Udawalawe National Park
Is situated in the dry zone and is a large area of scrub, grass and old plantation around a large reservoir. Udawalawe National Park is very well known for its outstanding scenic beauty and wealth of fauna species, particularly mammals and birds. One of the main attractions of this park is the opportunity to view elephants at a really close range.
Herds of elephants, populations of sambar, spotted deer, barking deer, wild boar, water buffalo common langur, jackal, sloth bear, leopard, black napped hare, endemic golden palm civet and mongoose are some of the animals that can be sighted at this national park. Udawalawe is also a great place to watch water birds. Rare visitors and breeding residents such as the Indian cormorant and osprey can be found on the reservoir. Notable endemic species are the Sri Lanka junglefowl, Sri Lanka spurfowl, malabar pied hornbill, Sri Lanka grey hornbill and brown-capped babbler.
Wasgomuwa National Park
Also located in the dry zone, Wasgomuwa National Park is almost completely surrounded by large rivers on all its sides. Probably one of the best places in the island for near wildlife fanatics as it contains more wildlife, in terms of both wild fauna and flora. 23 species of mammals, 143 species of birds (5 of which are endemic), 35 species of reptiles (of which 7 are endemic), 15 species of amphibians, 17 species of fish and 52 species of butterflies are known to be found here.
Populations of around 150 elephants freely roam the park. Other interesting animals you could catch a glimpse of include the leopard as well as other endemic animals such as the purple faced langur, sloth bear, spotted deer, sambar and birds like the painted stork, oriental darter, purple swamphen, Sri Lanka junglefowl, Sri Lanka grey and malabar pied hornbills, white-rumped shama and in winter many migrant waders and ducks.
Both the saltwater and the freshwater crocodiles take refuge in the waters of this national park. The park also harbors some reptiles and amphibians like the endemic skink and the rare endemic palm frond frog.
Bundala National Park
A simply picture perfect national park bordering the ocean fringed with sand dunes, and dotted with numerous lagoons. The five lagoons of this park are some of the most important wintering areas for migratory shore birds in the country, regularly accommodating over 15,000 at any one time! This park is the last refuge of the greater flamingo and during the northeast monsoon up to 2000 flamingoes have been seen.
You don’t have to look too hard to spot elephant, spotted deer and wild buffalo among the thorny scrub jungle in the park. The open habitat makes it ideal to spot other mammals such as the endemic toque macaque, common langur, jackal, leopard, fishing cat, rusty spotted cat and porcupine. Sea turtles love the golden beaches and sand dunes of Bundala, and frequent here often to nest. Among reptiles’ the mugger crocodile, estuarine crocodile, common monitor, python, endemic flying snake and beautiful star tortoise can be sighted here. The park is the home of every species of water bird resident in the country and during the northern winter, it is the final destination for countless numbers species. It is also home to several species of migratory waterfowl. The rare black necked stork is said to be a breeding resident in Sri Lanka.
Bundala’s richness in birds’ species is why it was declared a Ramsar Site in 1990, having international significance for wetland birds.
Yala National Park
The largest national park in Sri Lanka formed by a completely diverse landscape ranging from the ocean to jungles, scrubland, freshwater rivers and lakes, which support a large variety of wildlife. Over 30 species of mammals are known to be found here, including threatened species such as the sloth bear, leopard, elephant and water buffalo. You’ll probably have the best chance of sighting a leopard here than anywhere else on the island.
Some 120-130 birds’ species can be seen at Yala. Raptors like the crested serpent eagle, and white bellied sea eagle and water birds including the lesser flamingo, pelican, painted stork and night heron can be spotted in the lagoons. The north-east monsoon is seen to attract thousands of migrating waterfowl including, pintail, white winged black tern and eurasian curlew which mix with residents such as whistling duck and yellow wattled lapwing. Other interesting birds’ species you could spot at Yala are the Sri Lanka junglefowl, black-necked stork, and pompadour green pigeon, three species of bee-eaters and large flocks of flamingoes.
Yala is also home to a variety of reptiles such as crocodiles, the venomous Russel’s viper and a variety of sea turtles. The endangered olive ridley and leatherback turtles return to the Yala coastline often for nesting.
Minneriya National Park
Virtually built around the Minneriya reservoir, this park is certainly one of the most scenic in the island. During the dry season from June to September, the reservoir becomes a favorite gathering place for scores of elephants who get together to eat, drink and be merry. Many species of mammals such as sambar, spotted deer, leopard, sloth bear and endemics like the toque macaque and purple faced langur are favorite attractions.
Minneriya is full of a vast number of birds. 160 species are found here. Look out for the Sri Lanka junglefowl, Sri Lanka hanging parrot, Sri Lanka brown capped babbler, crimson fronted barbet, black crested bulbul, all of which are endemics. Nine species of amphibians have been reported to live in this park and among them are endemic and endangered slender wood frog and common tree frog. Endemic and endangered lizards like the red lipped lizard are also found here. 26 species of fish are found in the reservoirs.
Kaudulla National Park
Kaudulla is the newest national park and forms a corridor for elephants migrating between Somawathiya National Park in the north to Minneriya National Park, further south. Is a very popular place for elephant lovers, as you get to see large numbers of elephants close up. Leopards, sambar deer and the occasional sloth bear are also interesting animals to watch out for. If you’re looking for new and exciting ways to see and photograph wildlife, then a catamaran ride on the expansive Kaudulla reservoir is something that just shouldn’t be missed. Kaudulla is also an excellent location for bird watching.
Horton Plains
Strikingly different from the other national parks in that, visitors to Horton Plains are allowed to walk on their own on the designated tracks. The scenic beauty and wildlife of Horton Plains which is a remote 2000m high plateau just south of Nuwara Eliya is set to impress even the most discerning traveler. Most habitats and endemic plants and animals representative of our wet and montane zones are sure to be found here. This national park is abundant with some of the smaller endemic mammals like sambar, endemic toque macaque, purple faced langur, leopard, wild otter, long tailed giant squirrel, horned lizard and bear monkey. If you are really keen on seeing the Sri Lanka whistling thrush, Sri Lanka magpie, dull-blue flycatcher, orange-billed babbler and the black-throated munia then Horton Plains is definitely worth a visit, as this is one of the best places in the whole island to see them. This park is a paradise for butterflies as well. Various raptors such as crested serpent eagle and mountain hawk eagle can be seen circling over the plains. Among reptiles are snake and the wide spread agamid.
Sinharaja Forest Reserve
Sinharaja Forest Reserve or ‘Kingdom of the Lion’ is located in the south-west part of the island and is one of the last remaining areas of tropical rain forest in Sri Lanka. Sinharaja was designated a World Biosphere Reserve in 1978 and a World Heritage Site in 1988.
Because of the dense vegetation, wildlife is not as easily seen as at dry-zone national parks such as Yala. You won’t find any elephants and the 15 or so leopards are rarely seen. The commonest larger mammal is the endemic purple faced langur. An unusual and fascinating spectacle is when birds from many different species move together in mixed feeding flocks in search of food. As the flock approaches you’ll see and hear the noisy calls of orange-billed babblers and a greater racket-tailed drongo. As the birds pass, you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of the quieter, more inconspicuous, members of the flock. Some of the fascinating birds found in Sri Lanka you can find right here at Sinharaja include the Sri Lanka spurfowl, Sri Lanka junglefowl, green-billed coucal, red-faced malkoha, blue magpie, spot-winged thrush, scaly thrush, white-faced starling, chestnut-backed owlet, black-throated munia and the Sri Lanka myna.
Sinharaja is an absolute treasure trove of endemic species. More than 60% of the trees are endemic and many of them are considered rare. There is much endemic wildlife, especially birds but the reserve is also home to over 50% of Sri Lanka’s endemic species of mammals and butterflies as well as many kinds of insects, reptiles and rare amphibians.
Udawattakele Bird Sanctuary
This is the only reserve in the whole of Sri Lanka to be situated in the suburbs of a city. The Udawattakele Sanctuary rests on the northern edge of the Kandy city just above the Temple of the Tooth. The forests are a haven for birds and some of the birds sighted here include the layard’s parakeet, Sri Lanka hanging parrot, yellow-fronted, crimson-fronted and brown-headed barbets; golden-fronted and jerdon’s leafbirds; stork-billed, common and oriental dwarf kingfishers.
Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary
Situated just a short distance off the coastal road on the south coast of the island between Tangalle and Hambantota. The gorgeous Indian Ocean and rich lagoons and mangrove swamps characterize this bird sanctuary. The Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary is an ideal location for undisturbed bird-watching. Interesting birds like the asian openbill, eurasian spoonbill, egrets, purple swamphen, black-winged stilt and many winter migrants can be sighted here.
Muthurajawela Marshes
Situated toward the southern part of Negombo, the Muthurajawela marshes meaning “swamp of royal treasure’ more than does justice to its name. Home to a staggering number of species of flora and fauna, these marshes have been declared as a sanctuary due to its high bio diversity. Water birds such as herons and egrets can be seen in abundance in the marshes. Boat rides through the marsh and the lagoon are a brilliant way of experiencing the wildlife.
Bodhinagala
Bodhinagala is quite a small area of secondary rainforest only about a two hour drive from the city of Colombo. Located in a tropical rainforest surrounding a monastery and rich in flora and fauna Bodhinagala is a great place for bird watching. Some of the birds found here include the green-billed coucal, Sri Lanka junglefowl, Sri Lanka spurfowl, Sri Lanka hanging parrot, layard’s parakeet, Sri Lanka grey hornbill, barbets and the malabar trogon
Bellanwila–Attidiya Bird Sanctuary
The Bellanwila-Attidiya marsh is a precious residual fragment of the once extensive marshlands around Colombo. Rich in species it is of major importance as a wildlife refuge and well worth a visit. This urban wetland is famous for its abundant bird life. It consists of fresh water marshes, and a natural and man-made canal system. A walk along the edge of the canals or marshlands will allow you to observe many aquatic birds including the lesser whistling duck, purple swamphen, white breasted waterhen, whiskeredtern, pin tailed snipe and little green heron. Apart from aquatic birds, raptors such as brahminy kite and the marsh harrier can be commonly observed.
Kitulgala Rainforest
Situated in the wet zone of our island, the Kitulgala Rainforest is a beautiful forest reserve adjoining Peak Wilderness Sanctuary in Adam’s Peak. An absolute birder’s paradise, this rain forest is home to birds such as the Sri Lanka junglefowl, Sri Lanka woodpigeon, white-faced starling, black-throated munia, dollarbird, blue magpie, chestnut-backed owlet, shy-headed laughing thrush, yellow-fronted barbet and the Sri Lanka hanging parrot. To add to the appeal of the Kitulgala town, it is famously known for being a filming location for the epic “Bridge on the River Kwai”.
Talangama
Located on the outskirts of Colombo, Talangama is a rich and varied wetland site. Over a hundred species of birds have been recorded here. The water cock, migrant black and yellow bitterns are some of the birds that have been spotted here. Talangama is also good for the commoner butterflies and dragonflies.
Hakgala Botanical Gardens
Located within a strict nature reserve just 10km away form the picturesque Nuwara Eliya town, the Hakgala botanical garden was once a Cinchona plantation. The name Hakgala or “Jaw Rock” comes from the story in the epic Ramayana in which the Monkey God takes back a part of the mountainside in his jaw when asked by Rama to seek out a special herb! This delightful garden is now famous for its roses. There are monkeys here which are quite used to visitors. The different sections covering the hillside include a plant house, Japanese garden, wild orchid collection, old tea trails, arboretum, fruit garden, and oaks. Also famous for the interesting birdlife, Hakgala Gardens is home to birds like the Sri Lanka woodpigeon, bar-winged flycatcher-shrike, black bulbul, Sri Lanka whistling thrush, Sri Lanka bush warbler, dull-blue flycatcher and the Sri Lanka white-eye.
Knuckles / Corbett’s Gap
Lying 25km east of the city of Kandy, the Knuckles mountain range exists as a unique ecosystem separate from the rest of the central hills. True to its name this mountain range consists of five peaks and resembles the knuckles on a persons folded fist. Covering a distance of about 12 miles Knuckles extends roughly from the northwest to the southwest of Sri Lanka. The elevation of these peaks range from about 1500m to 1800m in height. The Knuckles Range is home to a wide variety of forest types in close proximity to each other making it exceptional. These forests in turn harbor wildlife including leopard, sambar, barking deer, mouse deer, wild boar, giant squirrel, purple-faced langur, toque macaque and loris as well as the otherwise rarely seen otter. Over 120 bird species recorded here include many endemic ones including the yellow-fronted barbet, dusky-blue flycatcher, ceylon lorikeet, ceylon grackle, yellow-eared bulbul and Layard’s parakeet. In addition endemic amphibians and reptiles include the kirtisinghe’s rock frog and leaf-nosed lizard, which are only found here.
Peak Wilderness Sanctuary (Adam’s Peak)
The Peak Wilderness Sanctuary is a long strip of wet zone forest and is situated in the Ratnapura District. The key attraction of this sanctuary is Adam’s Peak itself, which is the second highest summit in Sri Lanka and is a deeply religious place of worship among Buddhists, Catholics and Muslims alike. In addition to Adam’s Peak, this sanctuary offers some superb nature trails through tropical rainforests, across rivers and past lush tea plantations. Birds such as the Sri Lanka junglefowl, Sri Lanka woodpigeon, white-faced starling, black-throated munia, Dollarbird, Blue Magpie, Chestnut-backed Owlet, Ashy-headed laughing thrush, yellow-fronted barbet and the Sri Lanka hanging parrot.
Ritigala Strict Nature Reserve
The Ritigala Nature Reserve is a beautiful unexplored thick forest situated right in the midst of the dry zone found just off the Anuradhapura-Habarana road. Rising 600m above the surrounding plains, Ritigala is the highest peak in the entire area and enjoys it’s own micro-climate with relatively more rainfall and a cooler climate than the rest of north central part of Sri Lanka. The area rich in unusual plants and herbs is associated with the Ramayana story in which Hanuman dropped a section of herb covered Himalaya here. Wildlife includes elephants, sloth bear, leopard and varied bird life like the Sri Lanka spurfowl, Sri Lanka junglefowl, malabar hornbills and the spot-winged thrush. Deep inside the reserve you will find partially excavated ruins of an extensive Buddhist monastery which is a popular archaeological site. There are many natural caves on the mountain slopes, some quite large in which priests would meditate. Brahmi inscriptions here date the site from the second and third centuries BC. This mysterious and exciting remote site in the jungle is definitely worth visiting, especially for those who like to venture off-the-beaten path.
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