WILDLIFE TOURS IN SRI LANKA

– elephants, leopards, whales, dolphins, crocodiles, monkeys, eagles, hornbills, storks and more…!

There is a large number of species in each animal group, i.e. birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, butterflies and dragonflies in Sri Lanka. Many land-living species are found in National Parks and Forest Reserves. Whales, dolphins, reef fish and deep-sea fish occur in the island’s ocean waters. A large number of tree and plant species give the country its floral richness. These life forms make up the major part of the wildlife of Sri Lanka.

Our wildlife tours will give you an unforgettable experience of a wide array of the country’s animal life together with its interesting flora. While a general wildlife tour will cover a few National Parks in the country to view mainly the large animals in these, we also offer more wide ranging tours which can extend from dry zone National Parks to wet zone rainforests, mountain cloud forests and the southern offshore ocean, giving an opportunity for keener wildlife observers to experience our wildlife in more depth.

Within these tours there can be an emphasis on animal groups such as mammals, birds, butterflies, dragonflies reptiles, amphibians, fish, and flora such as trees, ferns and wild flowers including orchids, in any desired combination.

Whether you want to have a general experience of Sri Lanka’s wildlife on your family holiday or a more in-depth experience for your group of keener observers we can provide you with the best itineraries tailored to suit your needs. We can then organize and lead your tour at an unmatched standard, making your wildlife holiday in Sri Lanka an unforgettable experience.

» To know more about the places you can visit to find wildlife with us

» National Parks…

» To know more about the range of wildlife you will encounter with us

» Elephants…

» If you are looking for a more specialized tour focused on your favourite wildlife subject then please go to –

 

» Birds | » Land Mammals | » Marine Mammals | » Reptiles | » Amphibians | » Butterflies | » Dragonflies

Yala National Park

1 LeopardInitially created as a hunting reserve in 1939. It is Sri Lanka’s most visited national park. It consists of 1260 Sq Km with varied forest types of which four fifths is strict nature reserve and is out of bounds to visitors.

Historically yala dates back over two thousand years, evidence still lie in the forests with ancient monuments and remains of building structures. This park is celebrated for being one of the best locations in the world to view Leopards. But there is much more to Yala than that. The park is one of the most picturesque places in Sri Lanka. The park…… Read More


Bundala National Park

4Those who are familiar with the great author, Leonard Wolf and have read his published diaries will know the history. Wolf, who was governor of the south, lived in Hambantota and regularly visited here. The house where he would stay and relax while here is still standing. Bundala was designated a wildlife sanctuary in 1969 and redesignated to a national park in 1993 with land area of 24.00 sq mi.

In 1991 Bundala became the first wetland to be declared as a Ramsar site in Sri Lanka. In 2005 the national park was designated as a biosphere reserve by…… Read More


Horton plains

1Horton Plains National Park is a protected area of 3,160 hectares (12.2 sq mi)

Situated in the central highlands of Sri Lanka and is covered by montane grassland and cloud forest. This plateau at an altitude of 2,100–2,300 metres (6,900–7,500 ft) is rich in biodiversity and many species found here are endemic to the region. This region was designated a national park in 1988. It is also designated to be upgraded as a biosphere reserve in the future. Read More


Udawalawe National Park

3The park covers 30,821 hectares (119.00 sq mi) of land area and was established on 30 June 1972. Before the designation of the national park, the area was used for shifting cultivation (chena farming). The farmers were gradually removed once the national park was declared.

The habitat surrounding the reservoir includes marshes, the Walawe River and its tributaries, forests and grasslands. Dead tree standing in the reservoir are visual reminders of the extent of forest cover before dam construction. Areas of open grassland are abundant as a result of former chena farming. The Teak plantation beyond the southern…… Read More


Singharaja Forest reserves

1 Blue MagpieSinharaja Forest Reserve is a national park and a biodiversity hotspot in Sri Lanka. It is of international significance and has been designated a Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It was established in 1978 subsequent to industrial scale logging and much protest. It is 88 Km2 in size.

Singharaja Forest Reserve is a must to any visitor to Sri Lanka. Singharaja forest is a tropical rain forest. It is an important lowland rainforest. Its fauna and floral diversity is considered to be of the highest in the world. Enthusiast world over visit this wonderful…… Read More


Kitulgala or Kalani valley Forest Reserve

5Kitulgala or Kalani valley Forest Reserve is in the vicinity of the film location of the classic Bridge over river Kwai. We check into to the hotel located beside the river Kalani which is fascinating. Villages use a dugout canoe with an outrigger unique to the island, for ferrying across the river.

The Kalani Valley forest reserve is low country rain forest containing a host of endemic birds and other wildlife unique to the Island. Some of the birds are found around home gardens and will be a fascinating experience. One of the more sort after…… Read More


Wilpattu National Park

1 Lesser AjutanThe name implies (Willu-pattu; Land of Lakes) and is located on the northwest of Sri Lanka. Its history dates back to 543 BC. In 1905 the area was designated a sanctuary and in 1938 it was upgraded to the National Park status.

Wilpattu is an exceptionally picturesque park. The unique feature of this park is the existence of “Willus” (Natural lakes) Natural, sand-rimmed water basins or depressions that fill with rainwater. The park is 131, 693 hectares and consists of nearly sixty lakes (Willu) and tanks are found spread throughout Wilpattu. It is the largest and……. Read More


Minneriya National Park

2Minneriya National Park is 8,889.4 ha in size and situated in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. The area was designated as a national park in1997, having been originally declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1938. The motive for declaring the area as protected is to protect the catchment of Minneriya tank and the wildlife of the surrounding area. The tank is of historical importance, dating back to the third century AD.

Minneriya consist of several types of forest, including low-canopy montane forests, intermediate high-canopy secondary forests, scrublands,…… Read More