Sri Lanka: More than beautiful beaches and ancient ruins

Written by: Emma Teppa

Top Five Parks and Reserves in Sri Lanka

While Sri Lanka is working to put itself firmly on the map of luxury holiday destinations, many visitors to the small Indian Ocean Island head there for its breadth of national parks and game reserves. Known as one of the best places in Asia for watching the indigenous wildlife, Sri Lanka’s variations in climate and biodiversity attracts many different species of both animals and birds. For over 2000 years, the island’s people have protected the land and its wildlife. Today, there are one hundred hectors of protected land, making Sri Lanka a natural paradise.

If you’re planning a visit to this beautiful island, here are five national parks that should be at the top of your list, whether you’re an ardent birdwatcher or just simply love animals.

Sri Lanka’s Premier National Park is Yala West

Located in the southeaster part of the island, Yala sits along an expansive stretch of coastline with dry scrub areas punctuated by rocky outcrops. Known as Sri Lanka’s premier national park, it draws visitors from far and wide to see the endangered Sri Lankan leopard. During June and July, you may see sloth bears, while sambar, spotted deer, mongoose, buffalo, toque monkeys, wild pigs and golden jackals are often seen throughout the year.

As the park is located along the sea, there’s also a wealth of marine life to be observed, with over 220 types of fowl; making it an absolute paradise for birdwatchers.

See the elephants at Uda Walawe National Park

With extensive stretches of grassland, scrub jungle and riverine forest, Uda Walawe National Park is the best places to observe Asian elephants in the wild. However, if you’re hoping to see any other wild life, then you’re in for a disappointment; although birdwatchers will be thrilled to see hawk eagles, serpent eagles and grey-headed fish eagles in their natural habitat.

More elephants at Wasgomuwa

Over 150 elephants are known to feed on the scrubland in Wasgomuwa National Park. Located close to the fascinating Buddha-filled caves of Dambulla, this area plays host to all kinds of big game, although the elusive bears and leopards are notoriously difficult to spot.

Birdwatchers will love the Sinharaja Rainforest Reserve

Close to the laid back beaches of Mirissa is Sinharaja Rainforest Reserve, the island’s premier rainforest. Towering over 45 meters, more than 50% of the trees are unique to this part of the world. Here, birdwatchers will be revel in the mixed-species bird flocks, which often contain up to six endemic birds, and are likely to see the Sri Lankan blue magpie alongside the green-billed coucal and the red-faced malkoha. However, it’s not all about the birds; leopard, barking deer, the purple-faced langur, and three different types of squirrel are also known to inhabit this part of the island.

Experience the top of the world at Horton Plains National Park

Perched atop the central highlands, Horton Plains is Sri Lanka’s highest plateau, and home to endemic plants and animals that can survive in temperatures that often drop below zero. It’s the place to find the Sri Lankan whistling thrush and Sri Lankan bush warbler who’ve made these lofty heights their home. However, perhaps the most interesting wildlife is the dwarf lizard, who rather than lay eggs in such chilly temperatures, gives birth to life young.

These are just some of the hundred protected areas which make Sri Lanka one of the most beautiful islands on this earth.