NATIONAL PARKS
Fact: you stand a chance of seeing the big five: elephant, leopard, sloth bear, sperm whale and the blue whale, while you go on a two-week safari in Sri Lanka!
There are approximately 21 National Parks in Sri Lanka where tourists to Sri Lanka can spend an adventure holiday spotting wild animals to their heart’s content (including bird watching), during safari camping. This small island offers the animal enthusiast, as much as India, Malaysia and great Africa put together! Less costly, more laid back and less commercialized, Sri Lanka has been described as ‘one of Asia’s top wildlife destinations.
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01. Yala National Park – Southeast Sri Lanka.
Yala National Park is Sri Lanka’s premier wildlife destination, renowned for having one of the highest leopard densities in the world. Spanning 979 square kilometers, the park is home to elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and over 200 species of birds. Its diverse landscapes—ranging from dry forests and open grasslands to wetlands and ancient ruins—create a rich and scenic environment for unforgettable safari adventures. A must-visit for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
A wetland sanctuary with beaches, lagoons, dunes and scrubby jungle is home to giant squirrels, crocodiles and civets. At the same time, sightings of turtles arriving to lay eggs are common from October to January. Most importantly, it is a wintering ground for migratory waterbirds in Sri Lanka. Location: southern province.
Located in the southwardly located Sabaragamuwa and Uva Provinces this 30,821-hectare park is where you can go on safari to spot elephants (even in midday) and sambhur,
Horton Plains National Park is the highest national park in Sri Lanka, and it is located in the central highlands of the Country. It was designated in 1988. It is located at an elevation of 2,100–2,300 m and encompasses montane grassland and cloud forest. It is rich in biodiversity, and many species found here are endemic to the region.
Minneriya is located close by to Sigiriya(20KM)in the central province. and It is joins up with Kaudulla and Wasgomuwa parks. and it is Nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle, this park is renowned for hosting one of the largest wild Asian elephant gatherings in the world. Between July and September, witness herds of elephants congregate around the Minneriya Tank, creating a breathtaking display of wildlife.
Once renowned for its leopard population (you could be lucky enough to encounter one or two that roam about), sloth bear and crocodiles: all of which are considered threatened animals. Located in the Northwestern and North Central provinces of Sri Lanka, it got its name – Wilpattu (Land of Lakes) due to its 60 plus Villus (Lakes), most often visited by herds of deer and innumerable varieties of water birds.
