Bundala National Park is a hidden gem for bird lovers in Sri Lanka, boasting nearly 200 bird species, including some rare endemic ones.

Because it is not as popular as Yala or Udawalawe, Bundala offers a quieter and more intimate wildlife experience without the crowds. And according to us this is one of the best reasons to visit it! (We would not recommend going to Yala, because there are too many Safari jeeps allowed in the park.)

A dear friend of ours, who is a birdwatcher, said he was blown away by the variety of animals he saw while spending half a day in Bundala Nationalpark. "As a Ramsar wetland and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, we knew it was going to be good, but we were blown away even before we got into the main park itself. We only had five hours in the park, but saw 69 species of birds, plus elephants, crocs, mongoose, wild pig, water buffaloes, monitor lizards, and monkeys - it really was fantastic!" And this coming from a wildlife specialist who has seen a lot of national parks worldwide.

BEST TIME TO GO: October to March is the best time to visit, as migratory birds flock to the country during this time. And of course, the early morning hours are the best for spotting animals.

DO spend the night somewhere close by (Weligatta Village), and your hotel/guesthouse will be able to organize a safari for the next morning.

DON'T expect elephants to be too numerous. They are there, and you can see them, but the park is mainly known for its birds.