Sri Lanka is a teardrop shaped island in the Indian Ocean that is full of magic, contrast and vibrancy. From ancient temples and mist covered mountains to golden beaches and aromatic spice gardens this island provides a huge amount of variety. But one of the truly breathtaking thins about Sri Lanka is its extraordinary wildlife, raw and completely captivating.
Whether your passion is photography, birdwatching or just travelling and being curious, Sri Lanka’s national parks and marine environments are the richest experiences with some of the rarest, most exotic species on the planet.
A journey through Sri Lanka’s National Parks
If you want to see the riche flora and fauna of Sri Lanka, you will have to visit a national park. Sri Lanka has currently 26 national parks. Sri Lanka has currently 26 national parks where you can visit different environment and ecosystems.
- Yala National Park – Word famous for having the highest density of leopards.
- Udawalawa National park – This park is famous for large populations of elephants.
- Minneriya National park – This par is home to the world famous “Elephant Gathering”.
- Wilpattu National Park – This is the largest national park, with lots of villus or nature lakes.
- Horton Plains National Park – This is the only national park which you can trek on foot. Known for its scenic beauty and sambar deer.
- Gal Oya and Kumana – Theses parks are great for bird lovers and places with a bit more of an adventure and off the beaten path feel.
- Marine Parks – Don’t forget about Hikkaduwa and Pigeon Island where you are snorkeling and diving.
The best times for wildlife safaris are early morning (6.00 – 9.00AM) or late afternoon (3.00 – 6.00 PM) because that is when the wildlife is most active.
Top 10 Wild Animals to see in Sri Lanka
1.Asian Elephants – The Giants
As a subspecies of Asian elephants, the Sri Lankan elephant is a national symbol and is found in vast free ranging herds at sites such as Udawalawa and Minneriya. However from July to October Minneriya plays host to one of the greatest wildlife spectacles in Asia the Minneriya or “Elephant Gathering” which sees hundreds of elephants converge at reservoirs in and around Minneriya and it simply awesome and humbling.
2. Sri Lankan Leopards
Seeing a leopards in its natural habitat is the goal of ever lover of the wild and Yala National Park offers the best opportunity to see it. The leopards with their beautiful rosettes and golden eyes dominate the island’s dry forests.
3. Sloth Bear
Fuzzy, shy, Bizarre and incredibly strong the Sri Lankan sloth bear is a one of a kind species spotted in Wilpattu and Yala. You will have the the best chance to see them during the fruit season when they leave their forest homes in search of food. They might look adorable but are among the most aggressive species of bears and fortunately, they stay away from human beings.
4.Exotic Birds
Sri Lanka is a birdwatching paradise with its flamingos in Bundala and its endemic Sri Lanka blue magpie. Several locations famous for birdwatching including Kumana, Sinharaja Forest and Kalametiya sanctuary. With nearly 500 Species, 34 of which are endemic, birds are very much alive across the island. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars.
5.Crocodiles
Sri Lanka contains saltwater and mugger crocodiles. These prehistoric creatures can generally be seen sunbathing along the banks of the rivers of Yala, Udawalawe and Kumana. Be carful if you are near water while on safari you never known when a couple of reptilian eyes are watching you.
6. Blue Whales
Sri Lanka is one of the few locations in the world where you can view blue whales only a short distance offshore. Mirissa is the place to go between November to April to have an opportunity to see the largest animal to ever live on this planet. These waters are not only frequented by whales but pods of playful dolphins, Resulting in an amazing oceanic safari.
7. Sea Turtles
The Southern beaches of Sri Lanka, such as Kosgoda and Rekawa serve serve as nesting sites for various species of Sea turtles including green turtles, hawksbill and olive ridley. The best time to visit is between November and April, When you have the highest chances of witnessing nesting.
Open land, from mist cloaked plateaus to coral lined oceans, Sri Lanka’s wildlife is as varied as it’s landscape and every national park and nature reserve, every stretch of coastline tells a different story, one allowing you to experience nature in its most savage and spoken from. Whether you come to see the elephants, the whales or leopards by the time you leave, we guarantee one thing, you will have fallen in love with this little island’s big nature heart.
Sri Lanka is not just a destination, it’s an adventure waiting to be lived.
