For many people, the tiny island country of Sri Lanka may not be known as a prime safari destination. However, you will be pleasantly surprised to discover that it can hold its own very nicely compared to more prominent and famous destinations. While Sri Lanka might not have an equivalent to events like Tanzania and Kenya’s Great Migration, where millions of animals roam freely across several countries, that doesn’t mean it’s without spectacle. You can find some of the best Sri Lanka safaris in the Southern part of the country. Sri Lanka is also a great place to visit using points!
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Best Time to Go on a Safari in Sri Lanka
During Sri Lanka’s dry season, between May and September, thousands of elephants migrate to the more water-abundant areas to the north, and you can spot these gentle giants in national parks for most of the year. This is the best time to go on a safari in Sri Lanka.
What Animals Will You See?
Although Sri Lanka’s national flag prominently features a lion, there are no lions or tigers here. If you want to see tigers, the best place to find tigers is nearby India. However, the absence of these apex predators in Sri Lanka has created more space for the often-elusive leopards, the island’s apex predators, who are generally larger than their Indian and African Cousins.
Besides leopards, Sri Lanka is home to several iconic animal species, such as Asian elephants, sloth bears, water buffalo, and various deer species. Over 400 bird species, including many migratory and endemic species, make Sri Lanka a favorite birdwatchers’ destination. No matter what you will see many animals on some of the best Sri Lanka safaris.
Best Sri Lanka Safaris Locations
Sri Lanka’s compact but diverse wildlife and scenic beauty are evident in its 26 national parks scattered across the island, so visitors, especially first-timers, may be left bewildered when deciding which parks to visit and what wildlife you can expect to find. To make your life easier, below is a list of just six of the best Sri Lanka safaris locations, each offering incredible safaris and a brilliant insight into what this country has to offer.
Yala National Park
The most popular and best Sri Lanka safaris are located in Yala National Park. Situated on the southeastern coastline of Sri Lanka and covering an area of nearly 1,000 km² (386 mi²), Yala is the country’s second-largest national park. Containing the largest concentration of leopards in Sri Lanka and an abundance of Asian elephants, Yala is also the most visited park on the island and one you should not miss.
Yala National Park is divided into five blocks, two or three of which are open to the public at various times of the year. Its diverse ecosystems include tropical rainforest, shrub jungle, open grasslands, and marshy wetlands dotted with numerous lakes and watering holes. These stunning and varied ecosystems sustain a wide range of wildlife, including sloth bears, jackals, water buffaloes, monkeys, sambar, and spotted deer, the last three being the main items on the leopards’ menu.
Despite the abundance of leopards, spotting these shy cats is difficult. They spend most of the day well-hidden in the dense jungles, resting high in the treetops. An experienced guide is vital in helping visitors spot leopards, as they know where to find them depending on the time of day. Their expertise considerably increases your chances of seeing these beautiful cats, though sightings are never guaranteed.
The rivers, lakes, and wetlands are teeming with mugger and saltwater crocodiles, while the coastal beaches are visited by five species of turtles, including the green, hawksbill, and leatherback turtles. Yala is home to several venomous snakes, such as Indian cobras, Russell’s vipers, and the famous Sri Lanka flying snake. Being in a safari jeep, you’ll probably not get to spot any of these lethal creatures, as they are usually wary of human presence and stay well hidden in the lush jungle undergrowth.
Yala is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, attracting over 200 species of birds, including various eagle species, hornbills, jungle fowl, flamingos, pelicans, storks, spoonbills, and the vividly colored Sri Lanka blue magpie. Game drives, nature walks, and kayaking in the large lakes are the most popular activities here, and history buffs will enjoy exploring the numerous archaeological ruins that dot the Landscape.
The best time to visit Yala and most other parks in southern Sri Lanka is June to September. The water levels are low, and wildlife is easily found, usually congregating around the watering holes. Rain is still possible during this period, so we still recommend bringing a rain jacket and comfy, waterproof footwear.
A road trip from Colombo may take 5-6 hours, but a short flight to the Weerawila Airport, situated an hour’s drive from the park, provides far quicker but more expensive access to Yala.
Udawalawe National Park
Also situated in the southern region a short distance west of Yala, Udawalawe National Park covers a much smaller area of 308 km² (119 mi²) but is another of the most visited parks in Sri Lanka. While Yala is renowned for its many leopards, Udawalawe is equally famous for its large number of elephants. With over 500 of these giants roaming around in a relatively small area, many visitors spot them as soon as they enter the park. It is one of the best Sri Lanka safaris to go on.
The terrain of Udawalawe consists mainly of lush evergreen forests, open grasslands, and wetlands bisected by rivers, with a massive dam in the southwestern section of the park. These habitats support over 40 animal and reptile species, mainly elephants, water buffaloes, jackals, wild boars, various deer and monkey species, crocodiles, and large monitor lizards. Although leopards and sloth bears are said to be present, sightings of these elusive creatures are extremely rare here.
Smaller species, which are often difficult to spot, include civets, wild cats, and mongooses, also known as ‘cobra killers’, which thrive in the park. The lake and abundance of wetlands are home to 184 species of birds, including several eagle species, hornbills, colourful Ceylon junglefowl, cuckoos, peacocks, storks, and the exquisitely marked Indian roller.
Jeep safaris are conducted twice a day here. Although some rain may still occur, the best time to visit is during the drier months between June and September. The only drawback with Udawalawe, and some other parks in Sri Lanka, is that being such a beautiful park and a favorite elephant hot spot, you’ll probably not be the only one on the roads. Some drivers are very serious about competing with numerous other safari trucks to get the best sightings for their guests, which can feel chaotic.
Minneriya National Park
If you want to see elephants, Minneriya National Park is the place to go. It is situated in the central region of Sri Lanka, about 160 km (100 mi) northeast of Colombo. During the drier season (May to September), around 700 elephants congregate in this relatively small park, which covers an area of under 90 km² (35mi²). They have migrated from several neighboring parks in the south in search of water, food, and shelter.
The open plains surrounding the shores of Lake Minneriya are the best spot to find hundreds of these giants frolicking and playing with their youngsters in the shallows. Other wildlife commonly sighted include sambar, axis deer, and two monkey species, the purple-faced langur and toque macaque. Leopards and sloth bears are rarely sighted due to their elusive nature, preferring to spend their days hidden in the dense forests.
Crocodiles inhabit the lake’s waters, which are always exciting to see. The lake also holds many fish species, making it a magnet for over 160 species of birds. These include pelicans, cormorants, herons, storks, hornbills, parrots, and the vivacious crimson-fronted barbet, amongst many others. Overall, it is a wonderful park to spend the day in, but it can get overcrowded during the peak tourist season. Simply, it is one of the best Sri Lanka safaris.
Kaudulla National Park
If Minneriya gets too crowded, the slightly smaller Kaudulla National Park may be the better choice, especially since it is located practically next door and also one of the best Sri Lanka safaris. The two parks share many similar landscapes and habitats, so most animals migrate back and forth between them throughout the year. It may pay to ask a few local tour operators which one will have more animals during your visit to Sri Lanka.
As in neighboring Minneriya, the gathering of elephants during the dry season is remarkable. Virtually every day, you can observe huge herds emerging from the surrounding forests to congregate around the shores of the Kaudulla Reservoir, feeding on the lush grasses and splashing in its waters—a joy to watch. It is one of the most significant meeting places for Asian elephants in the world.
Other animals sighted in the park’s forests, grasslands, and wetlands include spotted deer (sambar and axis), wild boar, monkeys, and wild cats. If you’re really lucky, you may spot a leopard or a sloth bear, too. This park is also a birdwatcher’s dream, having recorded 160 species, including pelicans, fish eagles, spoonbills, black-headed ibis, and many others.
Wiplattu National Park
Located on the northwestern shores of Sri Lanka, Wiplattu is the country’s largest and oldest national park. It covers a massive area of 1,317 km² (508 mi²) and is one of the best places to spot leopards and sloth bears, two of Asia’s most evasive creatures. If you want to explore the depths of these diverse and wildlife-rich landscapes, it’s worth staying a good few days.
Another unique feature of Wiplattu is the vast number of natural lakes that dot the landscape, providing lush vegetation and ample fresh water to support its diverse wildlife. You cannot go wrong with Wiplattu as one of the best Sri Lanka safaris.
The terrain consists of dry forests, open grasslands, and wetlands, with tall reddish sandy cliffs rising steeply above the jungle canopies along the coast. These cliffs add to this already photogenic wilderness, making it a photographer’s dream. The abundance of water sources also helps make Wiplattu one of the most important elephant habitats in Sri Lanka.
Other wildlife you can expect to find here are water buffalos, spotted deer, monkeys, crocodiles, Indian pythons and cobras, and tons of bird species. These include various types of eagles, herons, storks, spoonbills, egrets, and the bizarre-looking Malabar pied hornbill, whose bill looks as if nature stuck another piece on it as an afterthought. Most of Sri Lanka’s other common birds also abound here in abundance.
Seven bungalows inside the park offer excellent lodging for up to 10 guests each, and they provide easy and quick access to the park’s prime game viewing sites.
Wasgamuwa National Park
Wasgamuwa is an underrated and less-visited national park, but it nevertheless comes highly recommended. Located in the central region but closer to the east coast, it provides picturesque landscapes of dry evergreen and riverine forests, grasslands, and wetlands, supporting a wide variety of wildlife. This park is ideal for visitors who prefer to enjoy more peaceful safari experiences without being crowded by the tourist masses, which can be prevalent in some of the more popular parks.
Wasgamuwa is home to an abundance of wildlife, mainly elephants, water buffaloes, various deer species, wild boars, crocodiles, leopards, sloth bears, and over 140 species of birds. At only 393 km² (152 mi²), its compact size considerably increases the chances of spotting most wildlife. It is one of the best Sri Lanka safaris.
During the dry season, you can observe vast herds of elephants moving across the park towards the more water-rich areas of Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks. While on safari, you’ll also come across several historical runs and landmarks situated mainly in the park’s northern region dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries.
Final Thoughts on the Best Places to go on Safari in Sri Lanka
These six of Sri Lanka’s premier national parks are some of the best Sri Lanka safaris. Each one provides something different, but all showcase the country’s scenic and diverse landscapes and rich wildlife. None of them will ever disappoint. Numerous safari tour operators offer set or custom-made packages to the various parks.
They are the best source for advice on accommodation, transport, and other logistical queries you may have for your trip. Hopefully this post inspires you to go on a safari in Sri Lanka and see one (or more) of these spectacular national parks for yourself! If you have more time, make sure to explore other areas of Sri Lanka like Colombo or Weligama. Alternatively, add on some other countries in the area like India or stop for a long layover in Doha or Singapore.
