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Imagine Asia  >  Destinations  >  Sri Lanka  >  National Parks of Sri Lanka
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Introducing Sri Lanka

Watch our video to see why our specialists love Sri Lanka...

Sri Lanka & Maldives Guidebook

We've put together a guidebook with everything you need to know about Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Written by our specialists, it details destination information, a wildlife guide, some suggested itineraries and plenty more to inspire your holiday. Fill in the form below and if you live in UK, your guidebook will arrive by post within the next couple of days. For those who live abroad, we will send you a link by email which will allow you to download your own copy.

Wildlife in Sri Lanka

Some of the wildlife that can be spotted on a Sri Lanka holiday...

Whale watching in Mirissa

Mirissa is the gateway to Dondra Point. This is one of the best spots to witness the whale migrations in Sri Lanka from the Bay of Bengal - Sri Lanka’s southern sea is calm offering up the perfect conditions.

Sri Lanka's Big Five

Spotting the Big Five in Africa is often hailed as the holy grail of wildlife holidays, but plenty of other places around the world offer animal sightings impressive enough to rival Africa's, and Sri Lanka is certainly one of them. Here, we introduce you to Sri Lanka's own Big Five and give you all the information you need to go in search of these wild beasts...

Adam's Peak

The Tea Country is home to the iconic Adam’s Peak, well known as a holy pilgrimage site, visited by a large number of people for over 1,000 years.

Tea in Sri Lanka

Tea is part of Sri Lanka’s unique cultural heritage and some of the world’s finest teas are produced here. Due to Sri Lanka’s diverse climate each tea variety is uniquely different. The country is particularly famous for Ceylon tea, recognised over the world for its high quality and distinct aroma (crisp and citrus).

Temple of the Tooth

The Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) is a Buddhist temple which can be found in the royal palace complex of the former kingdom of Kandy.

Unmissable experiences

Whether you’re a culture vulture keen to explore the impressive temples and UNESCO sites of the Cultural Triangle, a wildlife fanatic who hopes to spot the elusive leopard in Yala National Park, or a fervent foodie whose mouth waters at the tantalizing aromas of cardamom and coriander, here's our pick of the top Sri Lankan experiences that are not to be missed...

Foodie’s guide to Sri Lanka

Here’s a guide to our favourite local street-food delicacies to sample during your stay…

Sri Lanka's festivals

In Sri Lanka, festivals are an integral part of life and culture; with a population composed of many races and religions and given its long, ancient history – they are never short of celebrations. Here are a few of the significant festivals:

The National Parks of Sri Lanka

The teardrop island is particularly proud of its natural bounty, and rightly so. For thousands of years, vast swathes of land have been protected by Sri Lankan royalty, preserved as sanctuaries for nature to thrive and even today, countless areas of protected land exist on the island. Despite its small size, its diverse landscapes, contrasting seasons, unique climate and incredible biodiversity confirm it as an exceptional place for wildlife enthusiasts to enjoy year-round.

Yala National Park

Nestled in the southeast of Sri Lanka, Yala National Park is the island’s premier national park and prime territory for spotting leopards, sloth bears and elephants. Yala is home to the greatest array of animal and birdlife in the country thanks to its diverse range of habitats. With its freshwater lakes, beaches, rocky outcrops, sweeping plains and dense jungle, Yala is an area of immense biodiversity. Catch a glimpse of a leopard stealthily eyeing its prey, ogle at a crocodile basking in the Sri Lankan sun or marvel as a herd of elephants plod through the undergrowth right in front of your eyes. The dramatic backdrop of the park, its wild landscapes, windswept beaches, crashing waves and endless lagoons, create an otherworldly backdrop for an unforgettable safari. Yala’s coastline is also a nesting ground for sea turtles and attracts a myriad of birdlife confirming it as the poster boy of safari destinations in Sri Lanka.

Leopard in Yala National Park

Read more about Yala

Minneriya National Park

Only a 10-minute drive from Habarana, in the northern central province of Sri Lanka, Minneriya is a wildlife hot spot. Forming part of the elephant corridor, the main draw of Minneriya is its elephants, most prominent between July and October. Otherwise, it is home to a plethora of wildlife, from rare loris to beady eyed crocodiles and flocks of cormorants. Plonked in the middle of the park is the man-made Minniyera Tank, which draws wildlife from across the park. During the dry season, decreased water supplies attract around 300 Asian elephants who come to drink, bathe and feed at what is coined 'The Gathering'. This is the largest meeting of Asian elephants anywhere in the world and one of the most incredible safari spectacles to see first-hand.

Langur in Minneriya National Park

Read more about Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle

Gal Oya

Gal Oya is one of Sri Lanka’s most remote wildernesses. Offering a host of alternative safari experiences, including boat safaris, naturalist treks and cultural excursions, Gal Oya is the perfect place to get off the beaten track in Sri Lanka. One of the highlights of this lesser known park is its rich heritage, and the opportunity to meet the indigenous Vedda tribe, one of the last remaining native peoples of Sri Lanka confirms Gal Oya as a showstopper destination. The park is also home to Sri Lanka’s largest inland body of water, the Senanayake Samadraya Lake, where you can see elephants swimming and cooling off in the beautiful surroundings of the national park.

Elephant in Gal Oya National Park

Read more about Gal Oya

Wilpattu National Park

Famed for its healthy population of leopard, Wilpattu is one of the best spots to see the elusive big cat in the wild. Claiming an area of land which stretches all the way up to the border of Sri Lanka’s Northern Province, Wilpattu’s vast landscapes are navigable thanks to sixty natural lakes studded across the park, giving the national park a definitive charm and distinctiveness. With 31 species of mammals calling the park home, even the most seasoned safari buff could never get tired of the incredible array of wildlife on offer at Wilpattu. Visit between February and October to spot the rare sloth bear, water buffalo, sambar deer and mongoose.

Sloth bear in Wilpattu National Park

Read more about Northern Sri Lanka

Uda Walawe National Park

Uda Walawe is one of the best places in the world to spot elephants in the wild. Its wide-open plains, grasslands and bush forest provide the perfect habitat for a large concentration of wildlife. As one of the most understated national parks, it is a hidden gem amongst safari destinations in Sri Lanka. Look skyward to spot soaring raptors, learn about its endemic flora or watch out for a herd of the park’s resident elephants on a safari adventure. Located in the south of Sri Lanka, only a four-hour drive from Colombo, the national park is a true treasure to discover after leaving the country’s tea plantations behind.

Birds in Uda Walawe National Park

Read more about Uda Walawe

Interested in finding out more about Sri Lanka's national parks?
Call our specialists on 020 3141 2850 to plan your tailor-made trip.

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