National Parks
Wilpattu National park
Wilpattu National Park, the largest park of the Island, is located 26km’s north of Puttalam, approximately 18 km north from Colombo, from sea level to 152m above, Spanning from the Northwest coast inland towards the ancient city of Anuradhapura covering an area of 425 sq. miles. This was upgrade to National Park Status on February 25, 1938 and after reopening in March 2010 it has become popular as wildlife enthusiast destination. Looking at fauna mammalian diversity and ecological densities are highest and also total of 31 species of mammals have been identified. In fact varied wildlife as such Elephants, Sloth Bear, Deer, and Leopards, could be sighted.
Yala National park
One of the premier eco-tourism destinations located 24kms northeast of Tissamaharama and 290kms from Colombo on the southeast coast covering massive area of 97878 hectares over the southern and Uva province of the country. Yala plays a very important role of conservation of a large number of flora and fauna in the country. Visitors exploring the park are exposed to an array of animals, Birds & Reptiles. At the same time Yala is famed to be one of the parks which has the highest density of Leopards in a single geographical area, however it is said that you have to be lucky to spot this beautiful beast in Yala as they lead an out of the way lifestyle.
Minneriya National Park
Located in North central Province between Habarana and Polonnaruwa, the area was designated as a national park on 12 August 1997, having been originally declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1938. The reason for declaring the area as protected is to protect the catchment of Minneriya tank and the wildlife of the surrounding area. The tank is of historical importance, having been built by King Mahasen in third century AD. The park is a dry season feeding ground for the elephant population dwelling in forests of Matale, Polonnaruwa, and Trincomalee districts.
Wasgamuwa National Park
The only one national park in central province was declared on the 07th August 1984. This park is located in the district of Matale and Polonnaruwa and bordered by the 'Mahaweli' and 'Amban' rivers, spreading in the area of 36948 hectares. Park is home to large number of flora and fauna as such 23 species of mammal 143 species of birds, 8 species of amphibians, 17 species of fresh water fishes and reptiles, 50 butterflies. In fact park is inhabited by a herd of 150 Sri Lankan Elephants. This park is truly a paradise for the nature lovers.
Galoya National Park
Lies in the southeast of Sri Lanka and to the west of Ampara and established in 1954. Since the national park is rich in flora and fauna it is considered as a major eco-tourism venue. 32 species of terrestrial mammals have been recorded in the park including Sri Lankan Elephant, Sri Lankan Axis Deer, Muntjac, Water Buffalo, Sri Lankan Sambar Deer,Sri Lanka Leopard, Toque Monkey and Wild Boar.
The "Kurulu Dupatha" or the “Bird Island” and some of these islands are 'infested' with birds. A great many varieties of birds in their entire splendor swarm these islands. You can step on to this Bird Island and walk through the forest up to the outcrop. From here, you can see so many birds' nests: some with eggs and some even with fledglings who are unable to fly away even when they spot you.
Horton Plains National Park
One of the world best nature reserves and ecotourism venues was designated a national park in 1988, is covered by montage grassland and cloud forest in the country. This plateau at an altitude of 2,100–2,300 meters (6,900–7,500 ft.) is rich in biodiversity and many species found here are endemic to the region. In general the forest are seen on the hilltops or upper slope the grassland in the valleys and lower slopes eventually giving way to wetland habits. The park is home to wide variety of flora and 24 species of mammals. In fact important Bird area with many species not only endemic to Sri Lanka. The sheer precipice of World's End and Baker's fall are among the tourist attractions of the park.
Udawalawa National Park
Located approximately 200 km south-east of Colombo city and is one of the major eco-tourism destination spreading the 30,821 hectares dry zone game park has an annual rainfall of 1524 mm and an average temperature of 29.4°C. Park was established on 30 July 1972. It is most famous for the many elephants that live there (about 400 in total). During a visit, it is not unusual to see whole herds of adults and young elephants– feeding or bathing and playing in the water. In addition to this main attraction, the park is home to many water buffalo, water monitor lizards, sambar deer, monkeys and the occasional leopard, as well as being an exciting location for bird enthusiasts.
Kumana National Park
Located in the southeast corner of Sri Lanka, 391km from Colombo, covering an area of 18,149 hectares. Kumana is well-known eco-tourism attraction and bird sanctuary where a multitude of birds breed and roost. 200 species of the birds have been species of birds have been recorded in the national park. One of the most significant features of the park is the 'Kumana Villu’ a 200 hectare natural swamp lake, fed by the 'Kumbukkan Oya' through a half mile long narrow channel. During April–July months tens of thousands of birds migrate to the Kumana swamp area annually. Regular sightings include such species of bird as pelicans, painted storks, spoonbills, white ibis, herons, egrets and little cormorants. Besides the prolific birdlife, Kumana is also home to some of the mammals found in the larger YALA NATIONAL PARK (west) park, such as elephants and leopards.
Bundala National Park
A part of the paradise, hidden among lush coconut plantation is located about 40Kms from Colombo. In fact the golden seashore here said one of the beautiful coasts. Not all about sunbathing here, though in the waves, can enjoy water sports. Wadduwa is a good tourist destination with lots of luxury resorts as well as fresh sea foods.
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