The Kumana National Park
This is a bounty of nature indeed! A wonderful place where you can collect lots of experience with respect to extremely rare types of colorful birds, animals reptiles, etc. Compared to other national parks in Sri Lanka, Kumana is not spoiled with too many visitors and vehicles; a calm and a quiet place where you can enjoy the unique fascinating beauty of nature.
The Kumana National Park is the most important and most popular bird sanctuary in Sri Lanka. Kumana birdlife supported by some 20 lagoons and tank is an ornithologist’s paradise. During April to July, tens of thousands of birds migrate to the Kumana swamp area annually, nearly 255 species of birds have been recorded in the National Park.
Regular sightings of birds include pelicans, painted storks, spoonbills, white ibis, herons, egrets, and hundreds of little cormorants. The very rare black-necked stork has also been spotted at the swamp. Among the breeding inhabitants of the Kumana villu are the rare species such as Black-necked Stork, Lesser Adjutant, Eurasian Spoonbill, and Great Thick-knee are breeding inhabitants of the Kumana villu.
Apart from being abound with the birdlife, Kumana is also home to the mammals found in the adjacent Yala National Park such as elephants, leopards, golden jackal, wild boar, European otter, as well as the endangered fishing cat.
Kudumbigala – gem, hidden in the jungles
Kudumbigala monastic complex was built in 246 BC, during the time of King Devanampiyatissa. It was first established as a refuge for the Buddhist monks, who wanted to get away from the busy cities. Archaeologists had recovered over 200 rock caves belonging to this forgotten monastery. The area is full of ancient ruins and caves. There are still monks live and meditate here like a thousand years ago.
This place has a magic atmosphere and incredible view. From the top of Sacral Rock, you will see all Yala National park in front of you, ocean and lagoons, green forest, and blue skies as far as your eyes go.
Murugan Temple in Okanda
Situated on the Kumana Panama jungle path Okanda Devalaya is believed to be the location God Skanda; first sailed into Sri Lanka in a golden boat. The boat, which was turned into a rock, still stands on the Okanda beach known to all as the ‘Ran Oru Gala’. Held in reverence by many without the difference of religion, race, or creed, the temple’s origin is unknown although the signs of an ancient monastery are found nearby.
Archeologists believe the temple, situated near the ancient Okanda harbor, too would have increased its importance with many seafaring men seeking its help before and after a journey. Although the ancient devalaya was of much simpler structure and adornment, the present temple imitates a more Southern Indian Kovil structure due to its large number of Tamil Hindu devotees.
Earnest devotees of Kataragama by the thousands, hailing from all communities but especially Tamil Hindus undertakes an annual Pâda Yâtrâ or foot pilgrimage via Okanda temple and Yala National Park to Kataragama for the Esala festivities in Kataragama. Nearly 30,000 pilgrims from the Northern and Eastern coasts of Sri Lanka arrive in a procession at Okanda to commence weeks long walk through Yala National Park to the temple of God Skanda in Kataragama.
The devotees pray for Lord Skanda’s blessings and assistance prior to commencing their journey through the thick jungles of Yala amidst the wild beasts of prey. The ones who walk from afar are those who savor the traditional pilgrim’s life of sleeping in temples and under the open sky, accepting whatever alms that strangers may offer, and bearing up under scorching sun while walking barefoot on searing hot roads, clad only in simple pilgrim’s garb with a small bundle of offerings and belongings balanced upon their heads.
All along the way, villagers await their chance to offer dâna to the small bands of swâmis and swâmi ammas. For many pilgrims, the Pâda Yâtrâ is a chance to visit ancient shrines all the way to Kataragama in the company of veteran devotees. Their long trek takes them to famous temples at Sittandy, Mamamgam, Kaluthavalai, and Mandur in Batticaloa District. In Ampara District, they follow the coast via Tirukkovil, Pottuvil, and Okanda through Yala National Park to reach Kataragama.
