National Parks and Wildlife in Sri Lanka

Yala National Park

Yala is Sri Lanka’s most famous national park, known for its abundant wildlife, especially leopards, elephants, and a wide variety of birds. It consists of a variety of ecosystems, including dry monsoon forests, grasslands, and wetlands, making it a biodiversity hotspot.

It is home to the largest population of Sri Lankan leopards and is a popular destination for safari enthusiasts.

Distance from Colombo: Approx. 300 km (5-6 hours by car)

Best Time to Visit: February to October (dry season)

Website: www.yalapark.lk

Accommodation: Click to search the hotel nearby

Udawalawe National Park

Famous for its large population of Sri Lankan elephants, Udawalawe is a lowland park with a mix of grasslands and forested areas. It's a prime location for elephant sightings, particularly in the early morning or late afternoon.

Known as one of the best parks in Sri Lanka for observing elephants in the wild

Distance from Colombo: Approx. 170 km (3-4 hours by car)

Best Time to Visit: June to September

Website: www.uwapark.lk

Accommodation: Click to search the hotel nearby

Wilpattu National Park

Wilpattu is the largest national park in Sri Lanka, featuring a mix of dry zone forests, wetlands, and numerous natural lakes. It is less crowded than Yala but equally rich in wildlife, with a significant population of leopards, elephants, and various bird species.

It's an important park for conservation, especially for the Sri Lankan leopard and its diverse ecosystem.

Distance from Colombo: Approx. 180 km (3-4 hours by car)

Best Time to Visit: February to October

Website: www.wilpattu.com

Accommodation: Click to search the hotel nearby

Sinharaja Forest Reserve

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Sinharaja is a tropical rainforest that holds incredible biodiversity. It’s a sanctuary for endemic species of flora and fauna, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and birdwatchers

Sinharaja is one of the last remaining rainforests in Sri Lanka and is known for its endemic species and rich biodiversity.

Distance from Colombo: Approx. 100 km (2.5-3 hours by car)

Best Time to Visit: December to April

Website: www.sinharajaforestreserve.org

Accommodation: Click to search the hotel nearby

Kumana National Park

Located in the southeastern part of Sri Lanka, Kumana is famous for its birdlife, including the migrant waterfowl and endemic species. The park also has a variety of ecosystems, from wetlands to forest areas.

Known for bird watching, especially during the migratory season. It is part of the broader Yala ecosystem.

Distance from Colombo: Approx. 370 km (6-7 hours by car)

Best Time to Visit: April to October (for bird watching)

Website: (if you know the website, let us known)

Accommodation: Click to search the hotel nearby

Minneriya National Park

Known for the famous “Gathering” phenomenon, where hundreds of elephants gather around the Minneriya tank during the dry season. This park is a popular destination for elephant sightings.

Best known for its large elephant herds, Minneriya is also an important wetland area with rich birdlife.

Distance from Colombo: Approx. 200 km (4-5 hours by car)

Best Time to Visit: July to September (for the elephant gathering)

Website: www.minneriyanationalpark.com

Accommodation: Click to search the hotel nearby

Horton Plains National Park

A high-altitude park with stunning landscapes, including the famous World’s End cliff. The park has grasslands, forests, and is home to a range of unique species, including the sambar deer and purple-faced langur.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Horton Plains is significant for its ecological value and its scenic beauty.

Distance from Colombo: Approx. 200 km (4-5 hours by car)

Best Time to Visit: January to March

Website: www.hortonplains.lk

Accommodation: Click to search the hotel nearby

Bundala National Park

A coastal park located in the southern part of Sri Lanka, Bundala is famous for its birdlife, particularly migratory waterfowl. It also features wetlands, lagoons, and sand dunes.

Bundala is a UNESCO Ramsar Wetland site, making it a crucial area for migratory birds and other wildlife.

Distance from Colombo: Approx. 250 km (4-5 hours by car)

Best Time to Visit: December to April (for bird watching)

Website: www.bundalapark.lk

Accommodation: Click to search the hotel nearby

Wasgamuwa National Park

A lesser-known but rich park located in the central part of Sri Lanka, Wasgamuwa is home to Sri Lankan elephants, leopards, and diverse bird species. The park offers a more tranquil safari experience compared to some of the more popular parks.

Known for its excellent elephant sightings, Wasgamuwa is an important conservation area.

Distance from Colombo: Approx. 200 km (4-5 hours by car)

Best Time to Visit: March to September

Website: www.wasgamuwa.lk

Accommodation: Click to search the hotel nearby

Gal Oya National Park

Gal Oya is one of the less frequented parks in Sri Lanka, but it offers a unique experience, particularly for boat safaris on the Senanayake Samudraya reservoir, where you can spot elephants swimming from island to island.

Known for its boat safaris and elephant sightings, Gal Oya is also significant for its rich birdlife and aquatic species.

Distance from Colombo: Approx. 300 km (5-6 hours by car)

Best Time to Visit: March to October

Website: www.galoyapark.lk

Accommodation: Click to search the hotel nearby

Ratnapura Wetlands

Located near the town of Ratnapura, this site is less known but offers rich wetlands that support a variety of wildlife, including birds, reptiles, and amphibians. It's ideal for eco-tourism and those looking to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Important for biodiversity, including endemic species and migratory birds.

Distance from Colombo: Approx. 110 km (2.5 hours by car)

Best Time to Visit: January to April

Website: Nil

Accommodation: Click to search the hotel nearby

Kaudulla National Park

Another national park known for its elephant sightings, Kaudulla is situated near the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, and crocodiles.

Kaudulla is crucial for elephant conservation and offers great opportunities for elephant safaris.

Distance from Colombo: Approx. 210 km (4-5 hours by car)

Best Time to Visit: June to September (elephant gathering)

Website: www.kaudullapark.lk

Accommodation: Click to search the hotel nearby

Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary

Located in the Puttalam District, this is an important Ramsar Wetland site. The sanctuary is a haven for birdwatchers, particularly migratory species.

It is vital for conservation and serves as a critical stopover point for migratory birds.

Distance from Colombo: Approx. 100 km (2-3 hours by car)

Best Time to Visit: November to February (for bird watching)

Website: Nil

Accommodation: Click to search the hotel nearby