Discover Sri Lanka's incredible biodiversity and embark on unforgettable safari adventures in pristine national parks.
Experience the thrill of encountering majestic elephants, elusive leopards, and vibrant birdlife in their natural habitats. Sri Lanka's national parks offer some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in Asia, with diverse ecosystems ranging from dense jungles to coastal wetlands.
Located in Sri Lanka's southeast, Yala National Park is the island's most iconic wildlife reserve and a premier destination for safari adventures. The park is world-famous for its remarkable leopard population, making it one of the best places on the planet to see these magnificent big cats in their natural habitat.
Yala's rich wilderness is also home to majestic elephants, crocodiles, wild boar, sambar deer, and playful monkeys, along with more than 200 species of birds, including the vibrant peacock and elegant painted stork. Its diverse landscapes—ranging from open grasslands and dense jungles to coastal lagoons and golden beaches—create an unforgettable backdrop for wildlife encounters.
Set in Sri Lanka's northwest, Wilpattu National Park is both the largest and one of the most historic reserves on the island. The park is famed for its series of natural lakes, known as "villus", which create stunning wetlands amid stretches of dry forest and open scrub. This unique environment provides a sanctuary for an incredible variety of wildlife.
Wilpattu is particularly renowned for its leopard sightings, making it one of the top destinations in Sri Lanka to spot these graceful predators. Visitors may also encounter sloth bears, elephants, crocodiles, deer, and water buffalo, along with a wealth of birdlife including the colorful Indian roller and the elusive brown-capped babbler.
Situated on Sri Lanka's eastern coast, Kumana National Park is a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike. Renowned for its Kumana Bird Sanctuary, the park is home to over 200 species of birds, including painted storks, pelicans, spoonbills, and migratory species that arrive from across the globe.
Beyond its avian treasures, Kumana also shelters elephants, jackals, crocodiles, and leopards, offering a well-rounded safari experience in a quieter, less crowded setting compared to other parks. Jeep safaris allow visitors to explore wetlands, lagoons, and scrub forests, where the mix of landscapes creates endless opportunities for wildlife encounters.
Nestled in Sri Lanka's southeastern dry zone, Udawalawe National Park is one of the island's best destinations for witnessing Asian elephants in the wild. The park is famous for its large elephant herds, often seen roaming across its sweeping grasslands, open plains, and scattered forests, offering visitors unforgettable close-up encounters.
Beyond elephants, Udawalawe is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including water buffalo, spotted deer, crocodiles, and even leopards, while birdwatchers can enjoy sightings of more than 200 bird species. Highlights include the colorful Sri Lanka junglefowl, the national bird, and raptors like the crested hawk-eagle.
Located in the heart of Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle, Minneriya National Park is world-famous for the spectacular Elephant Gathering, which takes place between July and September. During this time, hundreds of wild elephants gather along the banks of the ancient Minneriya Tank, creating one of the largest seasonal wildlife spectacles in Asia.
While elephants are the park's main highlight, Minneriya also shelters leopards, deer, water buffalo, and troops of playful monkeys, as well as an impressive variety of birdlife. The park's grassy plains, lush forests, and serene reservoir provide a scenic backdrop, making every safari both exciting and picturesque.
Tucked away in central Sri Lanka, Wasgamuwa National Park is a peaceful retreat for nature lovers, offering a blend of rich wildlife and unspoiled landscapes. The park is particularly known for its herds of Sri Lankan elephants, often seen grazing or bathing along the banks of the mighty Mahaweli River.
In addition to elephants, Wasgamuwa shelters leopards, sloth bears, wild boar, and water buffalo, making every safari a chance for exciting discoveries. Birdwatchers will also be delighted, with regular sightings of species such as the Oriental Darter, Lesser Adjutant Stork, and the Grey-headed Fish Eagle.
Located on Sri Lanka's southern coast, Bundala National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the park is famous for its diverse birdlife, including greater flamingos, pelicans, painted storks, and over 190 other species, many of which are migratory.
Bundala's landscapes are a beautiful mix of wetlands, lagoons, salt pans, and scrub forests, creating ideal habitats not only for birds but also for elephants, crocodiles, spotted deer, and monkeys. The park's rich biodiversity makes it a perfect complement to a cultural or beach holiday in southern Sri Lanka.