9 locations rich in wildlife to discover…
Minneriya National Park consists of mixed evergreen forest and scrub areas. The central feature is the ancient Minneriya Tank (built in 3 AD), which becomes a magnet for elephants during the dry season, as well as huge flocks of birds that come to fish the shallow waters.
Nuwara Eliya is in the heart of tea country and its elevation creates a cooler climate making for fascinating birdlife. Nearby Horton Plains is the country’s highest plateau which terminates at the sheer precipice of “World’s End”, and is the perfect environment for a distinctive wild flora and rare highland birds.
Kalpitiya is wellknown for sightings of spinner dolphins and due to the deep water channel that runs close to the peninsula, whales are often seen too! Birdwatchers also take note, for it is also one of the best places in South Asia to see Persian shearwater, wedge-tailed shearwater, brown noddy and pomarine skua
Though Mirissa has a beautiful stretch of sandy beach, it is not a relaxing lounge on its golden sands the we recommend, for Mirissa is one of the foremost places in the world to see blue and sperm whales when, between December and April, they arrive off the coast to feed in the rich waters.
Bundala, Lewaya and Kalametiya are the south coast’s major wetland areas. Home to almost all Sri Lanka’s resident water birds, the area attracts countless migrants between November and March. Highlights include greater flamingo, lesser adjutant and painted stork and a good variety of mammals are also regularly seen.
The lakeside city of Kandy boasts a wealth of treasures, and is a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists. Surrounded by hills, lush, valleys, rivers, lakes and waterfalls, its forests and the surrounding Udawattakele Forest Reserve are home to endemic birds. The nearby Paradiniya Botanical Gardens house 4000 plant species.
Walawe Reservoir and Udawalawe National Park comprise an area of open plains and hills at the foot of the Kaltota Escarpment. Originally a densely forested area, much of which was destroyed by chena (shifting cultivation), grassland and thorn-scrub now dominate this lush area, with many species of trees in abundance.
Sinharaja Rainforest is the country’s only primary lowland tropical rainforest and is a treasure trove of nature. Its rolling terrain and series of ridges and valleys provide a diversity of habitats and is a vast repository of endemic tree species as well as being one of only a few homes to the blue-faced leaf monkey.
Yala National Park is Sri Lanka’s oldest wildlife reserve and famous for one of the world’s highest densities of leopard. It has a variety of ecosystems including moist monsoon forests, dry monsoon forests, semi deciduous forests, thorn forests, grasslands, fresh water and marine wetlands, and sandy beaches.
Sri Lanka has a wealth of wildlife to discover but here are the most popular animal species and wildlife events. Let us know the ones you would particularly like to see…
1 related group tour. 2 related trip ideas. Bear in mind that our trip ideas give you a sense of what’s possible but our strength is in tailoring your itinerary.
A superb itinerary visiting some of the country’s richest wildlife and culturally significant locations.
Wildlife enthusiasts! Immerse yourself completely in the stunning scenery of a variety of National Parks and the heritage sites of this beautiful country.
The balmy waters around Sri Lanka are home to a wealth of cetacean life and the its National Parks have elephants and leopard – this itinerary will endeavour to show you them all!
Although the country experiences two monsoons, Sri Lanka is in fact a year round destination. Overall, though, the best time to visit is between November and March.
5 related places to stay. But there are more options we can offer, just ask us for more details.
This simple, somewhat old-fashioned hotel lies on the edge of Chandrika Reservoir, just south of the national park.
A pleasant hideaway, in a quiet location surrounded by tea plantations, beside the Forest Lodge Nature Reserve – a fantastic location for birders and nature enthusiasts.
Mirissa Bay is doubly renowned for its sheltered sandy beach and as a great spot for surfing – for beginners and experts alike.
Standing at the road-end just a few minutes’ drive from the park offices, this lodge has 12 basic but comfortable rooms with en-suite bathrooms with hot water.
This resort-style hotel borders the national park beside miles of golden Indian Ocean beach.
View online or, if you’re a UK resident, request a printed copy.
Wildlife Worldwide is a brand of The Natural Travel Collection Ltd, Capitol House, 12-13 Bridge Street, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 0HL, United Kingdom.
For your reassurance, we are members of ABTOT and ATOL (number 10544).