National Parks In Sri Lanka

Gal Oya: Situated on the very Eastern edge of the hill country. A great spot for overnight camping and bird-watching, and also the site of the Crossing – in which wild elephants swim from one side to the other in search of food.

Wilpattu: Translated as Land of Lakes, Wilpattu is a little-visited park on the North-West coast. The park was closed due to security concerns up until March 2003, but is now fully open and provides a tantalising chance of a leopard sighting, minus the crowds of Yala.

Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage: A very enjoyable trip from Kandy can be had at this centre for care and breeding of Asian Elephants. The highlight of a trip to Pinnawala is to observe the feeding and washing of the elephants, before they stream down into the Maha Oya River to bathe and play.

Minneriya: Famous for Sri Lanka’s most spectacular wildlife event – the Gathering. During the dry season (July to September), animals migrate from across the region to the enormous Minneriya reservoir. Some have reported upwards of 300-400 elephants gathered at any one time!

Yala: Arguably the headline act of Sri Lanka’s national parks. Popular for the variety of wildlife on show in such a small area, notably sloth bears, sambar, buffalo, wild pigs, and numerous birds and primates. Most exciting, however, is the chance to see one of the reserves' 30 leopards.

Uda Walawe: Among the best spots in the country for sighting wild elephants, but other mammals are rare. Some great bird-watching opportunities, with plenty of water birds inhabiting the wetlands and tanks.

Bundala: Arguably the best park for twitchers, Bundala’s coastal location is a vital wintering ground for migratory bird species. Flamingos are the main draw here, but also ducks, herons, ibis, and storks, as well as a handful of elephants, deer, boar, and very occasionally leopards.

Sinharaja Forest Reserve: Sinharaja has been protected as a Unesco World Heritage site since 1988, its biodiversity flourishing in the process. There are plenty of birds, and more species of tree per square metre than anywhere else in the world.