Kumana Leopards

Kumana National Park

Once known as Yala East, Kumana National Park is located in the southeastern corner of Sri Lanka, covering 35,664.74 hectares of protected wilderness in the country's dry zone.

Aerial view of Kumana National Park showcasing the diverse landscape with wetlands, mangrove swamps, and coastal areas

Location & Boundaries

The Kumbukkan River forms the park's southern boundary and also marks the eastern edge of Yala National Park (Block II). On the eastern side, the park stretches along the southern part of Sri Lanka's eastern coastline, reaching up to Panama Village, the last populated settlement on the southeast coast.

Map illustration showing Kumana National Park boundaries, highlighting the Kumbukkan River and its position relative to Yala National Park
Interactive Park Map

Explore key locations within Kumana National Park including wildlife viewing areas, water bodies, and access points.

Wildlife & Ecosystems

World-Famous Bird Sanctuary

Kumana is world-famous as a bird sanctuary. Its many lagoons, mangrove swamps, and freshwater ponds provide perfect habitats for waterbirds. The most well-known wetland is Kumana Villu, a mangrove swamp that becomes a bustling nesting ground for waterbirds, especially between May and June when migratory birds arrive.

255 bird species out of Sri Lanka's 400 recorded species call Kumana home, including the rare black-necked stork.

Waterbirds nesting and feeding in the Kumana Villu mangrove swamp during peak migration season
Mammals & Large Wildlife

The park supports a wide range of mammals, including:

  • Spotted deer
  • Wild boar
  • Elephants
  • Leopards
  • Sloth bears
  • Golden jackals
  • Sambar deer
  • Stripe-necked mongooses

Kumana is one of the few places in Sri Lanka where wild water buffaloes still roam freely.

Sri Lankan leopard resting in its natural habitat within Kumana National Park, showcasing the park's diverse wildlife

Landscapes & Natural Features

Diverse Ecosystems

  • Wetlands surrounded by dry zone tropical thorn forests
  • Riverine forests along the Kumbukkan River
  • Rocky outcrops scattered across the park
  • Saline lagoons near the coast with open plains rich in vegetation
Panoramic view of Kumana's diverse landscapes featuring wetlands, tropical thorn forests, and rocky outcrops
Ancient Water Bodies

Most water bodies in Kumana are freshwater ponds. The largest is Kumana Wewa, an ancient tank built between 1 AD and 1000 AD, measuring over one kilometer across.

Other significant tanks include Aluthgama Wewa, Eraminiyan Wewa, and Bakme Wewa.

The ancient Kumana Wewa tank, over one kilometer across, with wildlife gathering at the water's edge during dry season

History & Cultural Significance

Kumana is rich in history. Ancient cave inscriptions, dating back to the 1st and 2nd centuries BC, and ruins such as Bambaragasthalawa, Bowaththe Galge, and Kiripokuna show evidence of early settlements.

The remnants of large tanks suggest that this region, along with Yala, was part of the heartland of Ruhuna, a major agricultural hub during the first millennium.

The name "Kumana" comes from a former village located near Swamp Lake, bordered by the ocean in the southeast and the Kumbukkan River in the southwest. The park's main entrance at Okanda is 19 km from the river mouth of the Kumbukkan Oya.

Ancient cave inscriptions and archaeological ruins from the 1st-2nd centuries BC, showing early settlements in Kumana

Conservation Timeline

1938

Declared a bird sanctuary by the British administration

1969

Upgraded to a national park and named Yala East

2006

Officially renamed Kumana National Park

Plan Your Visit

Access & Location

Main entrance at Okanda, 19 km from the Kumbukkan River mouth. The park is accessible via the southeastern coastal route, with Panama Village being the nearest settlement.