Most Majestic National Parks in Sri Lanka - Explore the Best of Sri Lankan Wildlife

Sri Lanka is one of the most ideal landscapes in the world that is extremely capable of housing all sorts of flora/fauna. Due to this, National Parks and other natural attractions are pretty common in all sectors of the country. Sri Lanka tops all lists for being one of the largest nations to house huge herds of elephants and other majestic animals/wildlife.

What makes the Sri Lankan National Parks a top-notch tourist destination is the vast array of exotic flora and fauna to spot! As nature lovers visiting Sri Lanka to explore the top National Parks in the country, this list is perfect for your travel itinerary.

Yala National Park

When speaking of the top National parks in Sri Lanka, no list would lack a mention of the Yala National park that is situated in the South-Uva provinces. Along with being the largest/most visited National park in Sri Lanka, this park is also a well-known home for numerous leopards and other wildlife. What makes the Yala National Park so special is the exceptional terrains and freshwater lakes/rivers which are ideal for most species/types of:- Birds, Reptiles and Mammals etc. The perfect way to get the best experience of this National Park is by booking full day and half day jeep safari tours.

Timings of the Yala National Park

6:00 a.m to 6:00 p.m.

Best wildlife to spot at this National Park

• Elephants.
• Leopards.
• Bears.
• Crocodiles.

Most ideal months to visit this National Park

February to July.

Horton Plains National Park

The Horton Plains National Park is a UNESCO-deemed Global Heritage/Cultural Site in Sri Lanka. This park has gained massive popularity over the years for holding the title of ‘World's End Cliff’. The best highlights/features of this National Park are the endemic varieties of animals including bird segments and a good amount of endangered birds. Visitors can indulge in camping at this National Park at the designated camping sites. The Horton Plains National Park also has incredible trekking trails and canteen for necessities.

Timings of the Horton Plains National Park

6:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m.

Best wildlife to spot at this National Park

• Sambar Deers.
• Leopards.

Most ideal months to visit this National Park

January to March.

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Udawalawe National Park

The Udawalawe National Park is one of the most age-old National Parks in Sri Lanka as the date of establishment of this park is 1972. The key highlights of this National Park in Sri Lanka are:- 1. An incredible variety of water birds. 2. Sri Lankan Elephants. While strolling through this National Park, visitors will be able to spot over fifty herds of Sri Lankan Elephants. The total number of elephants in this National Park is said to be around six hundred. Travellers are advised to visit the Udawalawe National Park with an experienced tourist guide. And book a morning/evening jeep safari ride for the most ideal experience. Accommodation is also pretty easy to locate in close distance to the park.

Timings of the Udawalawe National Park

6:00 a.m to 6:00 p.m.

Best wildlife to spot at this National Park

• Elephants.
• Monkeys.
• Land Monitors.

Most ideal months to visit this National Park

December to March.

Wilpattu National Park

The location of the Wilpattu National Park is on the West coast of Sri Lanka. From the ancient/beautiful city of Anuradhapura, this National Park/wildlife spot is situated in only an 01 hour distance. The most important highlight of this National Park is the large population/groups of leopards. This park is included in all lists of National Parks with the most number of leopards in Sri Lanka. The Wilpattu National Park is also a home to ancient ruins such as:- Stone pillars. The best way to move around this park and explore the large groups of leopards is through the morning/evening jeep safaris. Personal 4×4 vehicles are also allowed in the Wilpattu National Park.

Timings of the Wilpattu National Park

6:00 a.m to 6:00 p.m.

Best wildlife to spot at this National Park

• Elephants.
• Leopards.

Most ideal months to visit this National Park

February to October.

Kaudulla National Park

The existence of the Kaudulla National Park in Sri Lanka can be dated back many decades ago. However, this park earned the title of a National Park in April, 2022. The Kaudulla National Park is 6656 hectares wide. This park also has a connection with the:- 1. Somawathie Chaitiya Park. 2. Minneriya Wildlife Park. Initially, this National Park was a reserve in Sri Lanka. Only in recent years, it got recognition for being a National Park. Huge herds of elephants are spotted all over the park with an estimated three hundred and fifty elephants in total at the park. To enjoy a thrilling day at this park, jeep safaris should be booked. Along with that, travellers can also enjoy the comfort of a wildlife bungalow in the park.

Timings of the Kaudulla National Park

6:00 a.m to 6:00 p.m.

Best wildlife to spot at this National Park

• Elephants.
• Deers.
• Peacocks.

Most ideal months to visit this National Park

July to December.

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Gal Oya National Park

The location of the Gal Oya National Park is close-by to a stunning Sri Lankan town named Ampara. The Senanayake Samudraya Reservoir is also nearby. Since 1954, the Gal Oya National Park has been housing a wide range of fauna. And a huge diversity of birds. Even though this National Park is not discovered or talked about like the other National Parks in Sri Lanka, it remains as a stunning hidden gem of the country which offers one of the best National Park experiences in Sri Lanka once discovered. This National Park is pretty unique to the other National Parks found in Sri Lanka due to its thrilling boat rides. While enjoying a boat ride across the park, visitors will be able to spot beautiful wildlife wrapped in mind-blowing surrounding scenery.

Timings of the Gal Oya National Park

6:00 a.m to 6:00 p.m.

Best wildlife to spot at this National Park

• Langur. 
• Toque Macaque.
• Sloth Bears.
• Leopards.

Most ideal months to visit this National Park

March to July.

Honourable Mentions

The Minneriya National Park

The Minneriya National Park is a popular tourist destination/attraction in Sri Lanka for offering the best safari rides throughout the park. This park is also famous for housing a huge number of elephants. Driving through the woodland sectors of this National Park is probably the best highlight of all experiences offered by this National Park.

The Wasgamuwa National Park

The location of this National Park in Sri Lanka is in the Matale District. This National Park is also pretty well-known for offering thrilling safari rides where travellers can spot a vast variety of birds/animals. The most ideal/recommended months for exploring this National Park are from November to May.

The Ridiyagama Safari Park

To enjoy the best safari rides across one of the best National Parks in Sri Lanka, the Ridiyagama Safari Park is the best pick for all visitors! The Bengal Tiger Zone is a newly opened segment in this park. Here, tiger spotting is done at its best!

Final Comments

A trip through National Parks in Sri Lanka is surely pretty therapeutic for many as they not only get to witness some of the most majestic flora and fauna on the planet, but they also get to enjoy the surrounding lush scenery which is soul-delighting and calming. To make the most of the trips to National Parks in Sri Lanka, it is advisable for travellers to do proper research about which National Parks are best to visit during which months and then prepare an itinerary accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions About National Parks In Sri Lanka

Which National Park is the best and the most famous in Sri Lanka?

The National Park that is the most famous and best in Sri Lanka is hands down the Yala National Park.

What animals/wildlife are easily spotted in the Sri Lankan National Parks?

The animals/wildlife that can be easily spotted in Sri Lanka are:-

• Elephants.
• Sri Lankan Leopards.
• Sambar Deer.
• Spotted Deer.
• Water Buffaloes and many more!

Is it possible to spot tigers in the Sri Lankan National Parks?

Yes. It is possible to spot tigers in the Sri Lankan National Parks. However, it is pretty rare as there are not a huge number of tigers housed in Sri Lanka. This is mainly because Sri Lanka is a popular home to Elephants and Leopards. Thus Elephant spotting is more common.

What are the most essential items to pack for a safari trip through the National Parks in Sri Lanka?

There are a few important items/essentials that should be carried by all visitors during a safari trip through Sri Lankan National Parks which include:

• Binoculars.
• Zoom lenses.
• Sunglasses.

Sunscreen, etc.