Bundala is the ideal location for visitors to experience just how exciting a bird-spotting location Sri Lanka is. At just 6,216 ha, it may only be a small national park located in the south of the island, but is a vital safe haven for multitudes of resident and migrant birds in all of their colourful and sizeable diversity, many of which you are guaranteed to see. It is actually of such importance to migratory shore birds that it was declared a Ramsar Wetland in 1992, the first of its kind on the island.

Bundala's hot parched wilderness is otherworldly. It consists of brackish lagoons, sand dunes, salt marshes, mangroves and thorny scrub alongside a dry mixed evergreen forest that you will slowly and sensitively wind through on your intrepid journey. Though a large number of mammals and reptiles, especially huge crocodiles and snakes, are resident in Bundala, it is primarily a bird sanctuary and ornithologists' paradise. The diverse habitats found here, especially the brackish watering holes, attract all species of aquatic birds resident in the country and up to an incredible 20,000 shorebirds during migratory season.

Most characteristic and unique to Bundala are the celebrated pink flocks of flamingo that are a true highlight of the park. The sight of them awkwardly standing on long legs in their pink splendour or serenely setting off into the sunset is a surprise perhaps for many visitors and will provide many a photographic opportunity if you are lucky enough to see them. Herons, spoonbills, egrets, painted storks and ibis are also commonly sighted. The lagoons are an ideal habitat for waders. In total, 197 resident (three endemic) and 58 visiting species have been recorded.