Bundala National Park
Bundala National Park,SrilankaBundala National Park is an internationally important wintering ground for migratory water birds in Sri Lanka. Bundala harbors 197 species of birds, the highlight being the greater flamingo, which migrate in large flocks. In 1991 Bundala became the first wetland to be declared as a Ramsar site in Sri Lanka. In 2005 the national park was designated as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, the fourth biosphere reserve in Sri Lanka.
Covering an area of slightly more than 6,200 hectares, the Bundala National Park is located in the southern district of Hambantota, 245 kilometres (152 mi) southeast of Colombo. It falls within the dry zone and its climate can be described as hot and arid. The vegetation is predominantly of a dry thorny scrubland variety which provides a natural barrier to the wind and the terrain is flat with sand dunes that border the coastline. The Park features a series of lagoons which are an important habitat for wintering water birds. The best time to visit the Bundala National Park is between August and April when shore bird numbers can reach as high as 20,000.