Thursday 18 / April / 2024
In Sri Lanka, you are sure to see the ‘Big Five’ — leopard, sloth bear, elephant, blue whale and sperm whale. Sri Lanka offers the very best of wildlife experience, courtesy its popular national parks, Unesco-certified forest reserve, and an abundant marine life.
Udawalawe National Park
About 200km from Colombo this park gives an amazing peek into the lives of Asian elephants in their natural habitat. Udawalawe also houses other fascinating occupants such as water buffaloes, sambar deer, monkeys, leopards, and many species of birds.
Yala National Park
Yala National Park is renowned for its leopards and sloth bears. Considered amongst the older national forests in the country, Yala is about 290km from Colombo and is also house to elephants and many birds. However, if you are a birdwatcher, you must go to Bundala National Park.
Wilpattu National Park
A less-frequented haven for nature lovers, Wilpattu National Park is the best place to go for outdoor camping, safaris, or night walks. Apart from deer, elephants, wild boar, sloth bears and leopards, the location has thick jungles, cool lakes and peaceful white sands.
Sinharaja Forest Reserve
If you want a break from the jungle safaris, go to the Sinharaja Forest Reserve. This world heritage website and eco-tourism destination is spread over an area of 18,900 acres. Trek through the rich rain forest to spot myriad types of mammals, bugs, butterflies, reptiles, and uncommon amphibians.
Minneriya National Park
Minneriya National Park is known not just for its unique residents but also for an ancient tank called Minneriya Tank that was constructed in the 3rd century by King Mahasena. Here, you are most likely to spot the sambar deer, leopards, elephants, white pelican, Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot, and Sri Lanka Gray Hornbill, amongst other unique animals.
Horton Plains National Park
Counted among the world’s finest nature reserves, The Horton Plains lie on Sri Lanka’s highest plateau, surrounded by rolling hills and are covered in meadows. The park is home for 57 types of flora, 24 types of mammals, and 87 types of birds. Other attractions include Bakers Falls, Chimmini Pool, and World’s End.
