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The Best National Parks in Sri Lanka for…
We explore the best national parks in Sri Lanka, their most beautiful features and when and where to see the country's most famous animals. For a relatively small nation, Sri Lanka has an abundance of wildlife in its 26 national parks. Considering that the UK (which is almost four times the size) has 15 national parks, this is a huge number for such a small nation. In addition to its parks, Sri Lanka has numerous nature reserves and protected areas. There are good reasons for protecting so much of one's land. Sri Lanka is home to large populations of elephants, leopards, crocodiles and primates,...
The Best National Parks in Sri Lanka for…
We explore the best national parks in Sri Lanka, their most beautiful features and when and where to see the country's most famous animals
For a relatively small nation, Sri Lanka has an abundance of wildlife in its 26 national parks. Considering that the UK (which is almost four times the size) has 15 national parks, this is a huge number for such a small nation. In addition to its parks, Sri Lanka has numerous nature reserves and protected areas.
There are good reasons for protecting so much of one's land. Sri Lanka is home to large populations of elephants, leopards, crocodiles and primates, making it one of the best wildlife viewing destinations in South Asia.
alt="The best national parks in Sri Lanka for elephants">Atlas & BootsThe majestic Asian elephant is easy to spot in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is also one of Asia's classic bird watching destinations. Species include colorful kingfishers, bee-eaters and of course flamboyant Sri Lankan peacocks. There are countless wildlife viewing and safari options for everyone, from the dedicated naturalist to the interested layperson.
We spent a month in the country exploring Sri Lanka's best protected areas. Here are the best national parks in Sri Lanka, depending on what you want to see.
THE BEST NATIONAL PARKS IN SRI LANKA FOR…Leopards
Yala National Park
Yala has one of the highest leopard densities in the world. It consists of five blocks, with Block 1 alone being home to an estimated 25 leopards. Yala received 350,000 visitors in 2013 and the numbers continue to rise, making it Sri Lanka's most popular national park.
Accommodation: Noel Rodrigo's Leopard Safaris
alt="The best national park in Sri Lanka for leopards is Yala">Atlas & BootsYala has one of the highest leopard densities in the world
Wilpattu National Park
This is Sri Lanka's largest national park and the second best for leopard spotting. Visitor numbers remain low, making for a deeply personal safari experience. However, animals are more shy here and the dense forest makes spotting leopards much more difficult than in Yala.
Accommodation: Mahoora Tented Safari Camp – Wilpattu
Gal Oya, Wasgamuwa and Kaudulla National Parks
Leopards can be spotted in all of these national parks, but it is much more difficult than in Yala. Gal Oya is pristine, untouched and rarely visited, while Kaudulla's main attraction is the elephants. It is even rarer to spot leopards in Wasgamuwa, but there have been sightings in recent years. You need patience, perseverance and time to catch a glimpse of a leopard in one of these national parks.
Accommodation: Habarana Village
The Best National Parks in Sri Lanka for… Elephants
Udawalawe National Park
For elephant viewing alone, Udawalawe is arguably better than many of the more famous East African national parks. There are over 250 permanent resident elephants in the park, dozens of which are easy to spot thanks to the park's open, savannah-like grasslands. Udawalawe is by far the best national park in Sri Lanka for elephants.
Accommodation: Ruhunu Safari Camping
alt=“The best national parks in Sri Lanka Udawalawe”>Atlas & BootsUdawalawe is better suited for elephant viewing than many East African national parks
Bundala National Park
Much less visited than nearby Yala, Bundala is home to a maze of waterways and lagoons. It doesn't seem like the best place to see elephants, but there is a small but very visible elephant population here (up to 60).
Accommodation: Cinnamon Wild Yala
Kaudulla National Park
We visited Kaudulla in early February and at that time, when the water level was at its lowest, the elephants were at it like clockwork. Every afternoon, when the heat of the day passed, the herds emerged from the undergrowth and made their way through the tall grass to the watering hole.
Accommodation: Habarana Village
alt="best-national-parks-in-sri-lanka-kaudulla-elephants">Atlas & BootsAt certain times of the year, herds appear in Kaudulla National Park like clockwork
Minneriya National Park
Minneriya is another excellent elephant viewing option. Up to 200 elephants come to eat and bathe during “The Gathering,” the world’s largest meeting of Asian elephants. Gathering takes place between May and September, although there is still a population of between 70 and 100 elephants during the rest of the year.
Accommodation: Habarana Village
Yala National Park
There are many elephants in Yala - estimates put the number at around 300. However, despite their size and number, they can be surprisingly difficult to spot. We only saw one elephant in Yala and that was at night when we returned to our camp.
Accommodation: Noel Rodrigo's Leopard Safaris
Best national park for…bird watching
Bundala National Park
Bundala is the best national park in Sri Lanka for bird watching. It provides refuge for almost 200 species of birds in an area of 62 km², many of which migrate here for the winter from Siberia and India. It is also a winter home for the greater flamingo. Up to 2,000 have been registered in the park!
Accommodation: Cinnamon Wild Yala
Yala National Park
There are over 200 species of birds in Yala, including terns, curlews and pintails, escaping the northern winter. Permanent residents include jungle fowl, hornbills, orioles and peacocks.
Accommodation: Noel Rodrigo's Leopard Safaris
alt="The best national parks in Sri Lanka">Atlas & BootsMy favorite Sri Lankan bird, the bright and busy little green bee-eater
Sinharaja Forest Reserve
The last major untouched region in Sri Lanka is home to over 160 species of birds, including 20 of Sri Lanka's 26 endemic species. The elusive species of the red-faced malkoha, green-billed coucal and Sri Lankan blue magpie can all be seen here.
Accommodation: The Rainforest Ecolodge
Kumana National Park
Kumana National Park includes the Kumana Bird Reserve, which is home to around 150 species. Sri Lanka's very rare black-necked stork was sighted, as well as the more common Malabar pied-hornbill, green bee-eater, oriole, Sri Lankan peacock and painted stork. Watchtowers provide ideal vantage points for bird watchers. May to June is the breeding season.
Accommodation: Mahoora Tented Safari Camp – Kumana
alt="The Best National Parks in Sri Lanka Peacock">Atlas & BootsWe saw dozens of the magnificent Sri Lankan peacock
Knuckles Mountains
One of Sri Lanka's less explored hiking destinations, it is home to wild mountain forests and excellent bird watching. Jungle fowl, yellow-eared bulbul, blue magpies, scarlet minivets, dull blue flycatchers and variable Bonelli's eagles all inhabit the misty hills.
Accommodation: Mahoora Tented Safari Camp – Knuckles
Sri Lanka's major national parks and reserves
In total, the protected areas cover almost 15% of Sri Lanka's land area and encompass a wide variety of terrain. The map and table below show Sri Lanka's major national parks and reserves along with their locations and prominent features.
| park | Features | Best time to visit |
| Adams Bridge National Park | marine life such as dolphins, manatees and turtles; Migratory birds and the brown noddy. | May-August |
| Bundala National Park | Migratory birds, wetland park, coastal lagoon, some elephants. | All the year long |
| Gal Oya National Park | Grasslands, evergreen forest, reservoir (tank), elephants, sloth bears, leopards, water buffalo and deer. | Dec-Sep |
| Horton Plains National Park | UNESCO World Heritage Site, hiking, mountain forest and cliff drop at the end of the world. | Dec-March |
| Kaudulla National Park | Reservoir (tank), bush jungle, elephants, deer, monkeys, sloths, leopards and waterfowl. | August-March |
| Knuckles Mountains | UNESCO World Heritage Site, hiking, traditional villages, caves, waterfalls and evergreen and riverine forests. | Dec-May |
| Kumana National Park | Grasslands, jungles, lagoons and mangrove forests. | May-September |
| Lunugamvehera National Park | Grassland, reservoir (tank), water buffalo and elephants. | May-September |
| Minneriya National Park | Reservoir (tank), elephants, deer, monkeys and waterfowl. | May-September |
| Pigeon Island National Park | Snorkeling, coral reef, black tip reef shark, sea turtles. | May-October |
| Peak Wilderness Sanctuary | UNESCO World Heritage Site, Adam's Peak Pilgrimage and Hiking. | Dec-May |
| Sinharaja Forest Reserve | Rainforest, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sambar and barking deer, leopards, monkeys and bird watching. | Aug.-Sep. / Jan.-March |
| Udawalawe National Park | Open grassland, elephants, deer, water buffalo and wild boar. | All the year long |
| Wasgamuwa National Park | Evergreen forests, rolling ridges, grassy plains, elephants, leopards, sloth bears and purple-faced langurs and crested macaques. | Jun-Sep |
| Wilpattu National Park | Dry forest, leopards, sloth bears, deer and crocodiles. | January March |
| Yala National Park | Elephants, sloth bears, leopards, water buffalo, spotted deer, reservoirs (tanks) and tropical thorn forest. | Nov-July |
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Lonely Planet Sri Lanka is a comprehensive travel guide to Sri Lanka, ideal for those who want to both explore the top attractions and take the road less traveled.
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