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Yala National Park - Leopards Safari
Yala National Park is the most visited national park in Sri Lanka, with record-breaking numbers of tourists every year. Almost everyone comes for the leopards, as it is one of the areas with the highest density of leopards in the world.
Leopards Safari
If you want to see leopards, there is no better place than Yala National Park. The "Block I" area is the most popular region known for its highly concentrated population of leopards, with around 30-50 leopards roaming the area. The peak season for leopard sightings is in February and March, and you won't be the only jeep around. But the sightings are exciting enough.
Jeep safaris are allowed to enter the park twice daily, at 6:00 AM and 2:00 PM, for approximately 3-4 hours each time. Not everyone successfully spots leopards; the key is to visit multiple times.
Elephants and Other Animals
As the second-largest national park in Sri Lanka, Yala National Park is also renowned for its diverse range of wildlife. Even if you don't have the surprise of spotting leopards, the other animals make the Jeep safari worthwhile.
For example, elephants are more easily spotted, especially around waterholes during the hotter parts of the day or in the early morning, where you might see these majestic creatures with their families and calves.
The sloth bear could be a pleasant surprise during your safari, although the chances of encountering them are lower than leopards. If you want to see these unique creatures, we recommend starting your tour between 5:30 and 6:00 AM. During May and June, they particularly enjoy feasting on the berries that grow on trees in the park. It's a good opportunity to capture their presence.
Furthermore, as you explore the trails of Yala National Park in search of the star animals, you will also come across numerous bird species and other wildlife such as spotted deer, crocodiles, and sambar deer.
Yala National Park Safari Best Time
| Annually | Yala National park | Feb – Jun (dry season) |
|---|---|---|
| Leopards | Feb, Mar | |
| Sloth bear | May, Jun | |
| Daily | 6AM, 4PM | |
How to Get to Yala National Park
The most popular entrance to the park is the Palatupana entrance, which can be reached from Tissamaharama. It takes about 4-5 hours by train/private car/bus to reach Colombo and about 3 hours from Kandy. Yala National Park is typically included in Sri Lanka itineraries after sightseeing in Kandy or Nuwara Eliya.
Udawalawe National Park - Elephants Safari
Aiming for elephants? Head straight to Udawalawe National Park. It's hands-down the best spot in Sri Lanka to spot wild elephants any time of the year.
With a hefty lineup of over 500 elephants in just 308 square kilometers, you're pretty much guaranteed to see these big guys. Herds of elephants everywhere, and it's a year-round thing. The wide-open grasslands and the huge reservoir are aces for watching the herds, including the cute little ones, as they munch away, splash around, and just goof off.
The prime time to hit up Udawalawe is on a morning or an afternoon safari. You'll be cruising in sturdy jeeps, getting a front-row seat to the park's diverse scenes. Plus, the park's birds are like the cherry on top, with flocks of them adding some serious color to the wildlife mix.
Getting to Udawalawe National Park
Udawalawe is snug down south of the central highlands, reachable through Ratnapura or Hambantota. It's about a 4-hour drive from Colombo - perfect for a day trip or a sweet pit stop when you're heading from the beach to the hills. The nearby town of Embilipitiya? That's where most folks gear up for their elephant adventure.
Wilpattu National Park - Serene Safari Experience
You might just bump into the Sri Lanka Big Three - leopards, sloth bears, and elephants - without the crowds. That's why you pick Wilpattu National Park.
Wilpattu is the largest national park in Sri Lanka, tucked in the northwest nook of the island. Famous for its "willus" (natural lakes), the park is a patchwork of wetlands, grasslands, and dense jungle scrubs. It's a bit off the beaten path compared to its popular cousin, Yala National Park, but that's where its charm lies.
At the entrance, you might find a few people, but inside, it's not as crowded with jeeps.
Take your time, soak up the drive safari. Worth mentioning, that leopards there might not be as many as in Yala, but leopard sightings in Wilpattu are still pretty common. Keep your eyes peeled for sloth bears, elephants, spotted deer, and the elusive mongoose.
For birdwatchers, it's practically paradise. The park's aquatic landscapes are a haven for birds like the Sri Lankan Junglefowl and the Ceylon Grey Hornbill.
You can spend a whole day here, and the wide-open spaces make the safari feel all the more wild. Even if the critters play hide and seek during your visit, the ever-changing tapestry of the plant life is a treat in itself. Morning or afternoon, pick your adventure time and let the wild unfold before you.
Getting to Wilpattu National Park
Wilpattu isn't too far from Colombo, just a 3 to 4-hour drive. Plus, it's easily accessible from the ancient city of Anuradhapura, which is a bonus if you're keen on blending your wildlife frolics with a dash of history.
Minneriya National Park - Elephant Gathering
Minneriya National Park is another hot spot in Sri Lanka, famous for its stunning gatherings of wild elephants. It's known for the annual "Elephant Gathering," where during the dry season, a large number of elephants congregate around the man-made Minneriya Reservoir.
The highlight of Minneriya National Park is undoubtedly the Elephant Gathering from July to October. During this time, as water sources in other areas dry up, the reservoir becomes a hub for the park's wildlife, drawing in hundreds of elephants in what's known as "The Gathering."
This event peaks between July and September and is one of the most spectacular wildlife spectacles on the planet, with herds of elephants migrating to the grassy shores of the tank to drink, bathe, and feed.
Visitors can explore Minneriya National Park through jeep safaris, the most common and convenient way to see the park. The best times to view wildlife are early morning or late afternoon when the animals are most active.
Located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, Minneriya is close to the cities of Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, and Dambulla, which form the Cultural Triangle. It's easy to reach from these cities, making it a popular addition to itineraries that include cultural and historical sites.
Gal Oya National Park - Boat Safari
Gal Oya National Park is a lesser-known but remarkable national park located in the eastern part of Sri Lanka. It is known for its unique safari experience, as it offers boat safaris on the Gal Oya Reservoir, allowing visitors to observe wildlife from the water.
The highlight of Gal Oya National Park is the boat safari on the Gal Oya Reservoir. Visitors can cruise along the tranquil waters, surrounded by lush greenery and scenic landscapes. This unique safari experience provides an opportunity to spot wildlife, including elephants, swimming, and bathing in the reservoir, as well as a variety of bird species.
In addition to boat safaris, traditional jeep safaris are also available, providing opportunities to explore the diverse landscapes and wildlife habitats within the park.
Gal Oya National Park is also known for its connection with indigenous communities, particularly the Vedda people. The park offers opportunities to learn about the traditional lifestyle of Sri Lanka, its culture, and its harmonious relationship with nature.
Best Time to Go on Safaris in Sri Lanka's National Parks
| National Park | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|
| Yala National Park | Feb - Jun |
| Udawalawe National Park | Year-Round |
| Wilpattu National Park | Feb - Oct |
| Minneriya National Park | July to October |
| Gal Oya National Park | March to July |
Morning or Evening Safaris in Sri Lanka’s National Park?
Both morning and evening safaris can be rewarding in terms of wildlife sightings in Sri Lanka, and if you have the opportunity, it's worth experiencing both to see the range of behaviors and activities of the park's inhabitants.
Some visitors also choose to do a full-day safari, which allows for both morning and evening experiences, along with the chance to see what happens in the park during the quieter midday hours.
Which Sri Lanka's National Parks are the Best for Safaris
The best national park in Sri Lanka for a safari depends on your travel interests and timing. Generally, most visitors head to Yala National Park, where the allure of leopards is irresistible, and there's also a chance to see other star animals of the country like elephants and sloth bears. If you're after the gentle giants and elephants, you might want to include Udawalawe National Park and Minneriya National Park in your plans.
If you prefer to avoid the crowds but still look forward to a rich safari experience in Sri Lanka, Wilpattu should be your go-to. And for a unique on-the-water safari adventure, Gal Oya National Park offers an exceptional boat safari experience.
How to Plan a Trip to National Parks in Sri Lanka?
In Sri Lanka, safaris in the national parks are typically split into morning and afternoon sessions. You can plan half a day to fully enjoy the safari experience in these parks. If you have more time, a full-day safari is even more worthwhile.
But Sri Lanka's highlights aren't just the national parks. Ancient ruins, beaches, and more await your exploration. You can plan to visit 1-3 national parks based on your interests.
Here's a recommended 12-day Sri Lanka wildlife itinerary:
Day 1-2: Arrive in Colombo and head to Kitulgala for some adventure (rainforest trekking, white-water rafting).
Day 3-5: Explore Nuwara Eliya (visit a tea plantation, hike on Horton Plains, and take the scenic train from Nuwara Eliya to Ella).
Day 6-7: Drive to Udawalawe National Park for a safari.
Day 8: Enjoy a wildlife safari in Yala National Park.
Day 9-11: Go whale watching in Mirissa and take a boat safari in Bentota.
Day 12: Travel from Bentota back to Colombo.
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