Bundala National Park is a coastal wetland about 15 km west of Tissamaharama, smaller and far less visited than Yala but outstanding for birdwatching. The park's network of brackish lagoons, saltpans and dry scrubland is a winter staging ground for thousands of migratory waders and waterfowl, and hosts Sri Lanka's largest concentration of greater flamingos between September and March.
The park has over 200 bird species recorded, including painted storks, spoonbills, black-necked storks, and numerous sandpipers and plovers in season. Elephants and crocodiles also inhabit the lagoons. Bundala is a Ramsar wetland of international importance and much less crowded than Yala — a typical morning here might involve just one or two other jeeps. Entry is via a government-set jeep hire from the park gate.