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Kumana National Park Safari — Ampara

Cover photo: Mylon Ollila (Unsplash)

District

Ampara

Province

Eastern

Best for

Safari-goers and birders; leopards, elephants and migrant flocks

Map

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About this place

Large national park south of Arugam Bay and Pottuvil, famed for April-July nesting waterbirds plus elephants and occasional leopards. Enter by 4x4 from Panama-side gates; half-day and full-day jeep safaris run from Arugam Bay with early starts. Foreign entry plus jeep hire split between passengers; book a day ahead in season.

Visitor brief

Good to know before you go

• Nesting-waterbird spectacle runs roughly April-July; elephants concentrate at waterholes in the dry months.
• Leopards are present but sightings are occasional, never guaranteed.
• Book a day ahead in season; entry plus jeep hire is split between passengers.
• Bring binoculars, sun cover and water; park facilities are minimal.

How to travel there

South of Arugam Bay and Pottuvil; half-day and full-day 4x4 jeep safaris leave Arugam Bay with very early starts via the Panama-side gates.

Where to stay

Stay in Arugam Bay or Pottuvil: budget surf camps and guesthouses, mid-range beach stays; safari operators pick up from both.

Nearby places

Arugam Bay surf breaks, Pottuvil Lagoon eco safari, Crocodile Rock viewpoint, Lahugala National Park

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