Joanna James
Those who love wildlife safaris as well as photographing animals in their natural habitats would be entranced by the fine national parks to be found in Sri Lanka; these include the Yala, Bundala, Udawalawe and Wilpattu national parks which offer much to discover.
Undoubtedly, one of the largest and most popular nature sanctuaries in Sri Lanka would be the remarkable Yala National Park. This national park would be particularly renowned for the opportunities it would offer for spotting leopards, the island nation's apex predator. However, you would also be able to observe other captivating kinds of wildlife such as elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, spotted deer, toque macaques, peacocks and much more. Additionally, this national park features some interesting ancient ruins that would draw the interest of the culture lover as well.
On the other hand, bird-watching enthusiasts would be enthralled at Bundala National Park which would be renowned for the different varieties of birds that could be spotted there. At this national park, you would have the opportunity to admire a wide range of species such as the greater flamingo, lesser whistling duck, cormorants, grey heron, painted stork and so on. However, you would also be able to observe various kinds of mammals too such as the common langur, toque macaque, fishing cat, jackal, spotted deer, wild boar, mongoose and more.
Another outstanding wildlife sanctuary in the island nation would be the captivating Udawalawe National Park. This site would be particularly famed for the opportunities it offers for observing elephants. You will find that this national park features a lush jungle where many interesting kinds of wildlife make their home. Another attraction here would be the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home which looks after orphaned and injured baby elephants. Consider staying at a Mirissa beach villa along the south coast such as The Beach House from which you could go on an excursion to this sanctuary.
The expansive Wilpattu National Park happens to be Sri Lanka's biggest wildlife sanctuary and would be noted for its wetland terrain which would include deep forest as well as scrubland. Although the highlights here for visitors would probably be the park's leopards and sloth bears, there would also be other interesting kinds of wildlife too; on your safari, you have a chance to spot animals such as jackals, elephants, water buffalo, sambar deer, crocodiles and so on.
A nature sanctuary of a rather different kind would be the pristine Sinharaja Forest Reserve which would be a marvellous environment for wildlife and nature lovers. Interestingly, a large proportion of the nation's endemic mammals and birds could be found at this expansive reserve which happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site too. As you might expect, it would be an entrancing experience to explore this natural sanctuary which would feature some of the last remaining rainforests to be found in Sri Lanka.
Another fascinating wildlife reserve in Sri Lanka would be the alluring Wasgamuwa National Park which would be known for its outstanding biodiversity. You would encounter an engrossing collection of fauna and flora at this site, with the large groups of elephants as well as other mammals and birds being the highlights. Whilst it may be somewhat challenging to spot creatures like sloth bears and leopards here, you could easily observe animals such as the purple-faced langurs.
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.
