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Yala National Park (also known as Ruhunu National Park) is the second largest national park in Sri Lanka. The park is well known for its variety of wild animals including the famed Sri Lankan leopard, sloth bear and elephants. Yala is also home to over 125 species of birds of which some are migratory.
Jeep safaris into the park are widely available both in the early morn and late afternoon. Trundle along the winding wildernesses and heed the call of the wild. See first-hand the majesty of elephants, the low prowl of the leopard or the wandering amble of the bear. Visitors can also feast their eyes on peacocks, deer, langurs and many other animals as they traverse the wild.
The more enthusiastic naturalist may avail themselves of an Infrared Night Drive. The use of infrared-vision does not disturb the wild life ensuring that visitors see them in their true natural element. The elusive leopard being a nocturnal animal, the Infrared Night drives increase your chances of seeing this elusive beast.
Yala is also an excellent location for eager Naturalists to learn the ways of tracking and observing animal behaviour. These trails will take you past breath-taking views through tall grass and scrub jungle to rocky outcrops, sandy beaches and marine wetlands.
Eager bird watchers or ornithologists are in for a rare treat at Yala National Park. Bordering the Kalametiya coastal wetland which is rich in bio-diversity and home to over 125 species of birds of which 54 are migratory birds it is a bird watcher’s paradise. Yala is also home to four threatened species of birds namely, the Indian Reef Heron, Gloss Ibis, the Black-capped Purple Kingfisher and the endemic Sri Lankan Jungle Fowl.
The land of “ten lakes” in Tamil or “Natural Lakes” in Sinhala Wilpattu does not fail to live up to its name. With several watering holes strewed throughout the park Wilpattu is teeming with wildlife and offers safari goers an exciting and untarnished experience in the wild. Less visited than Yala, Wilpattu gives visitors the privilege of an uncrowded wilderness experience.
Teaming with wildlife Wilpatthu is home to Leopards, Sloth bears, Elephants, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Jackals, Mugger Crocodiles and much more.
Jeep safaris through Wilpattu can be arranged accompanied by trained trackers and guides. Far less crowded than other national parks, you won’t see the usual “traffic” on a Safari in Wilpattu enabling visitors to enjoy the wildlife in their undisturbed habitat. Visitors can expect to see Leopards, Elephants, Sloth bear, Deer, and endemic birds during a half day safari while the more enthusiastic Naturalist can enjoy a full day safari soaking in the wilderness.
Visit the Palace of Kuweni a legendary Queen of the Yaksha tribes who were said to have lived in Sri Lanka over 3000 years ago before, the migration of Prince Vijaya. Situated near Kalli Villu (lake) the remains of this palace, lone stone pillars now reclaimed once more by nature, are still visible to date.
The Manavari Temple is sacred to devoted Hindus filled with resplendent carvings depictive of Hindu culture.
Known for its large wild elephant population and the Minneriya lake, this is a hot spot for wildlife lovers.
Minneriya Giritale National Park has the most densely populated elephant herd in Sri Lanka. These gentle giants, are herd animals that make their way over to the watering holes every day without fail. With hundreds of wild elephants before you, it is truly a magnificent site to behold. Visitors can also expect to see Leopards, Spotted Deer, Sambar Deer, Wild Boar, Wild Buffalo, Grey Langers, Purple-faced Monkeys, Porcupine, Indian Pangolin and Mongoose. May to October is the best period to visit the park to see the elephant gathering.
Avid wildlife lovers, may also make short excursions to Kaudulla National Park and Wasgamuwa National Park and even camp out at approved camping sites.
Home to approximately 16- species of birds, the Minneriya National Park is any bird lover’s delight. Visit the park and enjoy a spectacle of colour and a symphony of sound as these winged creatures’ flit about overhead. Visitors can expect to see the Common sandpiper, Woodsand piper, Kentish Plovers, Malabar-pied Hornbills, Rufus Woodpecker, Lesser Adjutant, Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot, Crimson-fronted Barber, Sri Lanka Grey Horn bill, Sri Lanka Green Pigeon, Sri Lanka Jungle Fowl, Brown-capped Babbler, Emerald Dove, and the Green Imperial Pigeon.
Situated a short drive away from the capital city of Colombo, Pinnawala is home to a popular Elephant Orphanage.
The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is home to a large herd of elephants, most of which have been found vulnerable and incapacitated. Most calves, are found without their mother or having been separated from the herd and would likely not survive on their own in the wild. The orphanage itself is situated next to the Maha Oya (river) where the elephants are taken twice daily for their baths. Visitors can enjoy a cup of tea or a cool drink on the decks of the nearby restaurants as they watch these gentle giant’s bathe. Visitors can also visit the orphanage at feeding time. Pinnawala Orphanage is probably one of the few places on earth, where you can interact with this majestic beast up close in a truly once in a life time experience.
You can visit several little shops along the way and pick up a trinket or two. If you’re looking for a tiny elephant themed souvenir to take back, an eco-friendly notebook made out of upcycled elephant dung paper is sure to be a crowd pleaser.
Head over to Pinnawala Ape Gama, to immerse yourself in quintessential Sri Lankan village life. A themed park, “Ape Gama” which loosely translates to our village, features several traditional village practices, farming activities, and the village “kopi kade” (coffee shop). Situated in close proximity to the orphanage visitors, can drop by “Ape Gama” after spending some time with the gentle giants and gain a keener understanding of Sri Lanka’s agrarian-based village life.
A small rural monastery, the Mahamevnawa Amadahara Buddhist Monastery is an excellent stop along the way for those visiting the orphanage. The monks are conversant in English, and are ever ready to partake in an engaging conversation of Buddhism, meditation and spirituality.
