Park consists of an area of 6,216 hectares and is the most important wetlands of Sri Lanka with approximately 150 bird species, plus monkeys and crocodiles. Migratory shore birds are seen in large numbers which are attracted to the salt pans. The winter migratory birds that visit in vast numbers during November to March make this the best time for sightings. The impressive flocks of Indian flamingos can usually be seen along with the resident water birds that include sterns, spot-billed pelicans, egrets, plovers, gray and purple herons, spoonbills, cormorants and painted storks.