Yala East (Kumana) National Park

Together with Ruhunu National Park, Yala East National Park is renowned for the variety of its wildlife, largely characteristic of dry zone tropical thorn forest. In addition, the mangroves of Kumana provide particularly important habitat for birds.
Location
Lies on the south-east coast in Eastern province, 12Km south of Arugam Bay, and accessible from the Wellawaya-Pottuvil road. Contiguous to the south with Ruhunu (Yala) National Park/Yala Strict Natural Reserve (126,786ha), along the Kumbukkan Oya.
Acsees
There are two routes from Colombo. They fork off at Pelmadulla and meet again at Wellawaya. One going via Beragla, Koslanda and other via Thimbolketiya, Udawalawe and Thanamalwila. From Wellawaya the road goes through Moneragala, Pottuvil and Panama. There is only one entrance to the park from Panama through the Kudumbigala sanctuary. The park office is situated at Okande, where a permit and guide should be obtained before entering the park. From Colombo to Yala East National Park the distance is approximately 391Km.
Physical Features
The main feature is the world famous Kumana mangrove swamp (200ha), which is surrounded by plains and jungle. The flat terrain of the coast is broken by numerous, rocky outcrops. There are large saline lagoons along the coast, often surrounded by extensive plains. Its altitude ranges from sea level to 90m height rocky outcrops. Total area is 18,149ha, with 265ha in Block II and 17,863ha in Block III.
Climate
Conditions are similar to those experienced in the north of Ruhuna National Park. 
Date and History of Establishment
Block II was established on 26th December 1969, followed by Block I on 2nd January 1970, having originally been reserved for shooting as in intermediate zone many years beforehand
Cultural Heritage
At the base of most rock outcrops are caves, some with rock inscriptions of the first and second century BC. A nine-meter statue of reclining Buddha, now ruined, as discovered in a  large cave at Bambaragastalawa. Bowattagala is another ancient monastic site. Kudumbigala, just outside the park, is inhabited by a Buddhist monk. Both Kudumbigala and Lenama, also peripheral to the park, were once the hunting grounds of the Nittaewo, the legendary pygmies of Sri Lanka who were sworn enemies of the Veddhas.
Vegetation
Comprises semi arid thorn scrub with fairly large areas of dense forest.
Fauna
In general, the fauna is similar to that found in Ruhunu (Yala) National Park. Kumana is reputed for its avifauna. Large numbers of certain species congregate to nest in the mangroves in May-June.
Visitors and Visitor Facilities
There are two park bungalows, one at Okanda, near the park entrance, and the other by the waterhole at Thunmulla. Four campsites situated on the banks of the Kumbukkan Oya at Kumana. A boat is available for hire at Kumana villu. The closest town is Panama on your way to the park to buy last minute essentials and gas for your vehicles, but not anything for your high tech gear.