Must visit national parks in Sri Lanka – Explore nature and wildlife

Wilpattu National Park makes the top of the list because it is well known that taking a safari through this national park has a high chance of allowing you to witness some majestic leopards relaxing and lounging in the land they call home. Among the things to do in Sri Lanka going on a safari at the Wilpattu National Park comes on the top as it is an experience you are bound to remember. Apart from the majestic leopards, you will also have the opportunity to witness glistening peacocks, spotted deer and some huge monitor lizards.

The second most sought-after national Park in Sri Lanka is Yala and is home to some beautiful and magnificent gentle giants the elephants in Sri Lanka. The Asian Elephant with its big round body and floppy ears combined with those sympathetic eyes make for a memorable moment. You can also see some uniquely spotted leopards lounging under the shade enjoying their freedom before they go pounce on their next prey. Yala is located in Thissamaharama which is about 250 kilometres away from Colombo. Travelling on land is quite tedious and time-consuming hence it is more convenient to take a seaplane through a local company such as Cinnamon Air which will save you time and allow you to have a birds-eye view of the beautiful paradise island.

Apart from the wildlife, Kumana National Park is widely known for the array of indigenous and migratory birds that that can be seen around. There are recorded sightings of painted and rare black-necked storks, godwits, hawk eagles, ibis and egrets. Apart from the feathery birds, you can also spot some elephants that come near the Kumana Villu swamp. The Kumana Villu swamp area is popular for crocodiles to lounge around basking in the sun. The Kumana National Park is located in the Ampara district a little away from Arugam Bay, another popular tourist attraction.

Bundala National Park is well known not only for the migratory birds that can be seen from time to time but also the untouched terrain of protected fauna. This park is a bird watcher and photographer's paradise as you get to see them in abundance if you go during the right season. The park is outlined by a coastline hence one can see both estuarine and saltwater crocodiles lounging in the tropical sun enjoying their peace of mind. The park is located in the Hambantota district and can be approached from Hambantota, Galle, Ratnapura and Embilipitiya as well.

A comparatively smaller national park yet not second to the others in the abundance of wildlife that can be seen in the area. The land is about 30 square meters which consist of thick scrub, grasslands and wildlife that call the Minneriya National Park their home. The Minneriya reservoir is the ideal spot to locate and witness herds of elephants that are drawn to the water during daytime. One will also come across deer, monkeys, wild boar, and even some leopards occasionally when going on a safari in the Minneriya National Park.