Sri Lanka National Parks

TOUR DESTINATIONS

Discover the diverse ecosystems and incredible biodiversity of Sri Lanka's premier national parks

WILPATTU NATIONAL PARK

WILPATTU NATIONAL PARK

As the largest national park in Sri Lanka, Wilpattu boasts a unique landscape of 'villus' (natural lakes) interspersed with dense scrub jungle. This diverse terrain supports a rich variety of wildlife, making it a prime destination for photographers around the year and changes character with the seasons.

Area1,317 km²
Year1938
Wildlife30+ Species
Key Features
- Largest national park in Sri Lanka- Unique 'villus' (natural lakes) landscape- Prime leopard spotting opportunities- Rich visual textures throughout seasons
HORTON PLAINS NATIONAL PARK

HORTON PLAINS NATIONAL PARK

Tucked away in the heart of Sri Lanka's central highlands, Horton Plains National Park is a nature lover's paradise and a dream destination for wildlife photography. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this high-altitude plateau offers a unique mix of cloud forests and dramatic escarpments.

Area31.6 km²
Year1969
Wildlife30+ Species
Key Features
- UNESCO World Heritage Site- World’s End viewpoint & Baker’s Falls- High-altitude plateau with cloud forests- Habitat for endemic species
SINHARAJA RAIN FOREST RESERVE

SINHARAJA RAIN FOREST RESERVE

Nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka, Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a paradise for wildlife photographers seeking a truly immersive experience. This tropical rainforest offers unparalleled biodiversity and rare endemic species.

Area88.6 km²
Year1978
Wildlife30+ Species
Key Features
- UNESCO World Heritage Site- Over 160 bird species (20 endemic)- Dense canopy & misty trails- Biodiversity hotspot
KUMANA NATIONAL PARK

KUMANA NATIONAL PARK

Kumana National Park, located on Sri Lanka's southeastern coast, is a hidden gem for wildlife photographers seeking raw, untouched natural beauty and a rich variety of wildlife. Ideal for photographers who value patience and undisturbed animal behavior.

Area391 km²
Year1970
Wildlife30+ Species
Key Features
- Over 200 bird species- Migratory bird hotspot- Tranquil and less crowded- Lagoons, swamps, and mangroves
YALA NATIONAL PARK

YALA NATIONAL PARK

Yala National Park, located in southeastern Sri Lanka, is one of the country's premier wildlife destinations. Spanning over 900 square kilometers, it is renowned for its diverse ecosystems and highest densities of leopards in the world.

Area979 km²
Year1938
Wildlife30+ Species
Key Features
- Highest density of leopards in the world- Diverse ecosystems across 979 km²- Over 200 bird species- Ancient ruins amidst wilderness
MINNERIYA NATIONAL PARK

MINNERIYA NATIONAL PARK

Minneriya National Park is a magnet for wildlife photographers from around the world. The park's most famous attraction is 'The Gathering,' a natural phenomenon of hundreds of elephants migrating to the Minneriya Reservoir.

Area89 km²
Year1997
Wildlife30+ Species
Key Features
- Famous for 'The Gathering' of elephants- One of the largest wild elephant gatherings- Leopards and sloth bears- Grasslands, wetlands, and forests
KAUDULLA NATIONAL PARK

KAUDULLA NATIONAL PARK

Kaudulla National Park is one of Sri Lanka’s most important elephant habitats, forming part of the historic elephant corridor connecting Minneriya and Hurulu Eco Park.

Area66 km²
Year2002
Wildlife30+ Species
Key Features
- Large elephant gatherings- Part of Minneriya–Kaudulla wildlife corridor- Excellent birdwatching- Peaceful and less crowded than Minneriya
NILGALA FOREST RESERVE

NILGALA FOREST RESERVE

Nilgala is a hidden gem in Sri Lanka's dry-zone forest system, famous for rare medicinal plants, rich birdlife, and traditional Vedda heritage.

Area307 km²
YearAncient forest reserve
Wildlife30+ Species
Key Features
- Dry-zone savannah forest- Traditional Vedda tribal heritage- Rare medicinal plants- Excellent bird photography
HABARANA

HABARANA

A wildlife and cultural hub in the heart of Sri Lanka, famous for elephant encounters, forest lodges, and easy access to major national parks.

Area
YearTourism hub
Wildlife30+ Species
Key Features
- Gateway to Minneriya and Kaudulla- Elephant safaris and jungle lodges- Close to Sigiriya and Dambulla- Calm lakes and forest scenery
GALLE FORT

GALLE FORT

A UNESCO World Heritage Site blending colonial charm, coastal beauty, and vibrant street life—perfect for culture and architectural photography.

Area52 hectares
Year1588
Wildlife30+ Species
Key Features
- UNESCO World Heritage Site- Colonial architecture- Cultural & street photography- Beautiful sunset views
COLOMBO

COLOMBO

Sri Lanka’s bustling commercial capital—a fusion of modern cityscapes, colonial architecture, and coastal beauty.

Area37 km²
Year1505 (Colonial era)
Wildlife30+ Species
Key Features
- Modern & colonial architecture- Galle Face Green & Lotus Tower- Vibrant street photography- Cultural diversity