Considering a trip to Kumana National Park, but not sure it’s worth the journey? Welcome to our guide to one of the most underrated safaris in Sri lanka with all the hidden details behind this unkempt beauty. Is it worth a trip? We’ll let you decide.

Our guide stepped on the brakes, the tires sliding and skidding on the loose ground as he kept his head fixated on the thick trees and bushes to the right. He didn’t say anything, he just kept staring and we felt obliged to keep quiet and join him, expecting to see another Spotted Deer, a Buffalo or something pop its head out. But after a few moments the wheels began turning again and we carried on up the road, wondering what we might have missed.   

A few hundred meters further, we came across another jeep with wide smiles on all of the passengers’ faces. “Did you spot it?”. The guys showed us the screen of their telescopic camera and two giant yellow eyes stared back. We’d just missed a Leopard, and a beautiful one at that. Unfortunately we didn’t get to see it that day. After 5 safari’s all over Sri Lanka we’re still waiting for that first glimpse, but so far this is the closest we’ve come.

When we were back in Arugam Bay sipping on a beer on the beach, we reflected on the little adventure we’d just been on. We’d been umming and ahhing the days before whether we should bother, but as we joked about the Monkeys chasing the Giant Grizzled Squirrel, the Boars playing in the early sunlight and the magicalness of almost having the entire park to ourselves, we knew it had been worth it.

Why visit Kumana National Park?

You’ll see loads of wild animals in and around the Arugam Bay. But, if you’re a real wildlife lover or you’re staying for a while, it’s worth visiting Kumana National Park. 

This park is actually connected to Yala National Park and used to go by the same name, so it’s a great place to go on safari where you’ll get the chance to see many Buffalo, Elephants, Crocodiles, Boar, Birds and if you’re lucky some Sloth Bears or the elusive Leopard. But unlike Yala, you won’t have to deal with crowds, it’s one of the quietest parks in Sri Lanka.

Our full detailed article is in the website link, we hope you enjoy this amazing safari as much as we did .