Contact Us10 National Parks in Sri Lanka for Wildlife lovers
Sri Lanka is among the most biodiverse countries in the world, and therefore a must-visit for lovers of wildlife. With a geographical area of 25, 321 square miles, this island country has diverse and complex ecosystems ranging from the tropical rain forests to the desert like terrain. The national parks of Sri Lanka are very beautiful and colourful with different species of flora and fauna that makes the parks a good place for the adventure seeking nature lovers. Whether it is the dream to see free ranging elephants, leopards or beautiful exotic birds, there is something for everyone in this wonderful creation.
The variation of animals and fauna and stunning topography makes the best national parks in Sri Lanka an area of interest to every nature enthusiast. Every park is special and has its own character and wildlife, giving precious insight into the heritage of Sri Lanka. With the Yala National Park which is the most famous park for seeing leopards and the Udawalawe Park which is highly popular for elephants, these parks offer sufficient chance of people to interact with nature.
Travelling to go see the national parks in Sri Lanka is exciting but do not forget to plan your travel. Getting a Sri Lanka visa and thinking about Sri Lanka tour will make your trip more effective and interesting and you won’t miss the wonderful views of this wonderful country. This time the guide will take you through the wildest parts of Sri Lanka so fasten your seatbelts.
10 National Parks in Sri Lanka for Wildlife lovers
1. Yala National Park
Arguably the most famous park in Sri Lanka to see leopards, Yala National Park is on the bucket list for wildlife enthusiasts. Sited in the southeast part of the country, this park offers habitats of dry fields, marsh, and woods. As such, Yala is known as the place, which can be called the Leopard’s world. One should not also lose the opportunity to also observe elephants, crocodiles and different bird species.
2. Udawalawe National Park
Udawalawe National Park is another among the national parks located in Sri Lanka and it is particularly considered famous for elephants. The park occupies an area of 30 000 hectares of open grasslands and scrub forests, which are perfect for these large animals. For tourist, there are options for elephant back safaris and there are other animals to be seen such as deer and many kinds of birds.
3. Minneriya National Park
Minneriya National Park is one of those you should not miss because of the famous gathering of elephants here. The dry season is the best time to visit the area since hundreds of elephants can be seen at Minneriya Tank area. The park also has numerous natural and man-made features that support the various wildlife such as leopards, sloth bear and many bird species. Without doubt this is one of the best national parks in Sri Lanka to observe elephants.
4. Wilpattu National Park
Known for its ‘villus’ natural lakes, Wilpattu National Park is less crowded than other parks and is an untouched piece of land. It is among the oldest and the largest national parks of Sri Lanka offering a rich wildlife accommodation for leopards, elephants and a wide range of birds. However, being less crowded, Wilpattu is ideal for the tourists, who are in search of tranquil and calm wildlife tour.
5. Horton Plains National Park
For a slightly different flair of wildlife, Horton Plains National Park is as beautiful with its terrain and wildlife as it is unique. This park is located in the highland and characterized by rolling grasslands and cloud forests. It is also a great chance to see Sri Lankan sambar deer, and take a look at the World’s End, a cliff that drops over 800 meters down.
6. Kaudulla National Park
Kaudulla National Park is yet another place where you can see elephants, but especially during the dry season. There is a large reservoir in the park which make elephants and many bird species to be found there. It is not as developed as other parks and thus gives the visitor a close look at wildlife. For the best sighting of elephants in a national park in Sri Lanka it is recommended to visit Kaudulla.
7. Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary
This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is a bird watchers paradise. Many migratory birds and endemic birds can be found in Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary. It is an area of lagoons, mangrove, and salt marshes and thus forms a very important habitat for different wildlife. Bird lovers in particular will discover that this park is one of the national parks in Sri Lanka that are worth a visit.
8. Bundala National Park
Located near the Rekawa beach, this small coastal park is composed of wetlands and beaches similar to the Yala National Park; this place is also a good place for bird watching. It is an important site for the migratory birds that occur along the East Asia-Australasia Flyway. The park has unique features of the biosphere, and thus it is host to different animals like crocodiles, monkeys, and elephants. It has calm beaches and a variety of ecological systems that make it a naturalist’s paradise.
9. Gal Oya National Park
If you are looking for a relatively unknown place that offers the best wildlife encounters then Gal Oya National Park is the place to be. This park comprises amazing geographical structure that has hills, forests, and a splendid lake. There are boat safaris for visitors to take and they get to see animals like elephants, deer and different birds. This park is special in a way that you get to observe animals from the water body point of view.
10. Kumana National Park
Kumana National Park famous for birds, is home to more than 200 bird species including those of the migrant’s type. The wetlands and lagoons within the park are conservation areas for wildlife. Kumana is great for bird watching and those who want to see elephants and leopards at the same time. Wildlife enthusiasts will find it perfect to be featured on the list of best national parks in Sri Lanka.
Conclusion:
In any case, there cannot be a better way to watch and enjoy wildlife than the national parks of Sri Lanka. Each park is of course unique in terms of environment and animals and ensuring the great adventures are unforgettable. Whether it is a trip to Udawalawe to watch the elephants or a trip into the Yala to spot the leopards, each and every such effort is a chance to have a closer look at the splendid bio-wealth of this fabulous island.
While selecting these best national parks in Sri Lanka it is wise to obtain your Sri Lanka visa and you may also wish to participate in a Sri Lanka tour to get the maximum out of your wildlife trips. Whether being a photography enthusiast, a nature enthusiast or simply one who wants to get some time off from life, these National parks are a promise of an experience of the treasures of nature that is Sri Lanka. Gather yourselves for the most exciting wild life adventure of a life time into the jungles.
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