If you are interested in exploring the world of wildlife, Sri Lanka is the best choice. The country has parks and sanctuaries located in different parts of the island, which contain a variety of wildlife. The world’s two largest animals, the elephant on land and the blue whale at sea can be seen only through the wildlife experience in Sri Lanka. Moreover, If tourists want to see leopards, bears, deer, and birds can see all of them on a safari in Sri Lanka.
So, in this article, we are bringing you the best of the best places among the many options you have to choose from to have a great wildlife safari experience. Check out this guide to update your bucket list
Places Where Give Best Wildlife Experience In Sri Lanka
Wilpattuwa National Park
Wilpattu National Park consists of a mixture of dry forests, wetlands, and lakes and is extremely popular for Sri Lanka safari to spot leopards and sloth bears. During the safari, visitors have the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife including elephants, spotted deer, various bird species, and many more. Morning and evening safaris offer the best experience in the forest and the best time to visit Wilpattu is during the dry season with less rainfall. During this time, there is a higher chance to see wildlife everywhere in the forest, especially in water spots.
- Best time to visit: March to October
- Major wildlife: leopards, elephants, bears, Samber deer, deer, and bird species
- Fees for Entrance: 100 rupees for Local tourists, 15 dollars for foreigners
Minneriya National Park
Minneriya is the most famous park in Asia for its seasonal gatherings of wild elephants. During the dry season, between July and September, large herds of elephants converge on the Minneriya lake grounds, making it one of Sri Lanka’s most spectacular wildlife events. At the time of this happening, a herd of 300-400 elephants, ranging from newborn calves to adult elephants, gather at the lake grounds in the evening.
Tourists from all over the world come for Minneriya Safaris to witness this event, and the park can get very busy in the evenings on those days. So, if you are also planning to go on a safari in Minneriya National Park during this time, you will be lucky to witness this special wildlife event.
- Best time to visit: June to September
- Major wildlife: elephants, leopards, bears, deer, bird species
- Entrance fees: 100 rupees for domestic tourists, 15 dollars for foreign tourists
Yala National Park
If asked what is the most popular park in Sri Lanka, anyone would say Yala National Park. Yes, it is famous as a park with the highest density of leopards even worldwide. Not only because you can see leopards, but also because you get to see elephants, sloth bears, spotted deer, and many species of birds along with different landscapes. The National Park consists of lakes, lagoons, mountains, plains, and beaches, so Yala is the best place to get a good safari experience in Sri Lanka without getting bored.
There are two entrances to the park. Although the most popular route to the park is through Tissa, there is another route from the Kataragama side. That road is not busy, and there are not many tourists, so you can enjoy the safari journey in peace and freedom. So, It can be said with confidence that Yala will give you the best wildlife experience in Sri Lanka no matter which of these safari routes you choose.
- Best time to visit: March to October
- Major wildlife: Leopards, elephants, Sloth bears, deer, crocodiles, bird species
- Entrance fees: 100 rupees for locals, 15 dollars for foreigners
Udawalawa National Park
Udawala National Park is another popular destination for wildlife safaris in Sri Lanka. It is so popular because Elephants can be easily spotted there at any time of the year. The park operates as a special program dedicated to the conservation of elephants. The park has a large elephant population, and its open landscape makes it easy to spot wildlife. In addition to elephants, there are various other animals, such as leopards, buffaloes, and many species of birds.
- Best time to visit: All year round
- Major wildlife: elephants, leopards, bears, deer, bird species
- Fees For Entrance: 100 rupees for Local tourists, 15 dollars for foreigners
Kumana National Park
Kumana National Park has earned a reputation as a top destination for migratory bird watchers. It is because of various species of birds including migratory birds that come to this Park during monsoon season. Moreover, Kumana is famous for various flora and fauna including elephants, leopards, and crocodiles.
- Best time to visit: All year round
- Major wildlife: elephants, leopards, bears, deer, bird species
- Fees For Entrance: 100 rupees for Local tourists, 15 dollars for foreign tourists
Whale watching In Mirissa
Whale watching is a top wildlife experience in Sri Lanka. The coastal town of Mirissa is one of the best places in the world to see blue whales, the world’s largest living creature. Blue whales, sperm whales, and various species of dolphins can be spotted in the waters off the coast of Mirissa. Visitors who visit here have the opportunity to see these amazing creatures up close by joining this tour at a very low cost compared to other countries. Besides whale watching, visitors can enjoy beautiful beaches, water sports, and night parties with delicious seafood.
- Best time to visit: December and April
- Major wildlife: fin whales, sperm whales, Bryde’s whales, dolphins
- Entrance fees: 100 rupees for domestic tourists, 65 dollars for foreign tourists
Turtle Hatcheries On the South Coast
Sri Lanka’s southern coast is also famous for its turtle-watching opportunities. The beaches of Rekawa, Kosgoda, Bentota, Mirissa, and Habaraduwa are popular nesting sites for sea turtles including the endangered green turtle, hawksbill turtle,e and olive ridley turtle. Visitors can participate in turtle conservation hatcher tours to learn about conservation efforts and different turtle species while seeing these creatures. Also, the newborn turtle hatchlings have been given the opportunity to be safely released into the sea by these hatcheries. Moreover, you can also participate in tours to see these incredible turtles that come ashore at night to lay their eggs in these areas.
- Best time to visit: Year Around
- Major wildlife: green turtle, hawksbill turtle, olive ridley turtle, and more…
- Entrance fees: 100 rupees for Locals, 10 dollars for foreigners
Conclusion
The wildlife experience in Sri Lanka is an unforgettable way to explore the country’s diverse ecosystems and encounter its incredible wildlife. Boat tours, night walks, and Safari in Sri Lanka are a few of the best ways to see a wide range of wildlife from land animals to marine life and birds. Whether you are a wildlife lover or not, the island’s national parks and wildlife sanctuaries offer the opportunity to experience nature and wildlife at its best. By planning your trip at the best times with all this information, you will have unforgettable encounters with Sri Lanka’s wildlife.