Sri Lanka Wildlife Tour
Wildlife In Sri Lanka, - Expect The Unexpected

Wildlife in Sri Lanka is as diverse as the island itself. It’s well maintained forest reserves and safeguarded national parks are a haven for around 100 species of mammals & around 400 species of birds, both resident & migrant; preserving the ecosystem of this tropical island.

Sri Lanka, with its exciting big game safaris, can safely be called the best wildlife destination in Asia. The mind-blowing thrill of watching animals in their natural habitats draws thousands of wild life fans to this tiny island nation. The excitement of sighting herds of elephants, stealthy leopards, ambling sloth bears, colorful birds and deadly reptiles, all running free and wild; is just beyond words.

Here are some of the most famous national parks of Sri Lanka that are magnets for wildlife enthusiasts for their biodiversity & exhilarating safaris:

Famous Wildlife Parks

Bundala National Park�
For an avid bird watcher, Bundala National Park is a must visit destination in Sri Lanka. Situated south-east of Colombo & spread over an area of 34 km square, its scrub jungles; marshlands; lagoons & saltpans make it a choice wintering ground for migratory birds. Around 200 species of birds inhabit this park with varieties of Sandpiper, Red-necked Phalarope and the Great Flamingos being the highlight. This UNESCO Bio-reserve, open around the year, has a good population of crocodiles, monitor lizards, spotted deer, monkeys, elephants and wild boar.

Kumana National Park
Located south-east of Colombo & earlier known as Yala East National Park, this park holds its own as a bird sanctuary while also being home to mammals like elephants, crocodiles, wild buffaloes, leopards and bear. Pelicans, rare Black-necked storks, pied hornbills and painted storks are some of the birds that can be sighted in its mangrove swamp. Perch near the river bank or climb up a bird tower for some fervent bird watching.

Minneriya National Park
Minneriya National Park, located in the North Central Province, is the largest elephant gathering ground in the world and a perfect place to get up close & personal with the Sri Lankan elephant. Take a safari in the gathering months from June to October and you will surely be treated with scores of majestic elephants feeding near the Minneriya Tank. Leopards, wild boar, purple faced monkey, sloth bear and many species of migratory birds & water fowls also inhabit this park.

Udawalawe National Park
Baby elephants, bathing & frolicking in water, is not an unusual sight in Udawalawe National Park. Located around 103 miles from Colombo & home to around 500 Sri Lankan elephants, this round the year open park is famous for open jeep safaris where you can sometime spot large herds of elephants walking the greens. Water buffalos, wild boar, spotted deer and various species of birds can also be seen here.

Wilpattu National Park
Wilpattu National Park derives its name from tens of “willus” or natural lakes that abound the sanctuary. Located around 111 miles from Colombo, it is a popular safari zone due to its diverse big game population, especially leopards & sloth bears. If you are lucky, you may spot these magnificent cats idling near a willu. Other inhabitants here include elephant, sloth bear, Sambar, mongoose, spotted deer, python, monitor lizard and turtle. February & October are the best months to visit this park.

Wasgamuwa National Park
This sanctuary, home to around 150 elephants, is one of the richest in biodiversity in the country. If you are here anytime between November to May, there are good chances of sighting elephants before they migrate. Purple faced langur, toque macaque monkey, spotted deer, wild boar, crocodiles and pythons can be frequently sighted here. Ancient ruins & relics of lost religious sites also dot the park.

Kadulla National Park
A part of the Elephant corridor between Wasgamuwa & Minneriya, this park has its own Elephant gathering around July to September before they make their annual excursion to Minneriya. Less crowded than the popular Minneriya, Kadulla National Park is a perfect place to watch the majestic big-eared beasts in the wild. During a safari, you may also spot deer, wild buffaloes, monkeys, peacocks and various species of birds.

Yala National Park
Located in the South-east of Sri Lanka, this leopards’ haunt, is the most popular amongst the tourists visiting the country. An open jeep, a good guide, keen eyes and some luck is all you need to catch the stealthy cat in action, especially during the dry season from February to June. Besides being a leopard hotspot, the park is inhabited by elephants, bears, wild buffaloes, peacocks, monitor lizards and pretty birds.