After establishing two very successful fixed safari camps in Yala and Wilpattu national parks, founder of Leopard Trails Radheesh Sellamuttu established Kumana Under Canvas in 2024. This exclusive camping experience takes you into the very heart of Kumana (formerly known as Yala East) National Park. Bordering better known Yala National Park, Kumana shares Yala’s prominent wildlife – leopards, sloth bears, elephants and crocodiles, plus many bird species – but overall sees far less visitors and is currently one of the most rewarding destinations for a safari in Sri Lanka. Ecosystems are diverse, ranging from riverine forests, sand dunes, lagoons, marshes and plains, which makes Kumana more visually distinct than other reserves on the island.
Kumana under Canvas is a fully mobile semi-luxury campsite designed to provide a multi sensorial safari experience. Located an hour’s drive from the entrance to Kumana, the camp is blissfully remote – fall asleep to an orchestra of crickets or the bubbling call of the nightjar beneath an unpolluted ceiling of twinkling stars, and wake to a vibrant dawn chorus. Airy, high roofed tents are fitted with comfortable queen-sized beds, fans, solar power and charging facilities, attached dressing area and washroom, and separate on-demand hot water bucket showers. The camp is set up the day before the arrival of guests, often beside the scenic Kumbukkan River.
Staying within the national park gives a true advantage as there are no time restrictions to observe in terms of entering and exiting the park, and wildlife encounters are likely to be much more intimate. Mobile camps are also eco-friendly – everything is taken away after your clients depart – and they are run on battery and solar power. It’s a challenging setup but the experienced team, which comprises a safari guide, camp host, chef and butlers, make everything appear effortless. Kumana Under Canvas is perfect for those looking for a more authentic and adventurous safari experience in Sri Lanka.
Key Facts
- Fully mobile safari camp in the heart of wildlife-rich Kumana National Park with proper beds, shower facilities & gourmet food
- Serviced by a dedicated team of expert guides, camp hosts, butlers & chefs
- For two people travelling, there is a minimum stay of three nights
- A stay here is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts looking to escape the more popular national parks, and for those looking for a deep & enriching safari stay
- Families are also very welcome & children’s activities are available
- Rates include meals, snacks, drinks, game drives & park entry fees
- Game drives may be shared (like-minded guests are grouped together) & the customised Toyota game viewers comfortably fit a maximum of 6 guests
Experiences
- Embark on game drives into Kumana National Park with a proficient guide –the diverse ecosystems within Kumana support longer stay safaris
- Visit cultural sites within the national park including Bambaragasthalawa Monastery Ruins & Bowathagala Hills, or make for Okanda’s Hindu shrine
- Enjoy drinks beside the campfire & candlelit alfresco dinners deep in the heart of the wilderness
- Take a dip in the Kumbukkan River & as you do, look out for raptors in the trees
- Try your hand at Dutch oven cooking or let the camp chefs prepare a sumptuous barbecue under the stars
- Visit the turtle conservation centre in Kumana
- Children can join the Junior Ranger Programme which includes tree, bird and animal identification, tracking, bush walks and even jungle bingo!
Photo Gallery
More Information
- Kumana’s entrance is 27km from Arugam Bay (approx. 45 minutes’ drive)
- Helicopter charters may be arranged to Panama or Arugam Bay
- You can fly to Weerawila or Ampara with Cinnamon Air & transfer onwards
- Distance to Colombo is 435km (or a seven-hour drive)
- Distance to the Bandaranaike International Airport is 441km
