Araliya-Lanka

Sri Lanka
National Parks

Sri Lanka is rich in flora and fauna, as evidenced by the country's many national parks. Sri Lanka is only 1.5 times the size of Switzerland, yet it boasts several national parks, in addition to countless protected areas. Thanks to the country's small size, multiple park visits can be combined in one trip. Here's an overview of the most important national parks:

Bundala National Park

Located in southeastern Sri Lanka, Bundala National Park is particularly well-known as a wintering ground for migratory birds. Visitors can also observe a wide variety of water birds. The park is home to 32 species of fish, 15 amphibians, 48 reptiles, and 197 bird species. In 2006, it was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Here's what you can see: flamingos, elephants, deer, roe deer, toque macaques, crocodiles, snakes, wild boars, jackals, fishing cats, rusty-spotted cats, and the Sri Lankan leopard.

Gal Oya National Park

Gal Oya National Park, also located in the southeast, is home to a rich array of flora and fauna and is one of the most beautiful areas in the country. Approximately 45% of the park is covered in forest. The park's many small islands are ideal for a boat safari. On these trips, you can observe important bird breeding grounds and, with a bit of luck, even spot young birds in their nests. In addition to birds, the park is home to 32 different mammal species, among others.

Here's what you can see: elephants, axis deer, sambar deer, water buffalo, wild boar, monkeys, sloth bears, mugger crocodiles, monitor lizards, and birds.

Horton Plains National Park

Sri Lanka's highest plateau is home to Horton Plains National Park. The rolling landscape and cloud forests make this place truly special - as does the 884-meter-high abyss of "World's End." The Baker Falls are another highlight. The park is also suitable for hiking.

Here's what you can see: deer, elk, various bird species, wild boar, porcupines, butterflies, wildcats, wild hares, squirrels, and various lizards.

Kumana National Park

Kumana National Park is a well-known bird sanctuary and breeding ground. The park also has a long history. Caves with rock inscriptions dating back to the 1st and 2nd centuries BC have been found here.

Here's what you can see: pelicans, painted storks, spoonbills, white ibises, herons, and cormorants.

Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks

The two national parks, Minneriya and Kaudulla, are located practically next to each other. They are famous for their large inhabitants, the elephants. During the dry season between June and September, the herds gather at the Minneriya Basin. There can be up to 300 animals at a time.

Here's what you can see: Elephants, deer, red deer, sloth bears, monkeys, small cats, leopards, crocodiles, snakes, and various bird species.

Udawalawa National Park

Udawalawa National Park is also home to a large number of elephants. The park also contains the Udawalawa Elephant Transit Home. So, on a safari, there's a good chance of encountering a herd of adult and young elephants.

Here's what you can see: Elephants, water buffalo, water monitors, sambar deer, leopards, monkeys, crocodiles, snakes, and various bird and cat species.

Wasgamuwa National Park

Wasgamuwa National Park is off the beaten track. The animals are correspondingly shy. The park is home to 23 mammal species and countless bird species. In addition, there are the Buduruwayaya ruins in the southwest of the park. They probably date back to the 2nd century AD.

Here's what you can see: Elephants, water buffalo, wild boar, deer, leopards, sloth bears, and various bird species.

Wilpattu National Park

This is Sri Lanka's largest and oldest national park. It was only reopened to tourists in 2010 due to the civil wars and is home to the rare sloth bear, elephants, and a significant number of Sri Lankan leopards.

Here's what you can see: Elephants, leopards, sloth bears, deer, red deer, various bird species, water buffalo, snakes, crocodiles, and monkeys.

Yala National Park

Yala National Park is the most popular park for safaris in Sri Lanka. It is famous for its large number of leopards, which can be easily observed. In addition, it boasts stunning scenery and exceptional biodiversity. The park is closed in September for the mating season and sometimes doesn't reopen until mid-October.

Here's what you can see: Sri Lankan leopards, elephants, sloth bears, various bird species, diverse reptiles, amphibians, crocodiles, monkeys, deer, stags, water buffalo and wild boars.

Sri Lanka National Parks