National Parks
in Sri Lanka Express
Major National Parks
Yala National Park
World's densest leopard population in Block 1. Best place globally to photograph leopards in wild. All big game mammals present including elephants, sloth bears, spotted deer.
Minneriya National Park
Extraordinary biodiversity around Minneriya Tank. 2,000 cormorants, elephant gatherings, 160 bird species, 24 mammals, 75 butterflies. Endemic Sri Lankan species including jungle fowl, hanging parrot.
Kaudulla National Park
Sri Lanka's newest park. Elephant corridor with 250 elephants. Close-range wildlife viewing. Catamaran rides on ancient tank. Leopards, fishing cats, endangered rusty spotted cat.
Udawalawe National Park
African-style game reserve. 500 elephants (see 100 at once). Uda Walawe Reservoir serves animals. Spotted deer, sambar, water buffalo, mongoose, foxes, crocodiles, 30 snake varieties.
Bundala National Park
RAMSAR wetland wintering site for migratory birds. 4 brackish lagoons, salt pans, marshes. Greater flamingo, pelicans, adjutant, storks. Estuarine and mugger crocodiles. Waders paradise.
Sinharaja Rain Forest
UNESCO World Heritage Site. Last viable primary tropical rainforest. 60%+ endemic trees. 50% endemic mammals and butterflies. Virgin forest with leopards, monkeys, rare amphibians, medicinal herbs.
Horton Plains National Park
Only hill country park. Second-tallest mountain. Unusual highland vegetation. World's End viewpoint. Endemic birds: Blue Magpie, Whistling Thrush, Orange-billed Babbler. Shaggy Bear-monkey.
Wilpattu National Park
One of oldest parks. Unique "Willus" (natural lakes). Dense forests, scrublands, coastal belt. Elephants, leopards, sloth bear, water buffalo. Painted storks, ibis, hornbills, jungle fowl abundant.
Wasgamuwa National Park
Strict Nature Reserve since 1938. Three hours from Cultural Triangle. 150 elephants, spotted deer, elusive leopard, sloth bear. Sudu Kanda captivates visitors. Early conservation area.
Gal Oya National Park
Surrounded by Senanayake Samudra (largest tank). Boat safaris to stalk drinking elephants. See 150 elephants at once. Excellent for bird watching. Unique water-based wildlife viewing.
Kumana National Park
Famous bird sanctuary. 200-hectare Kumana Villu swamp. Breeding and roosting site. Pelicans, painted storks, spoonbills, white ibis, rare black-necked stork. Elephants and leopards also present.
Lahugala National Park
Ancient kingdom of Ruhuna. Three tanks: Mahawewa, Kitulana, Sengamuwa. Unique beru grass (Oplismenus compostus) covers tanks - elephant favorite. Giant trees, buttress roots. Dry zone terrain.
Wildlife Diversity
Big Mammals
Elephants, leopards, sloth bears, water buffalo, spotted & sambar deer across all parks
400+ Birds
Endemic jungle fowl, hanging parrot, blue magpie, hornbills. Migrant flamingos, storks, pelicans
Reptiles & Amphibians
Mugger crocodiles, water monitors, pythons, endemic frogs, rare endangered lizards
Endemic Species
60%+ endemic trees in Sinharaja. Rusty spotted cat, fishing cat, unique highland vegetation