National Parks of Sri Lanka
Yala National Park
Yala is the most popular national park in the island. Situated in the southeast
of Sri Lanka, the park is a haven for any wildlife enthusiast. The park is home
to a vast array of wildlife species ranging from leopards, wild elephants, sloth
bear, buffalo, deer, crocodiles and diverse variety of birdlife - both endemic and
migratory. Yala National Park covers the expanse of 100,000 hectares and has been
divided into 5 blocks. Ruhuna National Park (Block 1) is the most frequently visited
by tourists and locals alike. Block 1 is believed to be the best location in Asia
to spot leopard, as it has the highest leopard densities ever recorded in the region.
Thousands of wildlife fanatics flock to Yala National Park to view these marvelous
cats in their natural habitat. Visitors will marvel over the number of ecosystems
found in the park ranging from lagoons, sandy beaches, wetlands, marshes, dense
jungle and thorny scrub bushes that are home to a multitude of wildlife species.
Apart from the fauna, visitors can enjoy the scenic views of the varied awe-inspiring
landscapes.
Wilpattu National Park
Wilpattu National Park is Sri Lanka’s largest and oldest national park. This park
was recently reopened in 2010 two decades of civil war and is bound to be a major
wildlife attraction very soon. The park is scattered with ‘Willus’ or natural lakes
encircled with soft white sand. These willus act as watering holes for an assortment
of wild animals, making the areas around the willus key for sighting the variety
of species resident in the area. Wilpattu’s wildlife species include; elephant,
leopard, sloth bear, water buffalo, spotted deer, mugger crocodile and colourful
array of birds. Wild species in this park are not acclimatized to the safari jeeps,
unlike other national parks that have been opened to visitors for years. Spotting
the number of different species found in the dense jungle foliage is an absolute
treat. Observing the wild species roaming around the wilderness in all its authenticity,
is enthralling and a must see for any visitor to Sri Lanka. It is recommended that
you visit Wilpattu between the months of February and October.
Udawalawe National Park
Located in the south of Sri Lanka, Udawalawe National Park covers the expanse of
approximately 30,000 hectares. The park was initiated with the construction of the
Udawalawe reservoir, in order to accommodate the many displaced animals that would
be affected by its construction. This park is now frequently visited, as it is home
to a diversity of bird life and a large number of wild elephants. Surrounded by
marshlands, forest, winding rivers and vast expanses of flat plains that were once
used for farming, Udawalawe is home to a variety of ecosystems. Udawalawe is also
one of the best parks in Sri Lanka to sight wild elephants and is home to approximately
250 elephants. As a result the Elephant Transit Home was created, established to
house elephant calves that are abandoned by their herds, found within the park.
Other fauna such as the water buffalo, Sambar deer, monkeys and water monitors are
just a few of the attractions of this park. A multitude of multihued endemic birds
are also found in Udawalawe ranging from the much sought after Red-faced Malkoha,
the Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill and the Sri Lanka Jungle fowl. This park, although often
overshadowed by the larger Yala and Willpattu National Parks, is remarkably beautiful
with its spectacular array of bird life and large herds of wild elephants.
Horton Plains National Park
Horton Plains is situated in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. The mountainous
terrain makes this park quite unique in comparison other national parks located
around the island. A key attraction of Horton Plains is ‘Worlds End’, which is a
steep precipice that overlooks the mountain range offering spectacular views of
the surrounding greenery. Horton Plains is rich in biodiversity and boasts of many
wild animals residing in its lush vegetation. You may spot Sambar deer, various
species of endemic monkeys, leopards, wild boar and beautiful birds. Horton Plains
has been named one of the many ‘Important Bird Areas’ in the island and is said
to have approximately 21 endemic bird species residing in this cool climate. When
visiting the park, it is important not to miss the various breath taking waterfalls
that can be seen en route to World’s End viewing point. Wildlife enthusiasts have
the added advantage of venturing into this magnificent park not only for its wild
species, but also for the delightful views over the lush mountain ranges.
Minneriya National Park
Minneriya is located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. The Minneriya tank
plays a pivotal role in the national park as it sustains the wild species that reside
here, most importantly during the dry season. Large herds of elephants flock to
the park in search of water from May to Sepetmber ( usually considered the dry season
) The elephants migrate here from neighbouring Wasgamuwa National Park, in search
water and shelter from the scorching heat. Like most other national parks the residents
of Minneriya include the Sambar Deer, sloth bear, monkeys, elephants and if you
are lucky enough you may even spot a Sri Lankan leopard. As the Minneriya reservoir
provides species with sufficient water, there are a number of water bird, reptiles
and amphibians that can be found here as well. However, the large numbers of visitors
to the park are undoubtedly in search of one mammal - the gentle giant, the Asian
Elephant, in its natural habitat.
Wasgamuwa National Park
This park is located in the central province of Sri Lanka and was declared a wild
life sanctuary to protect the species that were displaced by the Mahaweli Development
Project. Wasgamuwa houses many large tanks that were built by ancient Sinhalese
kings. Therefore the park draws its visitors in not only for its wildlife, but also
for its historical significance. The park is home to many wild species including
the Sri Lankan elephant, a variety of monkeys, water buffalo, crocodiles and Sri
Lankan Axis deer. It is hard to forget the myriad of brilliant bird life that is
found in the park as well, which makes this park a colourful destination for nature
lovers. The Sudu Kanda Mountain Range over looks the park, making it an idyllic
location for not only wildlife fanatics but also visitors in search of picturesque
views of the beautiful mountains.
