Cultural Central

Yala

The second largest National park in the country, Yala boasts of having the highest density of leopards and many other species. The park is approximately 300km away from Colombo and has a tropical temperature during most months expect November-February. Elephants, deer, buffalos as well as colorful birds and various reptiles are inhabitants here. Experiencing wildlife in all its glory can be done as you go on a safari through this amazing sanctuary.

Sinharaja

Declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, this tropical lowland rainforest is home to many species of birds, mammals, reptiles as well as diverse flora and fauna. The Sri Lankan Blue Magpie, the Purple faced leaf monkey, and the Green pit viper are just a few types of creatures to look out for within the 18890 hectares of land.

Wilpattu National Park

The oldest National Park in Sri Lanka, Wilpattu is made up of many lakes spread across 320 acres of land making it a wildlife paradise. A large variety of reptiles, mammals and birds can be seen in their natural habitat. The park is located in the Northwest coast of the country and February and October are the best months to go on a safari here.

Bundala national park

The Bundala National Park was declared a Man and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO and is one of the best locations for bird watching. Over 200 species of birds can be seen during the peak season of September – March. However along with the flock of birds, one can also spot few Elephants, deer and maybe even a leopard during the visit.

Minneriya National Park

Minneriya is well known for the famous Elephant gatherings where approximately 200 elephants come towards the Minneriya Lake to quench their thirst during the dry season of March – September. Other wildlife can also be sighted throughout the park.

Knuckles Mountain Range

Shaped like a clenched fist, the Knuckles mountain range is a picturesque sight perfect for hiking. Three tributaries connecting to the Mahaveli river begins from the peak of the mountain range making it an even more attractive climb. Located in the wet zone, Knuckles experiences rainfall almost all year however December to April is considered the best time to trek these mountains.

Horton Plains

Located in the central area of the country bordering misty mountains lies Horton Plains, a wildlife sanctuary with a rich biodiversity. The Bakers Falls and World’s End are the most popular tourist attractions in this park. Several species of amphibians, reptiles and mammals can be spotted here along with colourful birds and flora and fauna.

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Founded in 1975, this foundation serves as an orphanage to approximately 90 elephants both orphaned and injured. This is now a top tourist attraction that even allows visitors to go on elephant rides and even feed these magnificent creatures. It is also a wonderful sight to witness these herds been taken to the river adjoining the orphanage for baths. The baby elephants frolic in the water while the older elephants lay down in the cool waters with their usual proud stature. All the proceeding from the entrance fee is spent on looking after the Elephants and for maintenance purposes.

Kumana National Park

Surrounded by a variety of flora and fauna is the Kumana National Park located northeast of Sri Lanka. This sanctuary is a famous bird nesting ground with over 200 species of birds both resident and migrant. April and July are considered the best months to visit here since hundreds of birds migrate to this beautiful land during that time.

Lunugamwehera National Park

The Lunugamvehera National Park was established in 1995 as a corridor for elephant migration. Situated amongst Yala and Uda Walawe national parks, it homes to 143 species of mammals and 184 species of birds. The Lunugamvehera reservoir covers more than 3000 ha of the park. This park also provides access to Yala blocks III, IV and V.

Wasgamuwa National Park

Wasgamuwa National Park borders the Mahaweli and Amban Rivers. The park is renowned for large herds of elephants, mostly commonly visited during the months of November to May. The national park also hosts a small number of rainwater reservoirs and ruins of temples. 143 species of birdlife have been reported from the national park.

Gala Oya National Park

One of the few national parks that offers both boat and jeep safaris and was established during the year of 1954.  Boat safaris head to the island within the reservoir also known as the “Bird Island”. The best time to visit the national park is March to July. The park is renowned for elephant and leopard sightings. Close upon 150 species of birdlife has been reported.

Maduru Oya National Park

Maduru Oya National Park established in 1983 borders the Maduru Oya reservoir. The national park is renowned for elephant sighting. The park features an 8km long range of Rocky mountain. The best time to visit the park is between the months of Feb to Sept.

Angammedilla National Park

Is one of the latest national parks brought into life during the year of 2006. The national park is situated in the forest reseeve of Giritale sanctuary. The park secures the drainage basins of Minneriya and Giritale irrigation tanks and habitats and wildlife of the adjacent forests. Mostly commonly spotted mammal are elephants, water buffalo and wild boar.

Lahugala Kitulana National Park

Also known as one of the smallest national parks in Sri Lanka borders quite a few reservoirs. The park was established as wildlife sanctuary in the year of 1966.  The best time to visit the park is between the months of May to October and Jan to March. The park is renowned for herd of wild elephants as it is mostly commonly used as feeding grounds. This park also homes a few species of birdlife.

Kanneliya Rainforest

Kanneliya Rainforest is the second largest primary forest area situated close to Galle. The rainforest occupies between two rivers. The rainforest was designated as a UNESCO sites during the year of 2004. There are 141 identified woody tree spaces, 301 plant types, 133 faunal species, 59 species of birdlife and 10 species of mammals.  The best time to visit is within the months of December to February for wildlife lovers and for the hikers the best period would be within the period of March or April.

Kalamatiya Bird Sanctuary

Situated bodering the coastline of Hambantota and was declared during the year of 1984. The Sanctuary includes the Lunama and Kalamatiya lagoons. Kalamatiya area records about 15 species of birds of which 54 are migratory. The sanctuary also houses 20 species of mammals.

Anawilundawa Bird Sanctuary

The bird sanctuary is situated in the Puttalam. It is set out on 1,397 hectares of forest land and comprises of nine tanks. The sanctuary refuge for 150 species of water birds in addition to a few species of threatened Fish, Amphibians, Mammals, and Reptiles. Most endemic and resident birds can be observed right through the year while the migrants are best seen between the months of October and April.