Out and about 3

1.  Kumana

345KM

Kumana bird Sanctuary is well known for its wild life especially for the migratory birds. Painted storks, herons, egrets, Indian darters and little cormorants are prominent among these migratory birds. Black necked stork, one of the rarest birds in Sri Lanka, could also be seen in this area. Futhermore, deep in the jungle you will find a cave temple, Bambaragasthalawa and kumana village. Kumana village had been in existence before Panama village and was relocated in the 1990s. The village was self-sufficient and had cultivated land and fields irrigated by the kumana wewa.

2.  Yala

300KM

Yala national park is located in the south eastern region and extends over two provinces – Hambanthota district of southern province and Monaragala district in uva province. Yala is a rich hub for several species of wild life  and is home to a considerable population of elephants, leopards and reptiles. The park is rich in birdlife and around 130 species have been recorded. During the north-east monsoon, the lagoons are visited by thousands of migrating waterfowl, including pintail, garganey, Eurasian curlew, whimbrel and turn stone, which mix with the residents such as whistling duck, yellow wattled lapwing, red wattled lapwing and great stone plover.

3.  Kaudulla

197KM

Kaudulla national park is located in the polonnaruwa district. Historically Kaudulla was one of the 16 irrigation tanks built by king Mahasen. Today it harbours a variety of plant and animal life and is an important bird sanctuary as well. Herbs of elephants may be observed here, especially in September when they arrive in search of food and water. Other animals include Sambar deer, wild deer, sloth bears and leopards, Large water birds such as spot-billed pelican and lesser adjutant also visit the kaudulla tank.

4.  Udawalawe

165KM

5.    Udawalawe lies in the Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces and is famous for its large elephant can be seen at any given time and day. The park is also famous for birdlife. Crested serpent eagle, changeable hawk eagle, white-bellied sea eagle and grey-headed fishing eagle are the main raptors found in the park