wildlife · Northern
Chundikulam National Park — Kilinochchi
Cover photo: Edrick Krozendijk (Unsplash)
- District
- Kilinochchi
- Province
- Northern
- Best for
- Serious birders; flamingo lagoons on the Jaffna-Kilinochchi border
About this place
National park of lagoons and dunes east of Elephant Pass, famous for greater flamingos and migrant ducks in winter. Visit December-March early morning with a local guide and 4x4, as tracks flood. Carry everything in; there are no facilities and permits or guide fees apply.
Visitor brief
Good to know before you go
- National park since 2015 (bird sanctuary since 1938) under the Department of Wildlife Conservation - permits/guide fees apply.
- Famous for greater flamingos and migrant ducks in winter; season December-March, early morning best.
- Tracks flood outside the dry season - 4x4 and local guide effectively required.
- No visitor facilities; carry water, food, fuel and sun cover.
- Do not harm or disturb wildlife - DWC rules apply, offences are criminal.
How to travel there
Lagoons and dunes east of Elephant Pass on the Jaffna-Kilinochchi border (~68 km from Jaffna); visit with a local guide and 4x4 arranged from Jaffna or Kilinochchi.
Where to stay
Stay in Jaffna (full range) with an arranged 4x4 day trip; no lodging at the park.
Nearby places
Elephant Pass Memorial and Causeway, Vadamarachchi lagoon birding belt, Point Pedro coast
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