have to hire a taxi (early booking is best) and continue till the destination. The whole trip will take about 8 hours or so (without including the stops made on the way). The total cost would be about US$90.
• If you are travelling with a group, you can hire a private bus which will travel from Colombo to the destination straight away.

• Cash
• Ointments – An ointment that would repel mosquitoes (recommended: Siddhalepa)
• Snacks
• Sun lotion

• Binoculars – to see animals from a distance (increases safety and lessens tourism impact)
• Camera – to capture the scenic environment
• Notebook – to write down observations and notes, maybe even lodge data of your trip
• A field guide – to identify animals in the park

• Wear loose clothing and a hat; Wear closed shoes for your own safety.

• Lake view hotel, No. 118/18 Air Port Road, Ratmalana South 10390, ☏ +974 5541 2378. (updated Jun 2019)
• 🌍 Waypoint Arugam Bay, Panama Rd, Arugam Bay•076 905 4292. hotel with full facilities in Arugam Bay LKR 8,859. (updated Aug 2019)

• 🌍 The Blue Wave Hotel, The Blue Wave Hotel Road, Arugam Bay, Pottuvil 05, Arugam Bay 32500, ☏ +94 76 692 9929. 4-star hotel in Arugam Bay LKR 16,082. (updated Aug 2019)

• 🌍 Mahoora Tented Safari Camp - Kumana, Kumana National Park, 32000, ☏ +94 77 373 9708 (mobile). Rs. 203,096 per person. (updated Jun 2019)