Discover Sri Lanka’s Extraordinary Wildlife
Looking for a destination where you can see elephants, whales, leopards, and exotic birds—all in one trip? Welcome to Sri Lanka, a wildlife enthusiast’s dream.
Despite its compact size, Sri Lanka is home to an astonishing range of wildlife. It’s the only place on Earth where you can witness both the largest land mammal—the Asian Elephant—and the largest marine mammal—the Blue Whale—in a single journey.
THE ‘BIG FIVE’ OF SRI LANKA
Often referred to as Sri Lanka’s Big Five, the island’s signature wildlife includes:
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Asian Elephants
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Blue Whales
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Sri Lankan Leopards
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Sloth Bears
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Sperm Whales
This unique mix of land and marine species sets Sri Lanka apart as a truly diverse nature destination.
FOR WILDLIFE LOVERS, FAMILIES & FIRST-TIME SAFARI GUESTS
Whether you’re planning a family safari holiday, a honeymoon with a difference, or are a seasoned nature photographer, Sri Lanka’s national parks offer a wildlife experience for everyone.
Expect to encounter:
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Elusive leopards lounging on granite boulders
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Playful elephant herds crossing open plains
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Shaggy sloth bears foraging in the brush
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Ancient crocodiles basking on riverbanks
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Colourful flamingos, pelicans, and storm petrels gracing wetlands
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Over 430 bird species, including 34 endemics, making the island a paradise for birdwatcher
YEAR-ROUND SAFARI OPPORTUNITIES
What is the best time to see wildlife in Sri Lanka?
Thanks to diverse ecosystems and multiple climate zones, you can enjoy wildlife experiences year-round. From dry-zone plains and rainforests to coastal lagoons, each region offers something different in every season.
SOME HIGHLIGHTS
ELEPHANTS AT MINNERIYA
Encountering the elephant gathering at Minneriya Lake is like no other experience.
By the end of the dry season most water sources have long disappeared. However, the lake at Minneriya retains water and attracts elephants from near and far. More than 300 of these gentle giants can congregate here every year and it is the largest Asian Elephant gathering known to exist on the planet. To see so many together with their babies, playing, eating, swimming is nothing short of breath-taking.
WHALE WATCHING
Look above the water line for the many species of whales from humpbacks to sperm whales including the largest animal on earth, the Blue Whale.
Sri Lanka is one of the best places in the world for whale and dolphin watching on South and North-West coasts. Super pods of whales and scores of dolphins cut through the brilliant blue sea, leaping and frolicking and even allowing some lucky onlookers to swim alongside with them.
SAFARI IN YALA’S NATIONAL PARK
Sri Lanka has the highest density of leopards in the world. A safari into Yala’s National Park – Sri Lanka’s second largest park will reward its visitor with a chance to spy the iconic leopard.
Experienced trackers will advise that the early hours are the best times to see the many wonders that the park has to offer. Setting off into Yala as the sun rises is an epic experience and gives the best chance of spotting the elusive leopard and the impressive array of wildlife that inhabits this arid zone. The sights and sounds of the park will leave you awestruck and wanting to return again and again.
Sloth Bear During Palu
Both Yala & Wilpattu National Parks are good places to see the Sloth Bear, especially during Palu fruit season in June and July.
The Sloth Bear has an elongated snout with no front teeth. Its mouth is effectively a vacuum cleaner and means that the bear can suck in termites very easily then using its powerful claws to ravage the termite homes. ⠀
