Joanna James
Sri Lanka is home to a wide variety of wonderful wild animals, inviting avid nature lovers to indulge in a slice of delightful wildlife experiences. Come, venture out on the idyllic Indian Ocean island and embark on an exciting adventure to discover its fascinating fauna.
Yala National Park in the southeast of Sri Lanka is the second largest as well as the most visited of all 22 national parks of the island nation. While the sprawling nature reserve is home to a diverse range of animals, including elephants, crocodiles, and scores of birdlife, it is best known for its incredible leopard population. Big, yellow-hued and scattered with black spots all over the body — the Sri Lankan leopard is a majestic sight that one should truly be fortunate enough to witness, and Yala National Park is the destination to chance your luck.
The majestic Sri Lankan elephants are something almost everyone to the Indian Ocean island nation looks forward to, so much so it would hardly be a Sri Lankan holiday without at least a single elephant sighting. Set in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, Minneriya National Park basks in the glory of having the largest gathering of elephants in the country, where a sighting of a herd of enchanting elephants is guaranteed on a safari through the sprawling wildlife sanctuary.
Covering a whopping 1,317 square kilometres, Wilpattu National Park is the largest national park in the island nation of Sri Lanka. Aside from its mind-blowing extent, the dense nature reserve is also known for sightings of sloth bears — big, black, furry and one of the most elusive creatures of Sri Lankan fauna. Hop on a mighty safari jeep and keep your eyes peeled as you explore the sprawling wilderness — it might be your lucky day.
A whale watching cruise in the vibrant beach town of Mirissa on the south coast of Sri Lanka affords the opportunity to both treat your eyes to the majestic creatures of the sea, whales and savour a piece of the island nation's idyllic seascape and turquoise blue waters. Hop on a boat and be on the lookout for a blow from a whale nearby as you set sail into the wide-open seas.
Once the sun goes down and the darkness descends upon you, nature lovers on the southern beaches of Sri Lanka could make their way to Rekawa Turtle Watch — one of the best places to spot sea turtles in the Indian Ocean island nation. Vacationing tourists could also find a slew of elegant resorts in Sri Lanka, including the likes offered by popular chains such as Aitken Spence Hotels.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
