National parks trail
Home to numerous national parks and sanctuaries, Sri Lanka is one of the smallest but most biologically diverse countries in Asia.
Sri Lanka is one of the smallest but most biologically diverse countries in the world. It is a hotspot that is home to an astonishing 21 National parks with 52 Sanctuaries. The National parks are the best place to see the disproportionately high diversity and island’s rich wildlife.
SOME HIGHLIGHTS
UDA WALAWE NATIONAL PARK
Not dissimilar to the savannahs of Africa, Uda Walawe National Park rivals the African reserves for elephant sightings.
Centred around a reservoir on Walawe River, this stunning park is set against the dark hills of Horton Plains and provides glimpses of an astonishing array of wildlife. Outside the park is the Elephant Transit home where injured or orphaned elephants are rehabilitated and released back into the wild. From a viewing platform, enjoy watching these youngsters trumpet and stomp eagerly for food.
GAL OYA NATIONAL PARK
Further off the beaten track, Gal Oya is one of the best preserved and largely undiscovered National park.
Rich in biodiversity and aquatic life, it is the only place where you can take a boat safari and revel in the sights of elephants foraging and swimming magnificently. This wonderful spectacle will stay with you long after you return home.
HORTON PLAINS
With a windswept plateau at an awe-inspiring elevation of 2,500m, Hortons Plains is a world apart from the rest of Sri Lanka.
A 9 kilometre trek will reward its visitor with a dramatic 1,000m cliff plunge and the magnificent waterfalls at World’s End. Spy along the trek herds of Sambar Deer, beautiful lizards and many endemic bird species that promises a truly magical experience.
Wilpattu
Camouflage working its magic in Wilpattu National Park.
Wilpattu is a haven for wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, sloth bears and deer to name but a few, This is thanks to a series of interlinked lakes called ‘willus’ from which the park takes its name ‘Willu-Pattu’ meaning land of lakes. The park is one of Sri Lanka’s largest and oldest protected areas covering 1317 square kilometres.
