Sri Lanka Wildlife: Top National Parks and Safaris

Sri Lanka has a unique wildlife tapestry. Just like the country and its people, the wild life here also deserves a special place. Many tourists from all over the world visit Sri Lanka with the intention of seeing these beautiful creatures. There are different types of National Parks and Safari scattered all over the country. You can include them in your Sri Lanka holiday package. Some will take you into the jungles giving a bit of adventure along with it. While some of the more modern establishments are animal centered and cater towards giving tourists a good experience without disrupting the peace of the animals.  The Sri Lankan 

elephants and leopards fascinate many. Some even consider them a symbol of Sri Lanka. These parks will not only give you an exposure to the Sri Lankan wildlife, you will be able to see the beautiful flowers, plants and experience the different climate changes. It is important to also keep in mind that most of these animals have become endangered now, so it is our duty to be mindful and protect them for future generations.

Yala National Park is one of the best National Parks in Sri Lanka. Morning hours are best to start a journey for frequent wildlife sightings. Leopards, elephants, sloth bears, water buffalo, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species are some of the main animals that have made this park as their home. Some frequent animal sightings are spotted deer, monkeys, wild boar and the Indian peafowl.  There are several streams and lagoons inside the park. Normally elephants, water buffaloes and crocodiles can be seen in such areas. On some rare occasions, you will be even able to spot the “Thunpath Rana”, a famous elephant herd consisting of a family unit looking after a baby elephant. You will not miss a sighting of an elephant herd with baby elephants at various water sources.  Catching at least a glimpse of a Sri Lankan leopard is considered very lucky in these adventures. Many consider the leopard to be the highlight of the National Park also.  Even Though there are around 25 leopards living inside the wild sanctuary, sightings are rare. There are around 90 bird species in the wetland areas of Yala. Most of these birds are migrants. You will be able to spot various flower and tree species as well. Yala is also abundant with beaches. Pattangala Beach is another sight to see in Yala. This beach along with its resthouse was whipped by the Tsunami. There is a tsunami monument built here to remember the lives that were lost back in 2004.

This park is created as a sanctuary for wild animals. It is located in the Sabaragamuwa Province. It is primarily inhabited by elephants. Most of these animals have been displaced and scattered around because of the Udawalawe reservoir and Walawe river constructions.

They are the main attraction of Udawalawe National Park. You will be able to spot these majestic animals all over the park. The park also serves as a home for crocodiles, wild boars, deer, water buffalo, jackals and different species of birds as well. You will be able to take many pictures without disturbing the animals in their natural habitat.  Since they are in their natural home, it is best not to disturb them during the safari. Make sure you enjoy it while preserving their peace and home. Early mornings are ideal for the safari as most animals come out for water or even food. However, afternoon safaris are also great since you will be able to capture a breathtaking sunset.

This is a national park located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. It has a unique ecosystem with rich biodiversity. Some of the key attractions include World’s End and Baker’s fall. The World’s End is a sheer precipice with an 870-meter drop. The park is the origin of three major rivers – Mahaweli, Kelani, and Walawe. Horton Plains is home to many wild life like elks,deer,giant squirrel and even leopards. Sri Lankan Sambar deer is the most commonly seen animal within the national park. The weather is very cool in the area throughout the year.  This was also named as a world heritage site by UNESCO. Many tourists come to visit here mainly to see the different wildlife.

You can witness beautiful herds of elephants scattering across the Minneriya National Park. This is located in the north central province of Sri Lanka. It is famous for elephant sightings. This is known as “the Gathering”.  They usually come to the grassy area by the reservoir.  Typically you will be able to see elephants of at least 150-200 of a count. Some of these elephants have migrated from nearby parks like the Wasgamuwa National Park. You can enjoy a safari ride into the Minneriya National park inorder to observe these beauties. The park is also home to other animals like  monkeys, deer, birds and many more.

This park was opened around 2016 in Sri Lanka. It was a one of a kind experience to Sri Lankans, as it is its first kind.  The idea behind it was to make a Safari Park. So you are able to witness wildlife in a more natural setting and the sightings are granted in this safari park. There are 6 zones inside the park with both carnivores  and herbivores. Animals such as lions, tigers, leopards,elephants, and different birds can be seen here. It is located in Hambantota district. You will be able to see these animals clearly without disrupting their peace. They will roam around naturally, as you are given a chance to observe them.