Wildlife Adventures - Sri Lanka
Discover Sri Lanka's Wildlife Treasures
Did You Know?
- Sri Lanka is one of the best places in the world to see blue whales, especially off the coast of Mirissa.
- Yala National Park boasts one of the highest leopard densities in the world.
- The island is home to 33 endemic bird species, making it a bird watcher’s paradise.
- Udawalawe National Park is one of the best places in Asia to see wild elephants up close.
- The Horton Plains National Park, part of the Central Highlands, is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unique montane ecosystem.
- Wilpattu National Park, the largest national park in Sri Lanka, is famous for its natural lakes or ‘villus.’
Embrace Nature Responsibly
At Lotus DMC, we are committed to providing unforgettable wildlife experiences that emphasize the beauty and importance of Sri Lanka’s natural heritage. Our tours are designed with a focus on conservation and preservation, ensuring that each visit supports sustainable practices and contributes to the protection of these precious ecosystems. Whether you’re exploring a wildlife sanctuary or a national park, our expert guides offer insights and experiences that bring you closer to Sri Lanka’s wild heart, all while promoting responsible tourism.
Yala National Park
Known For: Sri Lankan leopards, elephants, sloth bears
→ How to Reach:
- Nearest airport: Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (25 km from Tissamaharama)
- Nearest railway station: Matara (150 km)
→ Closure Period: September
→ Best Time to Travel: February to July September
→ Entry Fee: LKR 3,500 for adults, LKR 1,500 for children
→ Photography Charges: LKR 500 for still cameras, LKR 1,000 for video cameras
→ Permissions: Required for safaris
→ Where to Stay: Cinnamon Wild Yala, Jetwing Yala, government guest houses
→ What to Carry: Light clothing, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, camera, binoculars
→ Equipment Rental: Available in nearby towns
Udawalawe National Park
Known for its large herds of elephants, Udawalawe offers a safari experience like no other. The park’s expansive grasslands and reservoir attract a variety of wildlife, making it a prime spot for bird watching and photography.
→ Known For: Elephants, water buffaloes, bird species
→ How to Reach:
- Nearest airport: Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (45 km)
- Nearest railway station: Ratnapura (100 km)
→ Closure Period: Open year-round
→ Best Time to Travel: May to September
→ Entry Fee: LKR 3,000 for adults, LKR 1,500 for children
→ Photography Charges: LKR 500 for still cameras, LKR 1,000 for video cameras
→ Permissions: Required for safaris
→ Where to Stay: Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort, Mahoora Tented Safari Camp, government rest houses
→ What to Carry: Light clothing, camera, binoculars, sunscreen
→ Equipment Rental: Available in nearby town
Wilpattu National Park
Renowned for its “willus” (natural lakes), Wilpattu is one of Sri Lanka’s oldest and largest national parks. It is an excellent place to spot leopards, as well as sloth bears, deer, and a diverse array of birds.
→ Known For: Leopards, sloth bears, bird species
→ How to Reach:
- Nearest airport: Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo (150 km)
- Nearest railway station: Anuradhapura (42 km)
→ Closure Period: Open year-round
→ Best Time to Travel: February to October
→ Entry Fee: LKR 3,000 for adults, LKR 1,500 for children
→ Photography Charges: LKR 500 for still cameras, LKR 1,000 for video cameras
→ Permissions: Required for safaris
→ Where to Stay: Leopard Trails Wilpattu, Mahoora Tented Safari Camp, government lodges
→ What to Carry: Light clothing, hat, camera, binoculars, insect repellent
→ Equipment Rental: Available in Anuradhapura
Sinharaja Forest Reserve
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sinharaja is a tropical rainforest teeming with endemic species of flora and fauna. Its dense canopy and rich biodiversity make it a paradise for botanists, bird watchers, and nature enthusiasts.
→ Known For: Endemic bird species, dense rainforest, biodiversity hotspot
→ How to Reach:
- Nearest airport: Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo (160 km)
- Nearest railway station: Matara (40 km)
→ Closure Period: Open year-round
→ Best Time to Travel: January to May
→ Entry Fee: LKR 2,500 for adults, LKR 1,250 for children
→ Photography Charges: LKR 500 for still cameras, LKR 1,000 for video cameras
→ Permissions: Required for entry
→ Where to Stay: Rainforest Eco Lodge, Boulder Garden, government rest houses
→ What to Carry: Light clothing, rain gear, camera, binoculars, insect repellent
→ Equipment Rental: Available in nearby towns
Minneriya National Park
Famous for the “Gathering,” where hundreds of elephants congregate around the Minneriya Tank during the dry season, this park is a must-visit. Its open plains and water bodies also attract a variety of other wildlife, including deer, buffalo, and numerous bird species.
→ Known For: The Gathering (large elephant congregation), bird species
→ How to Reach:
- Nearest airport: Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo (182 km)
- Nearest railway station: Habarana (15 km)
→ Closure Period: Open year-round
→ Best Time to Travel: May to October
→ Entry Fee: LKR 3,000 for adults, LKR 1,500 for children
→ Photography Charges: LKR 500 for still cameras, LKR 1,000 for video cameras
→ Permissions: Required for safaris
→ Where to Stay: Cinnamon Lodge Habarana, Habarana Village by Cinnamon, government lodges
→ What to Carry: Light clothing, hat, camera, binoculars, insect repellent
→ Equipment Rental: Available in Habarana
Bundala National Park
A Ramsar Wetland, Bundala is a vital sanctuary for migratory birds, making it a birdwatcher’s haven. The park’s diverse ecosystems, from lagoons to sand dunes, support a variety of wildlife, including elephants, crocodiles, and leopards.
Known For: Migratory birds, crocodiles, lagoons
→ How to Reach:
- Nearest airport: Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (55 km)
- Nearest railway station: Hambantota (30 km)
→ Closure Period: Open year-round
→ Best Time to Travel: December to April
→ Entry Fee: LKR 2,500 for adults, LKR 1,250 for children
→ Photography Charges: LKR 500 for still cameras, LKR 1,000 for video cameras
→ Permissions: Required for safaris
→ Where to Stay: Kalamatiya Bird Sanctuary Lodge, Lagoon Inn, government rest houses
→ What to Carry: Light clothing, hat, camera, binoculars, sunscreen
→ Equipment Rental: Available in Hambantota
Horton Plains National Park
Known For: Endemic species, scenic landscapes, World’s End viewpoint
→ How to Reach:
- Nearest airport: Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo (210 km)
- Nearest railway station: Ohiya (10 km)
→ Closure Period: Open year-round
→ Best Time to Travel: January to March
→ Entry Fee: LKR 4,000 for adults, LKR 2,000 for children
→ Photography Charges: LKR 500 for still cameras, LKR 1,000 for video cameras
→ Permissions: Required for entry
→ Where to Stay: Horton Plains Resort, Ohiya Holiday Bungalow, government guest houses
→ What to Carry: Warm clothing, camera, binoculars, sunscreen, comfortable hiking shoes
→ Equipment Rental: Available in nearby towns
Gal Oya National Park
Home to the largest reservoir in Sri Lanka, Gal Oya offers the unique experience of boat safaris, where visitors can see elephants swimming between islands. The park’s lush landscapes and abundant wildlife provide a serene and immersive nature experience.
→ Known For: Elephants, boat safaris, bird species → How to Reach:
- Nearest airport: Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo (315 km)
- Nearest railway station: Badulla (125 km)
→ Closure Period: Open year-round
→ Best Time to Travel: March to July
→ Entry Fee: LKR 2,500 for adults, LKR 1,250 for children
→ Photography Charges: LKR 500 for still cameras, LKR 1,000 for video cameras
→ Permissions: Required for safaris
→ Where to Stay: Gal Oya Lodge, Nilgala Rest House, government rest houses
→ What to Carry: Light clothing, hat, camera, binoculars, insect repellent
→ Equipment Rental: Available in nearby towns
Wasgamuwa National Park
Less frequented by tourists, Wasgamuwa offers a more secluded safari experience. The park’s diverse habitats support a variety of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, and a rich array of bird species.
→ Known For: Elephants, bears, bird species
→ How to Reach:
- Nearest airport: Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo (225 km)
- Nearest railway station: Matale (76 km)
→ Closure Period: Open year-round
→ Best Time to Travel: November to May
→ Entry Fee: LKR 3,000 for adults, LKR 1,500 for children
→ Photography Charges: LKR 500 for still cameras, LKR 1,000 for video cameras
→ Permissions: Required for safaris
→ Where to Stay: Wasgamuwa Safari Village, Safari Camp, government guest houses
→ What to Carry: Light clothing, camera, binoculars, insect repellent
→ Equipment Rental: Available in Matale
Kaudulla National Park
Known For: Elephants, bird species, historical ruins
- Nearest airport: Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo (190 km)
- Nearest railway station: Habarana (22 km)
→ Best Time to Travel: August to December
→ Entry Fee: LKR 3,000 for adults, LKR 1,500 for children
→ Photography Charges: LKR 500 for still cameras, LKR 1,000 for video cameras
→ Permissions: Required for safaris
→ Where to Stay: Cinnamon Lodge Habarana, Sorowwa Resort & Spa, government lodges
→ What to Carry: Light clothing, hat, camera, binoculars, sunscreen
→ Equipment Rental: Available in Habarana.
Join us, as we traverse the stunning landscapes of Sri Lanka’s wildlife parks and sanctuaries. Our expertly designed tours provide an intimate and responsible exploration of the island’s natural treasures, ensuring you experience the magic of Sri Lanka’s wildlife in all its glory.