Just like in The Jungle book, marching elephants, dreamily walking sloth bears and cunningly hunting leopards with accompanied peacocks in their best outfit, Yala or Ruhunu National Park in Sri Lanka is a treasure to the visitors from all round the World.

Yala combines a strict nature reserve with a national park, bringing the total protected area to 126,786 hectares of scrub, light forest, grassy plains and brackish lagoons. It’s divided into five blocks, with the most visited being Block I (14,101 hectares), which, at the time of research, was the only one actually open to tourists. Also known as Yala West, this block was originally a reserve for hunters, but was given over to conservation in 1938.

Yala West has one of the world’s densest leopard populations and is renowned as one of the best places in which to see one of these stunning cats. Panthera pardus kotiya, the subspecies you may well see, is unique to Sri Lanka. The best time to spot leopards is February to June or July, when the water levels in the park are low. Elephants are also well-known inhabitants (the best time to spot them is also between February and July), and with luck you’ll also get to see the shaggy-coated sloth bear or some of the fox-like jackals. Sambars, spotted deer, boars, crocodiles, buffaloes, mongooses and monkeys are here in their hundreds.

Around 150 species of birds have been recorded at Yala, many of which are visitors escaping the northern winter. These birds include white-winged black terns, curlews and pintails. Locals include jungle fowl, hornbills, orioles and peacocks by the bucket load. The avian highlight, though, is the exceedingly rare black-necked stalk, of which there are only around ten individuals in the entire country.

Udawalawe National park, which provides home for the largest elephant population in Sri Lanka is a sure place to experience very close-by encounters with more than one herd of elephants. Udawalawe is also famed for its scenic beauty of large reservoir and out skirting mountain ranges of hill country beyond horizon.

Its altitude ranges from 100m to 373m from the plains to the highest point up in Ulgala Mountain.

The main entrance to the park lies on Udawalawe-Thanamalvila road on the 7th mile post where a traveler can reach in about 3-4 hours drive from Colombo.

Udawalawe is in dry zone but the southwest monsoon that commencing in May provides a considerable supply of water to the reservoir as well as number of small "Wewa". The mean annual rainfall is about 1524mm. Western part of the park lies in the intermediate zone and receives more rainfall than the dry area. Temperature varies from 24 to 29 degrees Celsius.

Park spans up to 30,821ha bordering villages and farms. Udawalawe has been declared a National Park on the 30th June 1972.

Contact us to learn more about Udwalwe and its Flora and Fauna....

Situated about 250km away from Colombo on the south coast, Bundala national Park was declared as a sanctuary for birds in 1969. Later in 1990, it was recognized as the first International Wetland under the RAMSAR Convention.
Bundala covers about 6,200ha including the water bodies that has become the habitat for most of the wading birds. The annual rainfall is about 1,074mm, received during the inter monsoons. Humidity is about 76-81% while its mean annual temperature is about 27 C.
Its sand dunes, beach, lagoons and inter coastal plains fascinates wildlife enthusiasts and provides shelter to the fauna. The troublesome Prickly pear cactus and Thorny tree Prosopis juliflora [Sinhala= Katu Andara] was introduced during 1940s that have become invasive and spreads widely in the area. A few years back, the Department of Wildlife Conservation started a projects to pull this thorny tree out of the park and still ti is going on but slowly.

Apart from about 174 species of birds that are recorded in Bundala national park, the elephant, spotted deer, Grey Langhur and both mugger and salt water species of crocodiles that are found in Sri Lanka are common sights.

 

With dry forest, open areas, scrub, pools and a beautiful coastline, Wilpattu makes its visitor fascinated. Not only of its diversity but geological patterns stimulate one's study cells of the brain. Being only 40km away from Anuradhapura, the sacred ancient city, the area of Wilpattu that has been overtaken by the jungle, was one of the earliest human habitats of Sri Lanka.
Wilpattu National Park ranges from sea level to 152m and the area of it is 131,693ha. It receives inter-monsoon rains in March and April. The major rainy season is from September to December, which receives from the North-east monsoon.
Wilpattu was declared a sanctuary in 1905 and was upgraded as a National park in 1938. Later, the Wilpattu North sanctuary was declared in 1947.

Painted Stork, Oriental Darter, Purple Swamp hen, Sri Lanka Jungle Fowl, Sri Lanka Grey horn-bill, White Rumped Shama and many migrant waders and ducks are found. The Leopard, Sloth Bear, Elephant and countless Spotted Deer are sights that make the visitor tensed with enthusiasm. 

 

Wasgamuwa spans from Central Province to North Central Province and located away 50km north-east of Kandy. It borders Polonnaruwa and Matale Districts. The area of the park is a little over 39,000ha. Although the climatic conditions are typically dry, the park and the closer areas largely influenced by the North-east monsoon that usually received from October to February every year and receives rain from the inter-monsoon in March-May. The annual rainfall is about 2250mm and mean annual temperature is about 27 C.

Wasgamuwa was declared a National Park in 1984, but it was a Strict Forest Reserve since 1938.
Predominated by tropical dry mixed evergreen forest, however, open plains of grasslands make an ample stock of fodder for elephants as well as other grazing animals such as Spotted Deer, Sambur Deer, Barking Deer and the Water Buffalo.

About 23 species of mammals, 143 species of birds, 35 species of reptiles, 15 species of amphibians, 17 species of fish and 52 species of butterflies are the main attraction.

In the South West corner of the park, one of the most important cultural sites called Buduruwayaya is situated close to Amban and Kalu rivers. This site, more than 1800 years old, features a reclining Buddha statue and some stone pillars. Across Amban River, there is another reclining Buddha Statue outside the boundary of the park. Closer to Mahaweli and Amban rivers, there are many evidences of early human occupation of irrigation systems. The Kalinga Yodha Ela, a canal, was constructed in the 12th century by King Parakrama and some stone pillars also are found on an island in river Kalinga said to be the ruins of a castle built by the same.

Kumana National Park in Sri Lanka is well-known for its avifauna, particularly its large flocks of migratory and wading birds. The park is 391 kilometres (243 mi) southeast of Colombo on Sri Lanka's southeastern coast. Kumana is closely connected with Yala National Park. Kumana was formerly known as Yala East National Park, but changed to its present name in September 2006.

Southern boundary of the national park is formed by Kumbukkan Oya. There are are about 20 lagoons and Wewas [Ancient Man-made water reservoirs unique to Sri Lanka] support the extensive avifauna of Kumana national park. The lagoons in Kumana are shallow, less than 2 metres (6.6 ft). Kumana villu is usually hit with occasional torrent of seawater. The elevation of Kumana ranges from sea level to 90 metres (300 ft). The mean annual temperature is about 27-30 °C and receives 1,300 millimetres of annual rainfall.

Declared in 1938, Kumana Bird Sanctuary is included within the Kumana National Park. Kumana is one of the most important bird nesting and breeding grounds in Sri Lanka. The number of birds recorded in Kumana is 255 species. During April–July months thousands of birds migrate to the Kumana swamp annually. Rare species such as Black-necked Stork, Lesser Adjutant, Eurasian Spoonbill, and Great Thick-knee are breeding inhabitants of the Kumana villu. Waders belonging to families Scolopacidae and Charadriidae are visitors to the park. Waterfowl, Pintail Snipes also migrate here flying over 10,000 km from Siberia.  Asian Open-bill, Glossy Ibis, Purple Heron, Great Egret, Indian Pond Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, Intermediate Egret, Little Egret, Spot-billed Pelican, Cormorant, Little Cormorant, Common Moor hen, Water-cock, Purple Swamp hen, White-breasted Water hen, Pheasant-tailed Jacana, Black-winged Stilt, Lesser Whistling Teal and Little Grebe are the bird species migrate here in large flocks. Birds that migrate to the swap include Yellow-footed Green Pigeon, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, Malabar Trogon, Red-faced Malkoha, and Sirkeer Malkoha. Pacific Golden Plover, Greater Sand Plover,Lesser Sand Plover, Grey Plover, Ruddy Turnstone, Little Ringed Plover, Wood Sandpiper, Marsh Sandpiper, Common Redshank, Common Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper, Little Stint, Common Snipe, and Pintail Snipe.

Gal Oya National Park in Sri Lanka was established in 1954 and serves as the main catchment area for Senanayake Samudraya, the largest reservoir in Sri Lanka. Senanayake Samudraya was built under the Gal Oya development project by damming the Gal Oya at Inginiyagala in 1950. An important feature of the Gal Oya National Park is its elephant herd that can be seen throughout the year. Three important herbs of the Ayurveda medicine, Triphala: Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica and Emblica officinalis are amongst the notable flora of the forest. From 1954 to 1965 the park was administrated by the Gal Oya Development Board until the Department of Wildlife Conservation took over administration. The National Park is situated 314 km from Colombo.

The elevation of the park varies from 30 m to about 900 m. Danigala, Nilgala, and Ulpotha are the mountains of the park. Rain is received during the North-eastern monsoon with average annual rainfall of 1,700 millimetres (66.93 in).

Crossing the Senanayake Samudraya by boat from Inginiyagala is an alternative method of accessing the National Park. Bird’s Island in the reservoir is an island used by birds for nesting. Where Gal Oya falls to the reservoir, water flows in a natural tunnel known as Makara Kata (Sinhalese for Dragon's mouth) or simply Makara. Thousands of pilgrims visit Dighavapi stupa annually which is also situated in the area. The stupa was built in the 2nd century BC on the site where Buddha is supposed to have meditated on his third visit to Sri Lanka. Danigala has a historic importance as it was the home to the Henebadde Veddas. A rock near the Henebedde cave contains Brahmi inscriptions.

Kuruwita Batadombalena is a remarkable prehistoric cave-dwelling, where archeological evidence dating back 37,000 years has been found. In the years 1938, 1979-1982 and 2005, excavations were carried out to further study and extend the knowledge on prehistory.
The cave is located in a private rubber plantation in the foothills of Adam’s Peak, on a hill called Vithana Kanda inside a 78 m high limestone rock. It is best reached from the Kuruwita-Sripada road starting from Ratnapura-Colombo highway. There are two caves which are called Maha Lena (Large Cave) and Kuda Lena (Small Cave). Actually, there are numerous small caves in the rock, with a total length of some 500 m. “Maha Lena” is spacious enough to shade easily little more or less than 1000 people at once.

The walk to the cave requires a 2 km hike uphill under tropical temperatures. Good shoes are essential. Not only for the hike, but also for the leeches which are abundant and bite through clothes. Washing with Sri Lanka’s popular "blue soap" in not enough, using a repellent and salt on ankles and socks are recommended.

Tucked away within the mist-shrouded peaks of the Knuckles Mountain Range lie the legendary Nitro Caves — a natural marvel steeped in mystery, history, and ecological richness. Believed to be millennia old, these ancient caverns cradle vast colonies of bats, their silent presence a testament to the timeless rhythms of nature.

Centuries of guano accumulation have enriched the caves with potassium nitrate (saltpeter), a substance once prized and carefully mined during the Kandyan era for the production of gunpowder — echoing a time when the caves played a vital role in the island’s heritage.

Today, the Nitro Caves invite explorers, naturalists, and adventurers into their shadowed depths, offering a rare convergence of geological wonder, biodiversity, and cultural legacy. Here, the pulse of the Earth meets the whispers of history — a hidden world waiting to be uncovered.

 

The Knuckles Mountain Range, located in central Sri Lanka, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning biodiversity and dramatic landscapes. Named for its resemblance to a clenched fist, this mist-covered range is home to cloud forests, cascading waterfalls, and over 1,000 species of flora and fauna—many of which are endemic. Ideal for nature lovers and trekkers, the Knuckles Range offers unforgettable hiking experiences through lush forests, hidden villages, and panoramic viewpoints.

Sinharaja Rainforest has been notified a national heritage wilderness area on 21 October 1988 (Gazette No. 528/14). Most of the area was originally declared a forest reserve on 3 May 1875 under the Waste Lands Ordinance and notified in the Ceylon Government Gazette No. 4046, dated 8 May 1875, while the rest was notified a proposed forest reserve in the early 20th century. Sinharaja Forest Reserve, comprising the existing and proposed forest reserves, was declared a Man and Biosphere Reserve in April 1978, and inscribed on the World Heritage list in 1988. Sinharaja Rainforest has been categorized as a Biodiversity Hotspot.
Location
Sabaragamuwa and Southern Provinces, Sri Lanka
Coordinates 6°25′00″N 80°30′00″E
Area 88.64 km2 (34.22 sq mi)

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Hiyare Forest Reserve lies close to the Udugama road, 17km from Galle. Although limited only to about 600 acres, Hiyare brings wonderful experience to its visitors with its immaculate beauty and wealth of flora and fauna.
Hiyare's attractions
Being a low country tropical rain forest, this little reserve has a large man-made lake within its boundaries.Endemic species recorded at the Hiyare rainforest include the Sri Lankan Green Pigeon, Ceylon Rose, Two-spotted Thread tail, Black Ruby Barb, Sri Lankan Green Pit Viper and the Sri Lanka Purple-faced Leaf Monkey.
If you walk in to Hiyare in the morning, you will be able to do really good birding.
The Forest Department manages one part of the rainforest while another section- the reservoir catchment area is administered by the Wildlife Conservation Society under the guidance of the Municipal Council of Galle.
To visit the rainforest for educational or research purposes, contact the Wildlife Conservation Society of Galle through the Municipal Council, Galle.
Hiyare's amazing biodiversity

• 13 endemics out of 118 Bird species
• 13 endemics out of 33 Freshwater fish species
• 3 endemics out of 78 Butterfly species
• 12 endemics out of 55 Dragonfly species
• 14 endemics out of 34 Reptile species
• 13 endemics out of 18 Amphibian species
• 13 endemics out of 28 Land snail species
• 13 endemics out of 29 Mammal species

Kanneliya Forest Reserve has been designated as a Forest reserve since 1934. Later it was declared as a National Man and Biosphere Reserve and subsequently in 2004 as an International Man and Biosphere Reserve. The vegetation in ICON is categorized as a lowland wet evergreen forest. The KDN is considered as one of the floristically richest areas in South Asia. It shows a high amount of endemicity in plants and animals and contributes largely to the biodiversity of the country.

There are 144 plant species identified in Kanneliya of which 52% is endemic. A total of around 220 faunal species including mammals, birds, butterflies, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals, with 41 endemics have been recorded from the KDN forest complex and adjacent forests.

The KDN forest complex provides an ideal place to observe wet zone forest birds within a range of diverse habitats such as heavily forested areas, riverine forests, disturbed areas and peripheral village home gardens. Multi - colored foraging mixed species bird flocks are an attractive sight commonly found in these forests.
Interesting places hidden among this deep and dark wonderland.

• Old Logging Trail
• Bat Cave
• Millagaha Dola
• Anagimal Waterfall
• Narangas Waterfall
• Natural Pools
• Kabbale Peak
• Rivulets

Kanneliya is situated in the Southern Province, Galle, 125km from Colombo.

Minneriya National Park is a national park in North Central Province of Sri Lanka. The area was designated as a national park on 12 August 1997, having been originally declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1938. The reason 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, having been built by King Mahasen in third century AD. The park is a dry season feeding ground for the elephant population dwelling in forests of Matale, Polonnaruwa, and Trincomalee districts. The park earned revenue of Rs. 10.7 millions in the six months ending in August 2009. Along with Kaudulla and Girithale, Minneriya forms one of the 70 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) of Sri Lanka. The park is situated 182 kilometres (113 mi) from Colombo.

The national park's faunal species include 24 species of mammals, 160 species of birds, 9 species of amphibians, 25 species of reptiles, 26 species of fish, and 75 species of butterflies

Large numbers of Sri Lankan elephants are attracted to grass fields on the edges of the reservoir during the dry season. The Minneriya tank contributes to sustain a large herd of elephants. Individuals of elephants gathered here is numbering around 150-200. Some reports account number of elephants to as high as 700.