Excursion Bundala: an ornithologist's haven tour at Hambantota

Experience the bird lover's paradise of Bundala National Park during this scenic and exhilarating, half-day game drive excursion.

Hambantota, Bundala National Park, Off-Road Game Drive

Depart the pier for the early-morning approximately 30-minute drive to Bundala National Park. First declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1969 and the first site to be designated a Ramsar wetland, Bundala has been identified as an outstanding important bird area in the South Indian and Sri Lankan wetlands. Located along the coast, the park covers an area of over 8,895 acres (about 3,600 hectares) and is renowned for its diverse and abundant bird species. Upon arrival at Bundala National Park, leave your coach, board an open-air, 4X4 Jeep, and begin your guided, approximately three-hour game drive.

Migratory Birds, Sandpipers, Plovers, Flamingos, Storks, Ibises, Spoonbills, Cormorants, Ducks

Along the way, discover why the park is a haven for birding enthusiasts.  Bundala is home to thousands of birds, including a large array of migratory birds. Visiting migratory birds include marsh and curlew sandpipers, curlew, greenshank golden, and Kentish plovers, and large and lesser sand plovers. Broad-billed sandpipers and red-necked phalaropes are among the rarer visitors at the park. The most famous migratory bird found here are the greater flamingo, followed by the stork, ibis, spoonbill, cormorant, and duck.

Elephants, Civets, Wild Boars, Mongoose, Porcupine, Spotted Deer, Wild Buffaloes, Jackals

Bundala National Park is also home to 32 fish species, 15 amphibian species, 48 reptile species, and 32 mammal species. During your game drive, look for civets, wild boars, mongoose, porcupines, spotted deer, wild buffaloes, jackals, and other wildlife. A small population of elephants also resides here. At the conclusion of your game drive, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Hambantota, Bundala National Park

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of off-road driving and a moderate amount of walking for approximately 220 yards (about 201 metres), at times over uneven, dusty, bumpy, gravel, sandy, and natural surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and four steps to get on/off the Jeep and 5 steps at the Bundala National Park. Each 4X4 Jeep utilised on this tour is basic, open-air, opens from the sides, and seats five-six guests. This tour is recommended for active guests in good physical condition. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with neck/back problems, guests with heart/respiratory conditions, guests prone to motion sickness, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, sturdy, and closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, insect repellent, bottled water, a sweater or light jacket,a face mask to protect from dust and local currency or credit cards for purchases from the ship. Guests must be at least 7 years old to participate on this tour.

Guests must remain inside the Jeep at all times during the game drives. Due to very few trackers being available in Bundala National Park, they will be subject to availability. One guide is assigned to six jeeps. Rangers are locals who speak very basic English and won't be able to ride in each Jeep, but your guide provides commentary during your transfer to Bundala National Park and in case possible during the safari. Matches, lighters, cigarettes, and flash photography are all strictly prohibited inside the park. For personal consumption, it is recommended to avoid carrying any food items with a strong smell. Feeding the animals is strictly forbidden. Guests are not permitted to speak loudly or stand up on the game drive vehicles, as this disturbs the animals. The open-air, 4WD safari vehicles utilised on this tour are not covered, and guests are therefore exposed to the elements. Although frequently encountered on this type of tour, wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Expect hot conditions during the game-drive. Due to the prevailing weather conditions and movement of dangerous wildlife on the Game Reserve, the programme's sequence, contents, and itinerary are subject to change by the management without prior notice. Due to security checks waiting some time is expected at entrance of the National parks.

Infrastructure in Hambantota is basic, and local conditions may be challenging; therefore, we urge flexibility and understanding as we visit unique and somewhat remote destinations. The cost of providing a tour programme in Sri Lanka is proportionately more expensive than in neighbouring nations. Unfortunately, this is reflected in the prices of the tours, and we thank you for your understanding. Vehicles, guides, hotels, restaurants, equipment, and services are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found on other excursions.