Wildlife Parks and Nature Reserves of Sri Lanka – The wilderness of the island awaits

The Makandawa Rainforest might just be one of the oldest on the island as it was a forest reserved established way back in 1903. It has now garnered a reputation as one of the best places on the island to engage in some birdwatching activities and is a dream come true for many who visit the island. It has been reported that the rainforest has been the sighting grounds for species such as the Black Eagle, Chestnut-backed Owlet, the Trogon and so much more.
With an area of land covering close to 200 hectares, this rainforest is home to a plethora of fauna, flora and wildlife. This includes a variety of mammals, insects and amphibians
What makes this place such a dynamic destination for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers is that it contains endemic organisms and is also home to various migratory creatures that are impossible to resist going out in search of.
If you do land in the country and stay at one of the hotels in Ahungalla such as the Heritance Ahungalla, and want to stretch your legs a little bit more, be sure to inquire as to how you can make a journey into this part of the island.

This is one of the more popular wildlife parks on the island and is home to roughly 31 species of mammals as well as various other amphibians and birds. The park is considered to be somewhat of a unique ecosystem as it contains a lot of villus and lakes that get filled up during heavy rains that seasonally hit the park.

The Sinharaja Rainforest may be one of the most well known of all rainforests on the island and is considered the peak ecosystem as well. It is found that this rainforest holds close to 95% of the endemic birds on the island and has thus earned a global standing as UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site.

If you are looking to enjoy a safari in Sri Lanka, this is the best place to be. Filled with wildlife such as sloth bears, buffalo, crocodiles, leopards and herds of elephants, it makes for a truly once in a lifetime experience.

This national park has also been well regarded by ecologists due to the diversity of its biomes and is also known for the massive mangrove swamp it holds.
There are times when, if you are lucky, you will be able to see elephants swimming in this waterbody and also witness one of the rarest birds on the island, the black-necked stork.