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Sri Lanka is home to thousands on diverse wildlife, mainly protected through sparse set of National parks across the country. These National Parks are different in terms of animals you regularly see, also the experience you would expect. Hence you need to research before choosing a National Park and plan properly to maximise your safari experience. This guide would provide most of the information you would require to make your decision.
Small Summary of diverse wildlife you have
Crocodiles can be seen in many national parks in Sri Lanka
Famous mother leopard HPF04 in Horton Plains, Sri Lanka
Red-Backed Sea-Eagle (Brahminy Kite) having a fish, Yala NP, Sri Lanka
Close up look of a Brown Fish Owl, Wilpattu NP
Curious Sri Lankan Jackal in Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka
Rare black necked stork in Yala National Park, Sri Lanka
Jeep appearing under the tree cover, Wilpattu NP, Sri Lanka
Safari jeep on Weheragala dam, Yala Block V, Sri Lanka
Colourful Hoopoe in Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka
Lone elephant marching forward, Kumana National Park, Sri Lanka
Mother and 2 cubs roaming in the wild, Yala NP, Block V, Sri Lanka
Rare leopard mating sighting in Yala National Park, Sri Lanka
Baby elephant marching forward with family in Minneriya, Sri Lanka
Elephants drinking water, Yala National Park, Sri Lanka
Morning vibe in the heaven, Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka
Sambar deers can be rarely seen in Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan jackal is watching us, Kumana National Park, Sri Lanka
Tufted gray langur (Hanuman money) in Minneriya National Park, Sri Lanka
Majestic walk of a giant, Kumana National Park, Sri Lanka
Beautiful peacocks are very common in Sri Lanka
Spotted deers are abundant in Sri Lankan National Parks
A star tortoise is walking in Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka
Sambar deers walking under Horton plains sun rise
Crested Serpent Eagle having breakfast, Wilpattu NP, Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan junglefowl is the national bird in Sri Lanka
Changeable hawk-eagle in Yala NP, Block V, Sri Lanka
Brown fish owl through the trees, Wilpattu NP, Sri Lanka
Malabar Pied-Hornbill, Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka
Blue faced malkoha, Yala Block V, Sri Lanka
A young sambar deer on alert, Kumana National Park, Sri Lanka
Spotted dears are common around lakes in Wilpattu NP, Sri Lanka
Eagle about to take off, Kumana National Park, Sri Lanka
Leopardess at Kuruttupandi marching forward, Wilpattu NP, Sri Lanka
Rare black necked stork in Kumana National Park, Sri Lanka
Indian Flapshell turtle in Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka
Leopard cub resting after a heavy meal, Yala NP, Block V, Sri Lanka
Crocodile sub bathing with water buffalos, Kumana NP, Sri Lanka
Leopard Roams Early Morning, Wilpattu NP
Female Cub with the Morning Flowers, Wilpattu NP
Adorable leopard cub gazing at us, Yala Block V, Sri Lanka
Family of monkeys in Yala National Park, Sri Lanka
Some urgency for spotted deers and wild boars, Yala NP, Block V, Sri Lanka
White-bellied sea eagle waiting for a hunt, Kumana NP, Sri Lanka
Indian Flapshell turtle in Yala National Park, Sri Lanka
Changeable hawk-eagle in Yala National Park, Sri Lanka
Leopard cub growling on a tree, Yala National Park, Block V, Sri Lanka
Chestnut headed bee-eater in Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka
Big male leopard, Lucas (YM16), in Yala, Sri Lanka
Portrait of a Big Male Leopard, Wilpattu NP
Hungry Sri Lankan sloth bear, Yala National Park, Sri Lanka
Pack of Sri Lankan jackals in Yala National Park, Sri Lanka
Pair of sambar deers resting in Horton Plains, Sri Lanka
Large Lesser Adjutant Stork, Yala National Park, Sri Lanka
Wild water buffalo in Yala National Park, Sri Lanka
Big male leopard, Jerry (YM44), Yala National Park, Sri Lanka
Big male leopard named Baagu (KLM2) walking slowly, Kumana NP, Sri Lanka
Sambar deer in Yala National Park, Sri Lanka
Elephant welcomes a group of tourists at Minneriya National Park, Sri Lanka
Grown up wild boar in Yala National Park, Sri Lanka
Leopard with a wild boar carcass in Wilpattu NP, Sri Lanka
Wilpattu National park, Sri Lanka is full of lakes with a diverse ecosystem
Crested hawk-eagle in Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka
Water buffalo in the lake, Kumana National Park, Sri Lanka
Lone male elephant crossing the lake, Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka
Asian green bee-eater in Yala National Park, Sri Lanka
Safari jeep designed for photographers, Yala, Sri Lanka
Lone elephant at sunset in Minneriya National Park
Indran, the big male leopard (YB5M10), Yala Block V, Sri Lanka
Horton Plains National Park, Sri Lanka is home to lots of Lizards
White-bellied sea eagle in Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka
Crocodile eating a wild boar carcass, Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka
Neluma, the Big Boy of Wilpattu National Park
Large herds of elephants can be seen at Minneriya NP, Sri Lanka
Elephant in front of New Buthawa wildlife bangalow, Yala, Sri Lanka
Young tusker near Minneriya National Park, Sri Lanka
Herd of elephants blocking the road, Yala, Sri Lanka
Summary of big five and a guide on where to see them
| Park Name | Park Size | Entrance Name | Safari Times | Animals Found | Crowded Seasons | Weather Details | Best Seasons for Sightings | Accommodation Options | Leopard Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Udawalawe National Park is a national park on the boundary of Sabaragamuwa and Uva Provinces in Sri Lanka. The park was created to provide a sanctuary for wild animals displaced by the construction of the Udawalawe Reservoir on the Walawe River, as well as to protect the catchment of the reservoir.
Wilpattu National Park is a national park in Sri Lanka. The unique feature of this park is the existence of “Willus” – natural, sand-rimmed water basins or depressions that fill with rainwater.
Minneriya National Park is a national park in North Central Province of Sri Lanka. The area was designated as a national park on 12 August 1997, having been originally declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1938.[1] The reason for declaring the area as protected is to protect the catchment of Minneriya tank and the wildlife of the surrounding area. The tank is of historical importance, having been built by King Mahasen in third century AD. The park is a dry season feeding ground for the elephant population dwelling in forests of Matale, Polonnaruwa, and Trincomalee districts. The park earned revenue of Rs. 10.7 million in the six months ending in August 2009.[2] Along with Kaudulla and Girithale, Minneriya forms one of the 70 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) of Sri Lanka.[3] The park is situated 182 kilometres (113 mi) from Colombo.
The Lunugamvehera National Park was established in 1995 with the intent of establishing an important catchment area for the Lunugamvehera Reservoir and as a sanctuary for the wildlife in the area. The park also acts as an elephant corridor between the Yala National Park on the east and the Udawalawe National Park on the west, facilitating the animals to move from one to the other, in addition to providing a favourable habitat for Elephants coming from the nearby Uva and Southern regions, making it a preferred destination for Elephant sighting.
Block 5 of Yala National Park also known locally ad Yala Jadhika Udyanaya is a vast national park. Despite the 4 hours safari the number of animal sightings are sporadic with some crocodiles, peacocks, other birds, water buffaloes, spotted deers and some small monkeys.
Located in the southeast corner of Sri Lanka, the 18,149 hectares Kumana National Park is a well-known eco-tourism attraction and bird sanctuary where a multitude of birds breed and roost. Kumana National Park is the eastern sector of Yala National Park. One of the most significant features of the Kumana National Park is the ‘Kumana Villu’ – a 200 hectare natural swamp lake, fed by the ‘Kumbukkan Oya’ through a half mile long narrow channel. It is at this mangrove swamp that many water birds’ nest in May and June. Regular sightings include such species of bird as pelicans, painted storks, spoonbills, white ibis, herons, egrets and little cormorants.
Wasgamuwa National Park is a natural park in Sri Lanka situated in the Matale and Polonnaruwa Districts. It was declared to protect and to make a refuge for the displaced wild animals during the Mahaweli Development Project in 1984 and is one of the four National Parks designated under the Project.
Kaudulla National Park is a national park on the island of Sri Lanka located 197 kilometres (122 mi) away from the largest city, Colombo. It was designated a national park on April 1, 2002, becoming the 15th such area on the island. In the 2004–2005 season more than 10,000 people visited the National Park, generating an income of Rs.100,000 from entrance fees.[1] Along with Minneriya and Girithale BirdLife International have identified Kaudulla as an Important Bird Area.
Hurulu Eco Park is situated in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. Visitors are indeed in for a treat of Sri Lankan culture and heritage, but they can also relish in the beautiful landscape and wildlife of Sri Lanka and its thriving eco system with a variety of creatures. Just outside of Habarana lies the Hurulu National Park, at the edge of the Hurulu Forest Reserve.
Best choices:
👉 Choose these if elephants are your top priority.
Best choices:
👉 Choose Yala for best odds, Wilpattu for quieter experience.
Best choices:
👉 Perfect for birdwatchers and photographers.
Best choices:
👉 Choose these for jungle trekking, not jeep safaris.
Best choices:
👉 Best for hiking + scenery rather than big animals.
| Style | Best Parks |
|---|---|
| Big game & action | Yala, Udawalawe, Minneriya |
| Quiet & scenic | Wilpattu, Wasgamuwa |
| Birding & wetlands | Bundala, Kumana |
| Rainforest walks | Sinharaja |
| Hiking & views | Horton Plains |
Our clients enjoy comfort of our luxury vehicles for round tours
Our clients use luxury safari jeeps in Sri Lanka
Car Seats Can be Mounted in Every Car for the Safety of the Kids
Our Kids Friendly Tours are of High Demand
Shreya & Subho during Safari in Yala Block V, Sri Lanka
Shreya & Subho Enjoying freedom at Weheragala Dam, Yala Block V, Sri Lanka
Family visit to Peradeniya Botanical Garden
Janice & Family from Australia were Welcomed
Paul Photographing a Leopard Cub in Wilpattu National Park
Our clients enjoying Ella Swing in Ravana Pool Club
After a Guided Bird Watching Tour in Wilpattu National Park
Julie & friends received a grand welcome
We Welcomed Young Wildlife Lovers, Shreya and Subho from India
Evening Peaceful Time at Galle Fort Light House, Sri Lanka
Time for a Photo during Udawalawe Safari of Josh White
Waterfalls are a main attractions of many guests coming to Sri Lanka
Saskia from Tasmania at Wilpattu National Park
Ariana & family from Australia, Welcome to Sri Lanka
Salby & his family enjoying hiking time, Sri Lanka
Our clients enjoy our premium wildlife tours, Udawalawe, Sri Lanka
Danny and his family & friends at Nine Arch Bridge, Sri Lanka
Quick Lunch to save time for more safari time in Wilpattu National Park
Marina & her friends from Serbia enjoying our Premium Safari
We Operate Premium Safari Experiences in all National Parks
Christa from Switzerland was welcomed at the Colombo Airport
Guided Bird Watching Tour in Horton Plains
Kids love the Sri Lankan sandy beaches and sun
Danny & his family returned to Sri Lanka after 40 years
Our Clients Preparing for a Kumana Evening Safari, Sri Lanka
Salby & his family from Israel visited Sri Lanka
Small break during a Bird Watching Tour in Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka
Phill & family spent 2 nights in Wavul Abe Wildlife Bungalow, Wasgamuwa NP, Sri Lanka
Janice at Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Sri Lanka
Cultural sites of part of the round tours of Sri Lanka
Lunch Break During A Full Day Safari at Wilpattu NP, Sri Lanka
Subho with a Snake at Telijjawila Snake Farm
Paul And The Team During 2 Days Wilpattu Safari, Sri Lanka
Monika & Toni from Poland at Udawalawe National Park safari
Pauls Second Trip to Wilpattu National Park