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

One of the finest wildlife watching countries in the world, Sri Lanka with its exotic natural forests, offers an exhilarating experience of watching wild animals & birds in their familiar habitats. The diverse landscape & rich biodiversity of Sri Lanka is home to around 100 species of mammals and over 400 species of birds; both migrant & resident.

A remarkable selection of protected zones, 16 national parks and exotic safari options, have given a big boost to wildlife tourism in Sri Lanka. The thrilling big game safaris, primarily to watch the majestic elephant herds & the elusive leopard, draw thousands of wildlife enthusiasts to this beautiful land. All you need to do is book a safari, grab a pair of binoculars and experience the fascinating wildlife of Sri Lanka.

These are some of the famous national parks of Sri Lanka:

Wilpattu National Park
Named after tens of “willus” or natural lakes that thrive here, Wilpattu National park is a popular leopard safari location. Besides the stealthy leopards, you may spot scuttling jungle fowls, sloth bears, peacocks showcasing their splendid wings, spotted & barking deer, sunning crocodiles, star tortoise and large monitor lizards. Located around 111 miles from Colombo, the best time to visit this park is in the months of February & October.

Bundala National Park 
An enchanting maze of lagoons & marshlands & sand dunes, this wonderland is a favorite wintering grounds for over 200 bird species. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this park is a favorite with bird watchers. Colorful birds ranging from Sandpipers to Red necked Phalarope, from Great Flamingos to little bee-eaters, flock its shimmering lagoons. Crocodiles lazing in the sun, marine turtles, wild boar, spotted fishing cat, langur & deer are easily spotted in the park. Ensconced in a modest area of 34 km square, this round the year open park is perfect for a quick safari.

Yala National Park
Yala National Park, with the highest concentration of leopards in the world, is the most visited one in Sri Lanka. It is a perfect place to catch sight of a leopard in the wild, especially in the dry season running from February to June. Yala’s other inhabitants include elephant, wild buffalo, sloth bear, Sambar deer, mouse deer, rusty spotted cat, and varied birds. Exotic & diverse landscape and rich wildlife make Yala National Park a treat for wildlife enthusiasts. The park is closed for 6 weeks from September to mid October.

Minneriya National Park
The largest elephant gathering ground in the world, Minneriya National Park is, a perfect spot for a fulfilling elephant safari. In the afternoons of the gathering months from June to October, you can watch scores of elephants, both babies & large tuskers, feeding near the reservoir.  This awe- inspiring sight is a magnet that lures thousands of tourists to this park. Deer, wild boar, purple faced monkey, and many migratory birds & water fowls also dwell in Minneriya.

Wasgamuwa National Park
The sanctuary, home to around 150 elephants, is best visited from November to May; before the migration season begins. A safari in the bio-diverse landscape of Wasgamuwa may yield interesting sightings of elephant, water buffalo, endemic toque macaque monkey, purple face langur, wild boar, crocodiles, pythons, water monitor and various varieties of avifauna & flora. Primeval ruins & relics can also be spotted in this area.

Kadulla National Park
Kadulla National Park, located between Minneriya & Wasgamuwa, forms an elephant corridor where you can see scores of elephants gathering during their annual jaunt to Minneriya. Lesser known than the famous Minneriya, and thus much less crowded, Kadulla offers a perfect place for a wonderful elephant experience. Spotted deer, wild buffalo, monkey, spotted cat, fishing cat, peacock and various species of birds also inhabit this park. The park is best visited from July to September.

Kumana National Park
Earlier known as Yala East National Park, this park has its own bird sanctuary for its migratory & residential species of birds. Changeable hawk eagle, painted & rare black neck stork, egret, ibis, pied hornbill and godwits are some that can be easily spotted near the lagoons. Watering holes here are great for sighting big game like elephants, crocodiles and wild buffaloes.

Udawalawe National Park
This park, home to around 500 endemic elephants, Udawalawe national Park is known for its elephant safaris where herds of elephants walking the scrubland can almost always be sighted, especially near the Walawe Reservoir. Water buffalos, wild boar, spotted deer and various species of birds can also be seen here. It is open throughout the year, but November- March is recommended for bird watchers.