Visit bird paradise at Kumana National Park
Yala, Sri Lanka • 
Underrated
Underrated
Best months to visit
Apr
25°C – 32°C, warm temperatures with increased rainfall, medium crowds, peak season
25°C – 32°C, warm temperatures with increased rainfall, medium crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Rugged terrain; walking and hiking required; not wheelchair accessible.
Rugged terrain; walking and hiking required; not wheelchair accessible.
Value for money
Medium
Pricey safaris, but the experience is worth it.
Pricey safaris, but the experience is worth it.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Peaceful Escape
Couples loved the serene atmosphere and intimate wildlife encounters. Perfect for a romantic getaway.
Wildlife Paradise
Travelers raved about the diverse birdlife and the chance to spot elusive animals. Highly recommended!
Safari Romance
Couples found the jeep safaris exciting and loved the feeling of having the wilderness to themselves.
Long Drive
Couples noted the long travel time to reach the park from Colombo and Ella. Prepare for the journey!
Pricey Safaris
Some couples felt the safari prices were a bit high compared to other Sri Lankan experiences.
Less Leopards
Visitors found leopard sightings less frequent than Yala. Manage expectations for big cats.
How to book
ViatorRECOMMENDED
Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
2h - 3h
4.8
from
USD 45
per_person
BOOK
GetyourguidePremium Experience with Hotel Pickup
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before
4h - 5h
4.9
from
USD 70
per_person
BOOK
KlookPrivate Full-Day Tour
Non-refundable
8h - 10h
5.0
from
USD 120
per_person
BOOK
Hours of operation
Monday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
An adventurer embarks on exploration of Kumana National Park.
Join travelers on an adventurous journey to Kumana National Park.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
December
MEDIUM
23-30°C
December marks the transition to the dry season, with reduced rainfall and more favorable weather conditions. Humidity levels decrease, and the park's trails become more navigable.
December marks the transition to the dry season, with reduced rainfall and more favorable weather conditions. Humidity levels decrease, and the park's trails become more navigable.
Open
Most areas are accessible, though some trails may still be recovering from the wet season.
Most areas are accessible, though some trails may still be recovering from the wet season.
Recommended
December offers improving weather conditions with reduced rainfall, making it a suitable time to visit. Wildlife becomes more active, and the park's accessibility improves.
December offers improving weather conditions with reduced rainfall, making it a suitable time to visit. Wildlife becomes more active, and the park's accessibility improves.
January
MEDIUM
23-31°C
Mild temperatures with occasional rainfall.
Mild temperatures with occasional rainfall.
Open
Some areas may be less accessible due to wet conditions.
Some areas may be less accessible due to wet conditions.
Not recommended
January offers mild temperatures with occasional rainfall. While the park is accessible, some areas might be challenging to navigate due to wet conditions. Birdwatching is possible, but the peak season starts later in the year.
January offers mild temperatures with occasional rainfall. While the park is accessible, some areas might be challenging to navigate due to wet conditions. Birdwatching is possible, but the peak season starts later in the year.
February
MEDIUM
23-31°C
Warm temperatures with minimal rainfall.
Warm temperatures with minimal rainfall.
Open
No significant restrictions.
No significant restrictions.
Recommended
February marks the beginning of the dry season, offering warm temperatures and minimal rainfall. It's a good time for wildlife viewing as animals start congregating around water sources.
February marks the beginning of the dry season, offering warm temperatures and minimal rainfall. It's a good time for wildlife viewing as animals start congregating around water sources.
March
MEDIUM
23-32°C
Warm temperatures with very little rainfall.
Warm temperatures with very little rainfall.
Open
No significant restrictions.
No significant restrictions.
Recommended
March continues the dry season with warm temperatures and minimal rainfall. Wildlife viewing opportunities improve as animals gather around diminishing water sources.
March continues the dry season with warm temperatures and minimal rainfall. Wildlife viewing opportunities improve as animals gather around diminishing water sources.
How to get there
Car
Recommended
Driving a private car or hired vehicle is a popular choice. The journey from Colombo takes 7-9 hours. A 4WD vehicle is recommended for the final stretch to the park entrance.
Taxi
Recommended
Taxis can be hired from Colombo or nearby towns like Pottuvil and Arugam Bay to the Okanda entrance. This is a direct and convenient option.
Bus
Take a long-distance bus from Colombo to Pottuvil (7 hours), then arrange local transport to the Okanda entrance. Alternatively, take direct bus route 98 from Colombo to Panama.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Not suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required