Wilpattu National Park

Home to the illusive Sri Lankan Leopard, Wilpattu is a network of ‘willu’ or lakes that hosts numerous species from elephants to endemic birds. The premises are blessed with annual rainfalls averaging 1000 mm so the best time to visit this gem is between February and October

Yala National Park

Sri Lanka’s most popular national park for a number of reasons, surrounded by remains of ancient civilisation, present day pilgrimage sites and the Indian ocean to the South with a number of resorts along the coast. The national park consists of 5 extensive blocks home to Leopards, Elephants and the Golden Palm civet among other species.

Minneriya

Minneriya found fame for the largest gathering of Asian elephants in the world, during the dry season they are seen in large herds cooling off in the wetland lakes adjacent to montane forest and scrublands. Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1938, it is arguably the most visited national parks in Sri Lanka.

Udawalawe National Park

One of the smaller national parks in Sri Lanka yet spanning accross 308 square kilometres, Udawalawe national park promises the ardent nature traveller with memories for a lifetime in the great outdoors. Whether you’re into elephants or slithering snakes or the sight of marshes, the area will be sure to give your time’s worth with dense populations of wildlife within.

Horton Plains

With its alpine feel, Horton plains is arguable one of the best examples of biodiversity and changing landscapes in Sri Lanka. Located in close proximity to Nuwara Eliya the national park hosts its share of waterfalls, scenic mountain treks & a steep cliff formations known as the World’s End. The Horton Plains are best explored on foot and the high altitudes call for layered clothing!

Visit Koneswaram temple and experience religious rituals and the unique cultural heritage of Hindus in Northern Sri Lanka.

Pigeon Island

An island located off the East coast of Sri Lanka only a short boat ride from Nilaveli Beach, Pigeon Island National Park boasts an enchanting coral reef & a secluded island habitat famed for snorkeling and scuba diving. The site is rich with numerous species of sharks, turtles and the famed Rock Pigeon which the island was named after.

Kumana National Park

Known previously as the Yala East National Park, Kumana will give access to large contingencies of birds in Sri Lanka, it will be sure to impress travelers with a myriad of wading birds and migratory waterfowls among other species the Golden Jackal and the Fishing Cat are well worth exploring.

Wasgamuwa National Park

Rich in biodiversity, the Wasgamuwa National park only a mere 220 km from Colombo is a favorite stop for travelers making their way to the north central regions of Sri Lanka. It is praised for its collection of mammals, reptiles and birds.

Bundala National Park

A whale watcher’s paradise, Kalpitiya offers an idyllic coastal getaway for the entire family. From bar reefs to untouched sandy beaches, azure ocean waters to mangrove swamps, this sanctuary by the sea is an ideal place to kickback, soak up some sun and enjoy a laidback island lifestyle. Kalpitiya is also one of the best kite surfing destinations in the world, providing adrenaline pumping action in blue seas.

Gal Oya National Park

Gal Oya, where tranquility and peace meets a mesmerizing landscape consisting of shrubs, savannas and forests, it is a haven for 32 species of mammals including Elephants, leopards, bears and water Buffalo. The reserve is only 314 km from Colombo and is also home to three mountains that form the main catchment area for Sri Lanka’s largest inland body of water.

Kaudulla National Park

Located near the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, Kaudulla is where 160 species of birds reside. A landscape covered with dry evergreen forests it sees herds of elephants searching for their favorite feed and water pools in the area particularly in the month of September. A corridor of lush jungle links Kaudulla to the Minneriya National Park boosting biodiversity.

Lahugala

Sri Lanka’s smallest National Park a short distance from the surf breaks of Arugam Bay in Eastern Sri Lanka is perfectly formed with the cover of grasslands, odd rocky outcrops and lakes which are the ideal feeding grounds for its vast elephant population, the Sri Lankan Axis Deer and Toque Macaque.

Lunugamvehera National Park

Characterized by a reservoir of the same name, this national park consists of dense jungles along with elevation changes. The park serves the purpose of acting as a corridor for elephants to migrate between the larger Yala and Udawalawe National Parks. The park has its fair share of biodiversity with 43 species of mammals, 33 species of reptiles and some 180 species of birds.

Maduru Oya

One of the recent additions to Sri Lanka’s National Park list, Maduru Oya is another eco system based around a reservoir in the Southern dry zone with ancient ruins found dating back to the 3rd century BC. Sights from Sloth Bears and Elephants to Leopards, this gem of nature comes inclusive with plenty of camping options. This hidden gem is less crowded from man and one of the best places to get up close and personal with wild elephants in their peaceful state.