Want to do safari in Sri Lanka? Let us help you find out the best safari parks.
Sri Lanka is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, offering diverse ecosystems ranging from dense rainforests to open savannahs. The island is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, sloth bears, and an impressive array of bird species. If you are looking for an unforgettable safari experience, here are the best safari parks in Sri Lanka.
Best Safari Parks in Sri Lanka
- Yala National Park
Yala National Park is Sri Lanka’s most famous safari destination and is known for having the highest density of leopards in the world. Covering nearly 1,000 sq., km, Yala boasts a variety of habitats, including dry forests, grasslands, and lagoons.
In addition to leopards, you can spot elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and a wide range of bird species. The best time to visit Yala is between February and July, when the water levels are low, making wildlife sightings more frequent.
Visiting Hours: 6 am to 6 pm
Ticket Price: Prices vary for half- and full-day tickets and they also differ block-wise. It starts from LKR 16,900.
- Udawalawe National Park
Udawalawe National Park is famous for its large elephant population, making it one of the best places in Asia to see these majestic creatures in the wild. The park is characterized by open grasslands and scattered forests, providing excellent visibility for wildlife spotting.
You can also see sambar deer, water buffalo, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species. Udawalawe is an excellent year-round safari destination. The giant squirrel is another major attraction here.
Visiting Hours: 6 am to 6 pm
Ticket Price: $8 to $25 (depending on nationality and age).
- Wilpattu National Park
Wilpattu is Sri Lanka’s largest national park and is known for its unique “villu” wetlands, which attract a wide range of wildlife. The park is home to leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and numerous bird species.
If you want a more secluded safari experience and a park with lesser crowd, Wilpattu is the best then. The best time to visit is from February to October when wildlife activity is high.
Visiting Hours: 6 am to 6 pm
Ticket Price: you can check the price on official website as prices vary but per person half day safari starts from LKR 11,000.
Minneriya National Park is famous for hosting “The Gathering,” one of the largest elephant congregations in the world. During the dry season (July to October), hundreds of elephants gather around the Minneriya Tank to drink and bathe, offering an incredible wildlife spectacle.
The park is also home to deer, leopards, and numerous bird species, making it a fantastic safari destination.
Visiting Hours: 6 am to 6 pm
Ticket Price: starts from $ 130.
- Kaudulla National Park
Kaudulla National Park is another excellent location for elephant sightings, especially from August to December when large herds gather near the Kaudulla Tank. The park’s mix of grasslands and wetlands supports a variety of wildlife, including sloth bears, leopards, and crocodiles.
Kaudulla is an excellent alternative to Minneriya, as the elephant herds move between the two parks depending on water availability.
Visiting Hours: 6 am to 6 pm
Ticket Price: starts from $ 95.
- Wasgamuwa National Park
Wasgamuwa National Park is a hidden gem that offers a quieter and more off-the-beaten-path safari experience. The park is home to a significant elephant population, as well as sloth bears, leopards, and a wide range of birds.
Wasgamuwa is also known for its rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes, featuring rivers, forests, and grasslands. The best time to visit is from June to September.
Visiting Hours: 6 am to 6.30 pm
Ticket Price: starts from $6.
- Bundala National Park
Bundala National Park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a paradise for birdwatchers. The park is home to over 200 bird species, including flamingos, pelicans, and storks. In addition to birds, you can see elephants, crocodiles, and other wildlife.
Bundala’s coastal location and saltwater lagoons make it a unique safari destination that contrasts with the more traditional wildlife parks.
Visiting Hours: 6 am to 6 pm
Ticket Price: starts from $10.
- Gal Oya National Park
Gal Oya National Park offers a unique safari experience with boat safaris on Sri Lanka’s largest reservoir, Senanayake Samudraya. This allows you to see elephants swimming between islands and a diverse range of aquatic bird species.
The park is less visited compared to other national parks, providing a peaceful and exclusive wildlife experience. The best time to visit is from March to July.
Visiting Hours: 6 am to 6 pm
Ticket Price: under LKR 70 per person.
- Kumana National Park
Kumana National Park, located adjacent to Yala, is famous for its birdlife. It is an essential nesting ground for migratory birds, making it an ideal destination for birdwatching enthusiasts. Apart from birds, the park is home to elephants, leopards, and crocodiles. Kumana is best visited from April to July when bird activity is at its peak.
Visiting Hours: 6 am to 6 pm
Ticket Price: $10 per vehicle.
- Horton Plains National Park
Horton Plains National Park offers a unique wildlife experience, different from the traditional safari parks. It is home to Sri Lanka’s highest plateau and features stunning landscapes, including grasslands, forests, and waterfalls.
You can spot sambar deer, leopards, and endemic bird species. The highlight of the park is World’s End, a dramatic cliff with breathtaking views. The best time to visit is the dry season between December and March.
Visiting Hours: 6 am to 4 pm
Ticket Price: around $28.
It is very important to pre-plan your safari in Sri Lanka. Usually, you will find a lot of crowd at most of the national parks but if you plan accordingly, you can make the most of your visit. Leopards, elephants, and sloth bears are most common to spot in national parks across Sri Lanka.
If you are planning your visit to Sri Lanka, ensure you add visiting a national park to your list. It will altogether be a different experience.
Contact Ceylon Empire Travels to book Safari in Sri Lanka.
Editorial Staff at Ceylon Empire Travels are Specialist in Sri Lanka Travel.
