subject: Bird Watching At Kumana, The Experience Of A Lifetime [print this page] Sri Lanka is an island nation situated off the coast of India. The nations major communities are the Sinhalese, Tamils, Moors, Malays, Burghers and the indigenous Veddahs. Sri Lanka possesses a rich cultural heritage and has been an important trading centre from ancient times. Merchant vessels from the Middle East, Persia, Thailand, Burma, Indonesia, Malaysia and other nations regularly visited the island.
Today Sri Lanka is a major tourist destination attracting many foreign visitors drawn by its beautiful beaches, forests and landscapes as well its cultural sites. Sri Lanka possesses an astonishing variety of flora and fauna including species which are endemic to the island. Well known species of trees found on the island include ebony, satinwood, teak, mahogany and ironwood. Fauna includes elephants, leopards, smaller jungle cats, deer, bears and squirrels to name a few.
Sri Lankas diverse exotic bird-life makes it a delight for the bird lover. 427 varieties of birds have been identified, of which 250 are resident species and 23 can only be found in the island. As the different areas of the island experience varied climates and environments, there is a variety of settings where one can observe bird life, with each part of the island featuring a somewhat different selection. Many of the endemic species, including the Sri Lankan grackle are found in the wet zone of the island. The hill country features such species as the Sri Lankan whistling thrush and the illusive yellow-eared bulbul. Varieties like the redfaced malkoha, colourfully feathered jungle fowl and brown-capped babbler are to be seen in most parts of the island. Migratory birds include stints, sandpipers, terns, plovers and harriers. In the forests warblers, cuckoos and thrushes are a common sight.
Kumana National Park is renowned as a bird sanctuary where varied species of birds make their home. It contains a mangrove swamp where aquatic bird species such as painted storks, pelicans, white ibis, spoonbills, egrets, herons and little cormorants are frequently seen. The rare black-necked stork has also been seen at the park. The immense variety of bird-life seen at Kumana makes it a highlight for the committed bird watcher.
Among Sri Lanka hotels the properties of the John Keells Hotels Group holds a prominent place. With a range of luxurious hotels in several prime locations, there is no better choice for those engaged in Sri Lanka travel.
by: Pushpitha Wijesinghe
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