Wildlife in Sri Lanka

Despite its small size Sri Lanka is included among the top five biodiversity hotspots in the world.  As well as its large mammals on land and in its ocean, and the richest diversity of amphibians in the world, birds are the glory of Sri Lankan wildlife.

Yala National Park

Lowland dry scrub on a long stretch of coastline, and punctuated by rocky outcrops, Yala is  Sri Lanka’s foremost wildlife destination and home to the world’s largest concentration of leopards.

Minneriya National Park

During the dry season, more than 300 elephants converge in the centre of the park at the Minneriya Tank.  This meeting, known as “The Gathering” is the largest of its kind in Asia.  This takes place from July to October every year, although wild elephants can be seen all year round in the park.

Uda Walawe National Park

Situated south of the central mountains this park has extensive savannah grassland as well as scrub jungle and forests. There are herds of buffalo, sambar deer, crocodiles, a great variety of birds, and hundreds of elephants.

Bundala National Park

Shimmering wetlands with a great variety of birds, this is a beautiful park and is one of the finest birding destinations in Sri Lanka.

Pottuvil

The mangroves, islands and waterways of Pottuvil Lagoon are a rich ecosystem with giant monitor lizards, crocodiles, monkeys and birdlife.  Mangrove ecotours were designed to help conserve the mangrove forests and support local fishermen.

Sinharaja Rainforest Reserve

Situated in the south west of the island this is Sri Lanka’s premier rainforest.  More than half the trees here are found nowhere else in the world.

Whale Watching

The waters off Sri Lanka are home to the planet’s biggest creature, the blue whale.   The waters off Mirissa and Dondra Head, as well as Trincomalee on the east coast are good for whale watching tours.  As well as the blue whale there are sperm whales and various dolphins.

A visit to a National Park or Tiger Reserve can be a part of your holiday in India or Sri Lanka.  Please contact us to discuss the possibilities further.