Bundala National Park: A Haven for Wildlife Enthusiasts

• Helloහාත්
  [haat]
• Goodbyeවිනාඩියා
  [vinadhiya]
• Yesඔව්
  [ow]
• Noනෑ
  [ne]
• Please/You're welcomeකරදන්/ආයුබෝවන්
  [karadhan/ayubowan]
• Thank youඔබේ ස්තූතියි
  [obey sthuthiyi]
• Excuse me/Sorryසමාවීමට/කිසිවෙන්න
  [samawimata/kisivenna]
• How are you?ඔබ කොහොමද?
  [oba kohomada?]
• Fine. And you?හොඳින්. ඔබ කොහොමද?
  [hodin. oba kohomada?]
• Do you speak English?ඔයා ඉංග්‍රීසි කතා කරනවාද?
  [oyā iṅgrīsi kathā karanavāda?]
• I don't understandමට දත්ත නොවනවා
  [mata dattha nowanavā]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseකරුණාකර මෙනුසදිද බලනවා
  [karunākara menuṣadiya balanavā]
• I don't eat meatමම මස් කරනවානම්
  [mama mas karanavānam]
• Cheers!සුභපැතුම්!
  [subhapathum]
• I would like to pay, pleaseකරුණාකර ගෙවනවා
  [karunākara gewanavā]

• Help!උකුණු!
  [ukunu]
• Go away!ඉක්මන්ටෙනවා!
  [ikmanthenavā]
• Call the Police!පෙලිස් කරනවා!
  [pelis karanavā]
• Call a doctor!වෛරස් කරනවා!
  [vāras karanavā]
• I'm lostමම අහිමිනවා
  [mama ahiminavā]
• I'm illමම අසාරුනවා
  [mama asarunavā]

• I'd like to buy...මම මිලදී ගෙනාවෙනවා...
  [mama midī genawenavā...]
• I'm just lookingමම දන්න ගියවෙනවා
  [mama dannagiwenavā]
• How much is it?එය කොහේද?
  [eya kohedā?]
• That's too expensiveඑය ඉතාට ගොඩන්නාවෙද?
  [eya itāta godanawedā?]
• Can you lower the price?ඔබට පරිමාණය කරනවාද?
  [obata parimanaya karanavāda?]

• What time is it?වේලාව කුමක්ද?
  [wēlāva kumakda?]
• It's one o'clockඑකටම වේලාවයි
  [ekatama wēlāvayi]
• Half past (10)බත් පැයට (දෙහළ)
  [batha pāyata (dehala)]
• Morningඋදේවල
  [udewala]
• Afternoonපෙ.ව.
  [pe.va.]
• Eveningසදුදා
  [sadudā]
• Yesterdayඊයේ
  [īyē]
• Todayඅද
  [ada]
• Tomorrowහෙට
  [heta]
• 1එක
  [eka]
• 2දෙක
  [deka]
• 3තුන
  [thuna]
• 4හතලි
  [hathali]
• 5පහ
  [paha]
• 6හය
  [haya]
• 7හත
  [hatha]
• 8අශෙව
  [asheva]
• 9නවය
  [navaya]
• 10දහය
  [dahaya]

• Where's a/the...?එකට/එකෙනෙකු... කොහෙද?
  [ekata/ekeneḳu... kohe da?]
• What's the address?ලිපිනය කුමක්ද?
  [lipinaya kumakda?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?ඔබ මට (සිතියෙන්) පෙන්වනවාද?
  [oba mata (sithiyen) penwanavāda?]
• When's the next (bus)?ඊළඟ (බස්) කොහෙද?
  [īlaṅga (bass) kohe da?]
• A ticket (to ....)ප්‍රාදේ එකක් (එකෙනෙකුට)
  [prādē ekak (ekeneḳut)]

Bundala National Park has evidence of ancient human settlements dating back to the Mesolithic period. Archaeological findings suggest that early humans utilized the abundant resources of this wetland region for sustenance and shelter.

During the colonial period, Bundala's natural resources, including its salt pans and wildlife, were heavily exploited by the British. The salt pans, in particular, became an important source of revenue for the colonial administration.

Bundala was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1969, marking a significant step towards the conservation of its unique ecosystems and diverse species. This move was driven by the need to protect the area from increasing human encroachment and exploitation.

In 1990, Bundala National Park was designated as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. This recognition highlighted the park's critical role in supporting a wide variety of migratory and resident bird species, as well as its rich biodiversity.

In 2005, Bundala National Park was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This designation emphasized the park's global significance and the need for sustainable management practices to balance conservation efforts with the needs of local communities.

Bundala has long been intertwined with the cultural practices of local communities, particularly the fishing and farming communities that have lived in harmony with the park's natural resources for generations. Their traditional knowledge and practices are integral to the park's heritage.

Bundala National Park is located in the Hambantota District of the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. The nearest international airport is Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, approximately 45 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a taxi or arrange for a private transfer to the park. Alternatively, Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport is around 250 kilometers away, and you can reach Bundala via a combination of train, bus, and taxi. The journey from Colombo typically takes around 4 to 5 hours by road.

Within Bundala National Park, the primary mode of transportation is by safari jeep, which is necessary to fully explore the park's diverse habitats and wildlife. These can be arranged through local tour operators or your accommodation. For traveling around the nearby towns, tuk-tuks and taxis are readily available. Public buses also connect the nearby towns, but they may not be the most convenient option for reaching the park directly.

The official currency in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it's advisable to carry cash, especially for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available in nearby towns such as Hambantota, so it's wise to withdraw sufficient cash before heading to the park. Ensure you have small denominations for tips and minor purchases.

Bundala National Park is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is always prudent to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists in the vicinity of the park, but it's always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 119 for police assistance or 110 for an ambulance. The nearest medical facilities are in Hambantota, approximately 20 kilometers away. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in nearby towns where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. Always inform your tour guide or accommodation provider if you need emergency assistance.

Fashion: Do wear light, breathable clothing and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. Avoid wearing bright colors that may disturb wildlife. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting any religious sites, dress modestly and remove footwear. Public Transport: Do be polite and patient when using public transport. Don't expect punctuality, as schedules can be variable. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a friendly 'Ayubowan' (hello). Handshakes are common, but always use your right hand. Eating & Drinking: Do try local Sri Lankan cuisine and accept food offerings graciously. Don't waste food, as it is considered disrespectful.

To experience Bundala National Park like a local, try to join a guided tour with a knowledgeable naturalist who can point out hidden wildlife and explain the park's ecosystem. Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon when animals are most active. Engage with local fishermen and learn about their traditional methods. Don't miss the opportunity to see the diverse birdlife, especially during the migratory season from September to March. For a unique experience, consider staying in eco-friendly lodges that offer a closer connection to nature.