28 October 2024 | 12 min
28 October 2024 | 12 min
Yala National Park is famous as the home to one of the highest densities of leopards in the world. You can observe many herds of elephants roaming freely in the wild. A great chance for birdwatching as there are over 200 species of birds including local, exotic,migratory as well as endemic birds. Beautiful landscapes of forests, lagoons, green pastures and borders the beach blending a great combination of wildlife and beach vibes. Spot different types of crocodiles by the watersides. Amazing opportunity for photography enthusiasts to capture perfect shots of sunsets, animals and sceneries.
It is recommended to visit between the months of February to July for better observing of leopards.
Wilpattu National Park is known as the largest national park that covers over 1,300 square kilometres of beautiful unspoiled nature and 40 lakes that attract various wild animals and birds towards this location. Contains a rich biodiversity of leopards, sloth bears, crocodiles, water buffalos etc. Rich birdlife of rare species of birds such as black headed ibis and painted storks. This is a great place for those who look for a peaceful safari experience, as it is less crowded and much quieter than Yala. Offers long safaris in the dense forests and open plains.
The Udawalawe National Park is an elephant paradise where large herds of elephants roam in the wild freely; it is also one of the most famous safari parks in Sri Lanka to observe elephants up close as they often gather near the Udawalawe reservoir. At this location, you can spot many birds such as eagles, hornbills and many water related birds. Beautiful forest landscapes with green pastures and open spaces offer great wildlife habitat. Crocodiles and water buffalos can be often found near water bodies. Udawalawe is also known as a rehabilitation centre and an elephant transit home for orphaned elephants. This location is less crowded compared to Yala . Therefore, it is very photo-friendly and a great place to escape the trace of busy lifestyle and stress.
The Ridiyagama National Park is the first man made safari park in Sri lanka. It is also considered as one of the few drive through safari parks in Sri Lanka that contains large open environments that mimic the natural habitats of animals. It is home for native Sri Lankan wildlife species such as deers, monkeys, wild boars and various birds. It is a family friendly park that caters to all age groups and the focus and purpose of this safari park is to educate and spread awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation to visitors. This location also offers both day and night safaris that help observe animal behaviours during various times.
The Minneriya National Park is a beautiful location that attracts many wildlife and the largest annual gathering of Asian elephants during the dry season. If visiting this location between July and October to witness over hundreds of elephants. It is a home for many wildlife species such as leopards, deers, pelicans etc. ideal to watch birds as this place has over 160 types of birds both endemic and migratory. Offers a great opportunity to capture beautiful images of green landscapes and observe animals.
Here are a few valuable and helpful tips by Arabiers destination experts to make your next adventure to Sri Lankan wildlife safaris unforgettable.
We recommend booking guided safari tours in safari jeeps with expert guides as they have a good knowledge and experience on what are the best times and spots to observe these animals better.
Many of these safari parks offer eco lodges, luxury tents, 5 star hotels and resorts nearby for a better and more relaxed experience. Certain 5 star luxury hotels and resorts allocated near these national parks also offer guided safari tours.
We recommend you to maintain a safe distance between animals and follow park rules in order to ensure your safety as well as the animal’s wellbeing.
For a better wildlife experience, we recommend combining two to three national park visits during your stay.