Sri Lanka is a biodiversity hotspot, and its national parks are key to preserving the island’s incredible wildlife and ecosystems. From misty highlands and dense rainforests to arid plains and coastal wetlands, these parks offer a variety of landscapes and habitats that support a diverse array of flora and fauna. Elephants, leopards, and rare bird species are common sights, making the national parks ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and nature lovers. Whether you’re taking a boat safari in Gal Oya, exploring the grassy plains of Horton, or watching leopards prowl in Yala, Sri Lanka’s national parks provide unforgettable experiences.
- Bundala National Park
- Chundikulam National Park
- Gal Oya National Park
- Horagolla National Park
- Horton Plains National Park
- Kaudulla National Park
- Kumana National Park
- Lahugala Kitulana National Park
- Lunugamvehera National Park
- Maduru Oya National Park
- Minneriya National Park
- Udawalawe National Park
- Wasgamuwa National Park
- Wilpattu National Park
- Yala National Park
Bundala National Park
A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Bundala is famous for its wetlands and birdlife. Located in southeastern Sri Lanka, it’s home to hundreds of species of birds, including migratory flamingos. The park also shelters elephants, crocodiles, and turtles.
Chundikulam National Park
Situated along the northern coast, Chundikulam is a sanctuary for migratory birds. Its lagoons, mangrove forests, and coastal habitats attract diverse wildlife. It’s a peaceful and lesser-known park, ideal for birdwatchers.
Gal Oya National Park
Known for boat safaris on Sri Lanka’s largest reservoir, Gal Oya offers a unique experience of seeing elephants swimming between islands. The park also features lush forests, rich biodiversity, and opportunities to spot elephants, leopards, and exotic birds.
Horagolla National Park
Located near Colombo, Horagolla is a small park famous for its diverse birdlife and tropical forests. It provides a quiet escape and is a sanctuary for bird species, including both endemic and migratory varieties.
Horton Plains National Park
Located in Sri Lanka’s central highlands, Horton Plains is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its misty landscapes, grasslands, and cloud forests. It is home to rare species like the purple-faced langur and Sri Lanka whistling thrush. The famous viewpoint, World’s End, offers stunning vistas of the surrounding valleys.
Kaudulla National Park
Part of the elephant corridor in the central plains, Kaudulla is a key site for elephant safaris. It also offers habitats for deer, leopards, and bird species. The park’s reservoir is a gathering point for large herds of elephants during the dry season.
Kumana National Park
Located on the east coast, Kumana is a paradise for birdwatchers. Its lagoons and marshes attract a wide variety of bird species, including pelicans, herons, and flamingos. The park is also home to elephants, leopards, and crocodiles.
Lahugala Kitulana National Park
One of the smallest national parks, located in the Eastern Province, it is known for its large population of elephants. The park also supports bird species and leopards, and its wetlands make it a key wildlife habitat.
Lunugamvehera National Park
This park is a vital link in the elephant corridor between Yala and Udawalawe. It’s known for its rich biodiversity, with elephants, leopards, and water birds commonly spotted near its reservoirs and wetlands.
Maduru Oya National Park
Located in the dry zone, Maduru Oya is home to large herds of elephants. The park also preserves ancient irrigation systems and supports rich biodiversity, including leopards, deer, and bird species.
Minneriya National Park
Famous for “The Gathering,” where hundreds of elephants congregate around the Minneriya Tank during the dry season, this park is a popular destination for elephant safaris. It’s located in the North Central Province and also houses leopards and diverse bird species.
Udawalawe National Park
Known for its large population of elephants, Udawalawe is one of the best places to observe these majestic creatures up close. The park is also home to water buffalo, leopards, and a variety of bird species. Its open grasslands and the Udawalawe Reservoir make it a prime wildlife viewing spot.
Wasgamuwa National Park
Wasgamuwa is known for its relatively undisturbed wilderness and is a key area for elephant conservation. Located in the central part of the island, the park is also home to leopards, bears, and bird species, making it a rich biodiversity hotspot.
Wilpattu National Park
Sri Lanka’s largest national park, Wilpattu is known for its “willus” or natural lakes, which provide water to a wide range of wildlife. The park is famous for leopards and also supports elephants, deer, and an array of bird species.
Yala National Park
Yala is Sri Lanka’s most popular and second-largest national park, renowned for its high density of leopards. It’s also home to elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species. The park’s diverse landscape includes dry forests, grasslands, and lagoons.
