Kumana National Park
Maha-Eliya was founded by Sir Robert Hortain
Located in the southeast corner of Sri Lanka, is the 18,149 hectare Kumana National Park (Yala East) which is a well known eco tourism attraction and bird sanctuary where a multitude of birds breed and roost.
This National Park had been closed since 2005 due the presence of the LTTE terrorists in those areas. However, since the Government eliminated the LTTE Rebel Organization in May 2009, the Wild Life Department decided to open the park after they received security clearance after the end of the war.
One of the most significant features of the park is the 'Kumana Villu' – a 200 hectare natural swamp lake fed by the 'Kumbukkan Oya' through a half mile long narrow channel. It is at this mangrove swamp that many water birds nest in May and June. Regular sightings include such species of bird as pelicans, painted storks, spoonbills, white ibis, herons, egrets and little cormorants.
The very rare black-necked stork has also been spotted at the swamp. Besides the prolific birdlife Kumana is also home to some of the mammals found in the larger Yala National Park (west) such as elephants and leopards.
The vegetation in Kumana consists mainly of mangrove trees, kumbuk trees and the karan fern as well as the open marsh area.
For bird watching enthusiasts The Kumana National Park is an 'absolute must
Things you can do
- Kataragama ( Sri Lankan Hindus believe that their tender Lord Murugan left India long ago to come and settle in Kathir-kamam (the place of light and love-passion) where his vilaiyaatal (divine play) continue even to this day. According to Islamic esoteric tradition. Kataragama or Khadiragama is the very place that prophet Moses journeyed to in quest of higher teachings from the undying Servant of Allah, al Khadir, the legendary 'Green Man'. And, as Buddhists know, the Tathagatas themselves have come to Kataragama with the object of delivering discourses on Dhamma )
- Yala ( Ruhunu National Park ) is one of the best, preserved and protected Wildlife Sanctuaries in Sri Lanka is a 30 minutes drive from the Hotel.
Visitors have the rare opportunity to see Mother Nature's great creation of reality. Elephants, Sloth, Bears, Leopards, Spotted Deer, Wild Boar, Sambhur, Deer, Hare, Crocodiles, Snakes, Iguana and birds in thousands could be watched from one's vehicle.
- Bundala is famous for birds and its wild animals scattered all over the park in their natural habitat. Roughly 30 minutes drive from the hotel takes you to the wonderful and beautiful place and it will be a lifetime experience.
Traveling through dense tropical jungle of Bundala, will certainly give the visitor a taste of real bird's life.
- Udawalawe is a recently established national park declared with the intention of conserving the catchment area of the reservoir that has been extensively burnt for slash and burn farming (shifting cultivation) and as such very little forest cover is left. The park is home to more than 250 elephants, as well as deer, leopards numerous species of birds.
At the centre of the park is the "Uda Walawe Reservoir" created by a 5 kilometer long dam on the Walawe River.
- Kumana located in the southeast corner of Sri Lanka , the 18,149 hectare KUMANA (YALA EAST) NATIONAL PARK is a well-known eco tourism attraction and bird sanctuary where a multitude of birds breed and roost. One of the most significant features of the park is the 'Kumana Villu' - a 200 hectare natural swamp lake, fed by the 'Kumbukkan Oya' through a half mile long narrow channel. It is at this mangrove swamp that many water birds nest in May and June. Regular sightings include such species of bird as pelicans, painted storks, spoonbills, white ibis, herons, egrets and little cormorants.
- Tissamaharama which are considerably large in size although not as big as the great Stupas of Anuradhapura. Tissamaharama is one of the 16 sacred places to Buddhists since it is believed to
Have been visited by Lord Buddha.
- Kirinda ancient temple is believed to be the place where Queen Vihara Maha Devi, wife of King Kawantissa and mother of King Dutugemunu and King Saddhatissa landed in Ruhuna.
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