Hanthana Bird Park: A Sanctuary in the Heart of Kandy
Concealed in the verdant hills of Sri Lanka’s Hanthana mountain range, the Hanthana Bird Park is not merely a sanctuary for nature lovers. it’s a symbol of environmental conservation, biodiversity, and ecological education. Spanning 27 acres of lush land, this bird park is one of the largest of its kind in South Asia, providing a haven to over 100 species of endemic, exotic, and migratory birds. It is a haven for avian wildlife as well as an educational facility for tourists who wish to learn more about Sri Lanka’s natural heritage.
Origins and Purpose
Hanthana Bird Park was conceived on a twofold mission: conservation and education. Sri Lanka, blessed with its fauna-rich biodiversity, is fast being threatened by habitat destruction, urbanization, and global climate change. Consequently, the park was established to preserve bird species, primarily indigenous to the island, and to foster an interactive environment in which the general public can study and enjoy them within a naturalistic environment.
Officially opened in 2020, Hanthana Bird Park picked up pace in no time due to its scenic location and the thoughtful way it was designed. Its design beautifully complements nature while preserving the ecological balance and providing required infrastructure for the birds and visitors alike. The park is operated under the guidance of environmentalists and zoologists to maintain that it adheres to international standards of wildlife conservation and animal care.
Biodiversity and Bird Species
One of the most impressive features of Hanthana Bird Park is its bird diversity. The visitor is greeted to the visual and aural delight of more than 100 species of birds. The majority of them are endemic to Sri Lanka, like the Sri Lanka Junglefowl (the national bird), Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot, and the endangered Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush. These birds are rarely seen in the wild and are under threat from deforestation and habitat loss.
The park harbors several bird species that are migratory as well, with the Asian Koel, Indian Pitta, and Osprey being prime examples. The latter travel by thousands of kilometers to find asylum in Sri Lanka’s warm winters. The fact that exotic species like macaws, cockatoos, and African grey parrots inhabit the park gives a global flavor to the park’s popularity.
Also housed in the park are a range of raptors such as eagles, kites, and owls, which give visitors a glimpse of the predatory nature of the world of birds. The habitats are specially created such that these birds reside in conditions that are almost similar to their natural habitat.
Natural Environment and Ecosystem
Hanthana Bird Park is not just about birds; it’s a manicured ecosystem. The park has forest cover, grasslands, artificial lakes, and winding streams. The diversity of terrain enables the creation of microhabitats for a range of species not only birds, but small mammals, butterflies, amphibians, and insects too.
The natural cover has been preserved and supplemented by native plant species that provide food and shelter to the birds. Fruit trees have been employed for attracting frugivorous birds, and aquatic habitats host water species and attract birds that prey on fish or insects. Ecological construction of the park favors a balanced food chain and provides pollination and seed dispersal, contributing to regional biodiversity.
Educational and Recreational Facilities
One of the strongest aspects of Hanthana Bird Park is its educational purpose. The park has an interactive visitor center, where visitors can learn about bird behavior, migration, ecological functions, and conservation issues. Visual displays, documentaries, and educational signboards are strategically located throughout the park, turning it into a living classroom for students and nature lovers.
The park also conducts guided tours, birding activity, and researcher and school group workshops. Trained guides talk about the behavior and ecological importance of various birds, creating responsibility and awareness toward nature. The park is an ideal field site for university students pursuing courses in zoology, environmental science, or ornithology.
Recreationally, Hanthana Bird Park is a peaceful haven for tourists and families alike. Walkways, viewing towers, and benches are placed strategically to enable comfort while bird watching. The park has aviaries, butterfly gardens, children’s play area, and green-friendly cafeterias. Those looking for more active pursuits have chances to participate in activities such as archery, horse riding, and zip-lining on the outer periphery of the park, making it perfect for relaxation and adventure.
Sustainability and Conservation Efforts
The core focus of Hanthana Bird Park operations is environmental sustainability. All infrastructure within the park is designed with least possible environment deterioration. Natural materials are utilized in structures, and solar lighting is utilized. Rainwater harvesting and natural water body filtering are used to conserve water.
The park also has breeding and rehabilitation of threatened bird species. Rescued or sick birds are treated and, where possible, released back into the wild. Certain bird species are bred in captivity with the view to building up populations in the wild in the future.
Through partnership with conservation agencies and local communities, the park offers outreach programs, with the aim of reducing human-wildlife conflict and encouraging eco-tourism as an economic alternative.
Cultural and Tourism Impact
Located in close proximity to the historic city of Kandy a UNESCO World Heritage Site Hanthana Bird Park is a significant contributor to the domestic tourism sector. It offers an opportunity for nature-based tourism as an alternative to cultural and heritage tourism among other attractions in the region like Temple of the Tooth Relic, Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, and the Hanthana Tea Museum.
In addition, the park has promoted interest in eco-tourism in Sri Lanka. Tourists at the bird park take with them a greater appreciation of Sri Lanka’s natural beauty and a degree of responsibility towards conserving nature. Local people are also benefited through employment, selling crafts, and guided tours, offering a link between livelihoods and conservation that is mutually beneficial.
Hanthana Bird Park is not just a bird park it’s an ecologic adventure. In its commitment to conservation, education, and environmentally friendly tourism, it’s the best that natural zones can be conserved and shared. For bird lovers, scientists, students, and families, the park offers a rare opportunity to observe birds at close range while fostering greater awareness of our shared world.
As the biodiversity of the world is under threat like never before, sites like Hanthana Bird Park remind us of the importance of conserving the natural world not just for our avian friends, but for all life, including our own. The park invites each visitor to heed the call of the wild and take a message of harmony, respect, and stewardship with them.
Hanthana Birds Park (Hanthana International Bird Park & Recreation Center) is a recently established travel destination near the famous Kandy City. It is a superb spot for nature and bird lovers. Here you can see more than 100 different bird species, making it a must-visit destination when you come to Kandy next time.
Address of the Location: Hanthana Bird Park & Eco Tourism (Pvt) Ltd., Kandy, Sri Lanka.
To reach the location, you should first come to Kandy. Next, you should drive towards the Bogambara Stadium, and you must turn left there to find the Kandy General Hospital. From there, you should drive around 5 kilometers to reach this destination. It is advisable to use Google Maps, which will assist you in reaching there without any trouble at all.
Tickets
You must buy tickets to enter Bird’s Park. The ticket cost for a local adult is 600 rupees. This was the price in May 2023. But the price can change when you are reading this post.
Opening Hours and Days
The Hanthana Bird Park is open from Tuesday to Sunday. But it is closed on Mondays. It will open at 9 a.m. to visitors and close sharply at 6 p.m.
Birds
As we mentioned earlier, you can observe a lot of birds here. It is recorded that there are more than 100 birds, some of which are rare and native to Sri Lanka. Those are protected in cages, where you can observe them very closely. Further, you can learn about their life cycle, habitat, and behavioral facts. Some of the noted endemic birds are Sri Lanka Spurfowl, Sri Lanka Junglefowl, Yellow-fronted Barbet, etc.
As well, you can observe popular birds like peacocks, eagles, owls, and kingfishers. But most of the visitors are especially attracted to its beautiful parrots. Some of them are in your hands and shoulders. It is a nice incident that you should not capture with your camera. Visitors can also participate in the feedings of those birds. It is a nice experience to have while safely traveling.
Apart from the birds, you can observe monkeys, rabbits, and turtles. From the visitors, little kids are the most enjoyable ones who enjoy watching these birds and animals.
Map of Hanthana Bird Park
