Sri Lanka: 6 fascinating national parks

Sri Lanka, the jewel of the Indian Ocean, is known for its breathtaking beauty. From the endless golden beaches to the lush green Tea plantations to the majestic mountain peaks - the island offers a variety of scenic wonders. The true beauty lies hidden in the island's national parks. Here you can experience the untouched nature up close. The variety of exotic animals and plants is hard to beat. In this article we present you the 6 most beautiful national parks of Sri Lanka. 

1. Yala National Park

Yala National Park covers an area of 979 square kilometers. This makes it the second largest national park in Sri Lanka. The park is home to one of the highest population densities of leopards in the world. Besides leopards, you can see elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles and several species of monkeys. Don't forget to take to the skies, as there are over 200 species of birds. In the beach bays you can watch the blue and sperm whales swimming. The park consists of 5 ecosystems including forests, wetlands, lagoons and sand dunes. An exciting activity in Yala is a jeep safari. 

2. udawalawe national park

One of the best places to see elephants in the wild is Udawalawe National Park. An estimated 600 of the gray giants are said to live in the park. The park covers an area of 308 square kilometers. Buffalo, leopard, axi deer and mongoose can also be found here, among others. The Udawalawe Reservoir, located in the park, is an important aquatic habitat. It also serves as drinking water for the animals. Since there are less jeeps in Udawalawe, you have the chance to observe all the animals undisturbed. Of course, you will also have the opportunity to do an exciting Safari to undertake. 

3. Minneriya National Park

There is hardly a park where you can meet so many elephants as in Minneriya. The 88 square kilometer park is famous for its pachyderms. During "The Gathering," hundreds gather on the shores of Lake Minneriya to drink water and bathe. Numerous rare species of monkeys frolic in the park and 75 species of butterflies are native to the area. Minneriya's landscape of grasslands, wetlands and forests is a breathtaking sight. 

4. Wilpattu National Park

With its 1,317 square kilometers, Wilpattu is the largest national park in Sri Lanka. "Wilpattu" means "land of lakes" in Sinhalese, referring to the many natural lakes and waterholes in the park. Wilpattu is truly a paradise for water birds such as spoonbills, herons and sunda marabou. Water buffalo, axi deer, monkeys and the rare sloth bears can be found here best of all the parks. The park is also rich in cultural Heritage with archaeological sites, including the ruins of ancient Buddhist stupas and temples.

5. Horton Plains National Park

The park is located in the central mountainous region of Sri Lanka and covers an area of 31 square kilometers. It is known for its breathtaking scenery characterized by vast plains, dense forests, waterfalls and fascinating rock formations. Horton Plains has abundant wildlife to offer, including the endemic Sambhur deer, leopards, the Ceylon hat monkey, and several species of birds. Many of the species living here are endemic, making the park a "super biodiversity hotspot." A popular hike in the national park leads to "Baker's Falls", a beautiful waterfall flowing through lush vegetation. 

6. Gal Oya National Park

Gal Oya National Park covers an area of 259 square kilometers. One of the main attractions is Senanayake Samudraya, which is the oldest reservoir in Sri Lanka. Here you can take boat rides and watch wild elephants coming to the shore to drink. Numerous waterfowl, leopards, buffalo and four species of deer, among others, call Gal Oya home. A highlight of Gal Oya National Park is the indigenous tribe of the Veddas, who are considered the original inhabitants of Sri Lanka. During a hike, the village chief personally guides guests through the dense jungle. 

National Parks in Sri Lanka

The national parks in Sri Lanka offer an incredible variety of natural beauty and unique wildlife. The parks are not only a paradise for nature lovers, but also an important contribution to the protection of biodiversity. So grab your walking shoes, get ready for adventure and explore the national parks in Sri Lanka!
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