Sri Lanka is commonly referred to as the Emerald Isle as it is a paradise of natural wonders and variety of ecosystems. The island is a small tropical Indian Ocean island that is however one of the biologically diverse destinations in the world. Sri Lanka has many mist-covered mountains, and thick jungles, and golden beaches, which provide the wildlife enthusiasts and adventure tourists with a paradise. Whether you are planning a nature based holiday or not, you should Apply now to Sri Lanka visa to enable you to enjoy the amazing biodiversity of the island firsthand.We will be taking you on a tour through some of the most popular national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in Sri Lanka, which each experience a distinct encounter with the natural environment and an opportunity to view the great animals of the country in their natural environment.
1. Yala National Park- Leopard Kingdom of Sri Lanka.
Yala National Park is the most popular national park in Sri Lanka and it is found in the south eastern part of the country. It has more than 979 square kilometers of area and contains one of the densest leopard population in the world. Tourists stand a fair opportunity to see these elusive big cats in either early morning safaris or late evening safaris.
Other than the leopards, Yala also hosts elephants, sloth bears, deer, crocodiles, and numerous bird species. The park includes five blocks, and visitors can explore two, while the others remain closed to protect its delicate ecosystem. It has dry forest lands, rocky protrusions and lagoons which makes any safari experience here unforgettable adventure.
2. Udawalawe National Park: the elephant Paradise.
In case you desire to view herds of free roaming elephants, Udawalawe National Park is where to be. This park was formed in the southern part of Sri Lanka and is located in the area of the Udawalwe Reservoir and its total area is about 308 square kilometers. It is also among the most suitable sites to view wild elephants in Asia.
Wildlife viewing is easy due to the open grasslands and the sparse forests in the park.
Besides elephants, visitors can also see water buffaloes, deer, jackals, and several birds. The Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, located near the park entrance, rehabilitates orphaned elephant calves and later releases them back into the wild.
3. Wilpattu National Park-Land of Lakes and Leopards.
The Wilpattu National park is the largest and oldest national park in Sri Lanka which is situated in the north west of the country. Wilpattu translates to be the Land of Lakes because of the many natural lakes (known as villus) that have speckled the park.
In contrast to the wide terrain of Yala, Wilpattu has more forest cover which makes it mysterious and untouched.
The park hosts a thriving leopard population, giving visitors a chance to see diverse wildlife and mammals such as elephants, spotted deer, sloth bears, and crocodiles. Visitors can also enjoy watching painted storks, eagles, kingfishers, and many other bird species.Wilpattu does not have as many people as Yala and this gives a quieter and more natural experience of a safari.
4. Minneriya National Park The Gathering of Giants.
The Gathering is the world best wildlife spectacle of every year with a duration of between June and September in Minneriya National Park. This is a time of year that hundreds of elephants gather at the Minneriya Tank (reservoir) to drink water and graze. It is a phenomenal scene, which attracts photographers and nature lovers all over the world.
Minneriya is a habitat of monkeys, sambar deer, and other bird species found in North Central Province of Sri Lanka. The park features grasslands and wetlands which render it a beautiful and calm tourist site to visit and enjoy wildlife and tranquility at the same time.
5. Kaudulla National Park -The Elephant Corridor.
Kaudulla National Park is also located on the same elephant corridor system as Minneriya, and it is located near Minneriya. It is an excellent place to go when the crowds are unwanted but still want to see big herds of elephants. The park is a reserve that revolves around the Kaudulla Reservoir, and covers an area of almost 6,900 hectares of various habitats such as grasslands, scrublands, and forests.
Besides the elephants, you can also see leopards, sloth bears and many species of birds, more so in the migratory season. A safari in this place also provides excellent photography and a close examination of the gentle giants of Sri Lanka.
6. Horton Plains National Park The Roof of the Island.
Located at the altitude of more than 2,000 meters, Horton Plains National Park provides the absolutely different type of wildlife. The park lies in the central highlands in the neighboring Nuwara Eliya and has misty grasslands, cloud forests, and stunning sceneries.
The key attraction of Horton Plains is the renowned Worlds End point – a sheer precipice where one can have the panoramic view of the valley. Breaking into this place in the early morning is unforgettable. Here they have wildlife like sambar deer, purple-faced langur and other endemic birds.
Horton Plains also falls under the category of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Central Highlands of Sri Lanka which are a must visit to hikers and photographers.
7. Sinharaja Forest reserve The Last rainforest.
Sinharaja Forest Reserve is the only primary rainforest that is left in Sri Lanka and a UNESCO World Heritage. This is a biodiversity hot spot in the southwest of the island with endemic species of flora and fauna that are numerous.
The forest is abound with life, both in numbers of colorful butterflies and frogs as well as rare birds such as a Sri Lanka blue magpie and the red-faced malkoha. You will also find monkeys, snakes and in some instances leopards. Visitors also take safaris on foot with experienced guides, unlike in other parks where they use vehicles, giving them the chance to experience the rainforest up close.
Summary: A Wild Heart Waits You in Sri Lanka.
Starting with the splendid elephants of Udawalawe, there are the leopards of Yala and the exotic birds of Bundala just to mention a few of the national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in Sri Lanka which will give you the experience of a lifetime. No two parks have similar stories of nature and its strength and beauty.
Therefore, grab your bags, fill your charge and prepare to see this natural paradise. Start your trip now, book your visa to Sri Lanka with Go Kite Travel and the wild heart of Sri Lanka will reveal itself before your eyes.