What's special about the
Sri Lanka National Parks?
Sri Lanka is a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, with its diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife. The most highlighted “Sri Lankan Leopards” to the “Swimming Elephants of Gal Oya”, Sri Lanka is always regarded as a Nature-Lovers paradise. Did you know that Sri Lanka already has more than 20 National Parks – even though it’s still a tiny tropical island in the Indian Ocean?
Let’s dive into finding what National Parks you should be visited based on your tastes and likes. Well, not all Sri Lanka National Parks are the same, just like Pizza. There’s so much of flavours and finding the right kind is comes only with a bit of research.
The famous Seven - Sri Lanka's popular national parks
No, it’s not from one of Enid Blyton’s novels. Or, should we say “Lucky Seven”?. Not really. If you asked a Sri Lanka Travel Expert, there are some common parks you might hear. Well, even if you visit Sri Lanka, your Tour Operator or Travel Agent might also suggest a visit to one of the below Top Picks. Even though there are more than 20 Parks, Sri Lanka’s most famous ones are listed below. Still, there’s plenty to go around and explore too.
1. Yala National Park: Home of the Leopards
Yala National Park is perhaps Sri Lanka’s most famous wildlife reserve, well known for having one of the highest densities of leopards in the world. Aside from leopards, you can also spot sloth bears, elephants, crocodiles, and many species of birds here. Yala is definitely one of the top Sri Lanka national parks to visit for big cat lovers.
Best Animals to Spot: Leopards, Sloth Bears, Elephants, Crocodiles, Peacocks
How to visit: Jeep Safaris are the way to explore Yala, and safaris are often conducted early in the morning (06 AM – 09 AM) or late in the afternoon (2.30 PM – 06 PM) when animals are most active.
2. Minneriya National Park: The Elephant Gathering
Remember the Largest Elephant Gathering in the World?
You can read more about that here: https://www.meshaunjourneys.com/blog/largest-asian-elephant-gathering-in-the-world/
Minneriya National Park is most famous for “The Gathering,” where hundreds of elephants congregate during the dry season around the Minneriya Reservoir. This is one of the largest gatherings of Asian elephants in the world and a must-see for those visiting Sri Lanka national parks.
Best Animals to Spot: Elephants (especially during The Gathering), Sambar Deer, Crocodiles
How to visit: Jeep Safaris are the way to explore Minneriya, and safaris are often conducted early in the morning (06 AM – 09 AM) or late in the afternoon (2.30 PM – 06 PM) when animals are most active.
3. Horton Plains National Park - The Highland Adventure
Horton Plains is unique due to its high-altitude grasslands and cloud forest. The park is home to sambar deer and, occasionally, the elusive Sri Lankan leopard. It is also well known for the scenic “World’s End” viewpoint. Horton Plains is one of the most scenic Sri Lanka national parks, perfect for trekking and enjoying beautiful views.
Best Animals to Spot: Sambar Deer, Sri Lankan Leopard (rare), Purple-faced Langur
How to visit: The park is explored on foot, with well-marked trails leading to World’s End and Baker’s Falls. It’s a great spot for trekking enthusiasts. Mostly visited early in the morning at 06 AM with the less mist and clear sky-timing.
4. Udawalawe National Park - The Elephant Paradise
Udawalawe is one of the best places to see elephants in Sri Lanka throughout the year. It’s also home to various other animals, such as water buffalo, deer, and a variety of birds. Udawalawe is one of the top Sri Lanka national parks for guaranteed elephant sightings.
Best Animals to Spot:Elephants, Water Buffalo, Sambar Deer, Crocodiles
How to visit:Jeep Safaris are the way to explore Udawalawe, and safaris are often conducted early in the morning (06 AM – 09 AM) or late in the afternoon (2.30 PM – 06 PM). Elephant sightings are 99% guaranteed here at Udawalawe National Park.
5. Wilpattu National Park - Sri Lanka's First & Largest
Wilpattu is Sri Lanka’s largest national park and is also famous for leopards. Unlike Yala, Wilpattu is less crowded, providing a more peaceful experience. The park’s many “willus” (natural lakes) attract a wide variety of wildlife. Wilpattu is one of the quieter Sri Lanka national parks, ideal for those who want to enjoy nature without the crowds. Because it’s too big, sometimes spotting the animals might be harder than you think.
Best Animals to Spot: Leopards, Elephants, Spotted Deer, Water Buffalo, Peacocks
How to visit: Jeep safari’s either in the morning at 5.30 AM or the 1.30 PM timings are the best. No getting down inside the National Park unless at the designated places.
- Interesting Places inside Wilpattu: Kudiramale Point, Tambapanni
6. Gal Oya National Park - The Swimming Elephants
Gal Oya National Park offers a unique wildlife experience with its famous swimming elephants. Here, you can witness elephants crossing Senanayake Samudraya, Sri Lanka’s largest reservoir, in a spectacular sight. Gal Oya is one of the more off-the-beaten-path Sri Lanka national parks, perfect for a new adventure.
Best Animals to Spot: Swimming Elephants, Mugger Crocodiles, Deer, Birdlife
How to visit: Boat Safaris are the highlight here, providing an opportunity to see elephants swimming across the lake. Jeep safaris are also available for exploring the forested areas.
7. Sinharaja Forest Reserve - A Biodiversity Hotspot
Sinharaja is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a treasure trove of biodiversity. It’s known for its rich birdlife, reptiles, and unique plant species. The dense rainforest is home to numerous endemic species. Sinharaja is one of the most biodiverse Sri Lanka national parks and a must-visit for nature lovers.
Best Animals to Spot: Endemic Birds (like the Sri Lanka Blue Magpie), Reptiles, Amphibians, Butterflies
How to visit: This reserve is explored on foot. The mandatory Trekking Guide provided at the Wildlife Office helps to learn all about the Nature, the animals, the uniqueness of Sinharaja.
Sri Lanka National Parks - Choosing the Right Park for your Wildlife Adventure
Head to Yala, Wilpattu, or Kumana.
Minneriya (for The Gathering), Udawalawe, Kaudulla, Wasgamuwa, Gal Oya (for swimming elephants), Lunugamvehera.
Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Bundala, Kumana.
Horton Plains, Knuckles Forest Reserve, Sinharaja Forest Reserve offers beautiful views and wildlife sightings.
Total count of National Parks of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is home to 26 national parks, each offering unique wildlife and natural experiences. Sri Lanka is home to 26 national parks: Yala National Park, Wilpattu National Park, Gal Oya National Park, Minneriya National Park, Udawalawe National Park, Wasgamuwa National Park, Horton Plains National Park, Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Lunugamvehera National Park, Bundala National Park, Kumana National Park, Kaudulla National Park, Pigeon Island National Park, Maduru Oya National Park, Angammedilla National Park, Flood Plains National Park, Somawathiya National Park, Horowpathana National Park, Delft National Park, Chundikkulam National Park, Hikkaduwa National Park, Ussangoda National Park, Galways Land National Park, Lahugala Kitulana National Park, Madhu Road National Park, and Ridiyagama Safari Park.
Before you plan your National Park visit:
- Plan Ahead: Book your safaris in advance, especially during peak season.
- Go with a Guide: A knowledgeable guide can enhance your experience and help you spot more wildlife.
- Respect Wildlife: Always maintain a safe distance from animals and avoid disturbing their natural behavior.
- Always keep the Wildlife Parks clean. Don't drop waste, polytene, or even food for the Animals.
As a Destination Management Company/Tour Operator based in Sri Lanka, we work closely with the Best Safari Guides, Nature-Trekkers so our clients make the best of any National Park visit.
Sounds something you want during your Holiday to Sri Lanka?
Connect to us – we will make sure you enjoy the Sri Lanka Safaris and National Park visits – just like how you are supposed to.