Wildlife & National Parks
Yala National Park
The most visited national park in the country, Yala is renowned for its wildlife and with Sri Lankan Elephants and Leopards on show. Located deep in the south of the country, Yala has a wide variety of ecosystems to enjoy such as sandy beaches, thorn forests, grasslands and monsoon forests. With a huge number of Elephants within the park as well as one of the world’s highest densities of Leopards; tourists should hopefully be able to spot these majestic creatures when visiting the park.
Udawalawe National Park
Udawalawe National Park came into being as a result of the building of the Udawalawe reservoir in order to provide a sanctuary for displaced wild animals. It is a rough and rugged terrain consisting of mainly flatlands and marshes. It is home to herds of Elephants and many Bird species. It is a popular destination for tourists.
Wilpattu National Park
Wilpattu National Park has nearly sixty lakes found within its boundaries. Consequently, it is rich in fauna and flora and is home to Leopards, Elephants, Sloth Bears, Water Buffalo, Spotted Deer and a diverse reptile population Such as Water Monitors, Crocodiles, Cobras, Pythons and Sift Shelled Turtles.
Minneriya National Park
Minneriya National Park is famous for the world’s largest “Gathering” of Asian Elephants during the dry season of July to September. The Elephants flock to the large reservoirs to bathe and drink and in search of grazing when the rivers dry up. With a number of diverse ecosystems such as forests and shrublands on show, and a collection of tanks/lakes it is also home to Many Bird species both migratory and endemic.
Kumana National Park
Located on the southeast coast of Sri Lanka, this park is a haven for the migratory birds that stop off in Kumana each year to rest. Huge flocks of wading birds and waterfowl cover the skyline. 255 different species of birds have been recorded in the area and the swamps and forests that also dot the park make for perfect breeding grounds for the exhausted birds. Elephants and wild boar can also be spotted in Kumana from time to time. As the Hindu temple of Kataragama lies nearby, many pilgrims pass through Kumana National Park each year as its confines lie on this ancient and sacred route.
Sinharaja National Park
Sinharaja National Park/Rainforest, a popular eco-tourism destination and UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the last remaining virgin forests of the world and is a treasure trove of fauna and flora. Over 130 bird species call it home 33 of which are endemic to Sri Lanka. It is also home to the Purple Faced Langur Monkey and the Giant Squirrel as well as many reptiles and insects. It is best explored on foot in order to enjoy an authentic jungle experience.
Bundala National Park
Bundala National Park is a really beautiful place to see and will definitely live long in your memory as one of the highlights of your holiday. Almost 200 species of Birds have been recorded here of which almost 60 are migratory especially during September and March. Flamingoes can be seen in numbers while rare species such as Broad-billed Sandpiper and Red-necked Phalarope. Also common are Storks, Large and Lesser Sandplovers, Teals, Egrets and Spoonbills. Ceylon Junglefowl and Ceylon Woodshrike are endemic birds to be seen here. In addition to birds, many animals such as Civets, Mongoose, Giant Squirrels, Wild Boar, Spotted Deer and Porcupines. Visitors who want to do some trekking should also wear protective shoes as there is a large reptile population.
Wasgamuwa National Park
Wasgamuwa National Park which is about 50 km from Kandy. On the banks of the Mahaweli river you will see large herds of Elephants in their natural habitat, especially during November to May. You are also likely to come face to face with Crocodiles, Pythons, Water Monitors, Leopards and Sloth Bears and plenty of monkeys including the Purple faced langur Monkeys. Around 140 species of Birds can also be found here.
