Udawalawe National Park
Udawalawe National Park is famous for its herd of two hundred and fifty wild elephants which permanently reside at the park, attracted by the Udawalawe reservoir.
Udawalawe was designated a national park in 1972 with the purpose of providing a protected area for the many animal species that were displaced by the construction of the Udawalawe reservoir. Today it is particularly noted for its large herd of wild elephants that reside in the park as well as being a sanctuary for many water birds.
For those looking to experience the stunning Sri Lankan wildlife, Udawalawe is one of the best park to visit during a Sri Lankan tour and is the third most visited national park on the island.
Minneriya National Park
Visiting the Minneriya National Park in the North Central province of Sri Lanka is a highlight of many of our tour travellers who get to witness the spectacular sight of “The Gathering” of hundreds of elephants during the summer months!
Originally a wildlife sanctuary, Minneriya was designated a national park in 1997 to help protect the area of the Minneriya tank – the large reservoir in the park created by King Mahasena during the third century and therefore having historic importance and now home to many birds. It is a birdwatchers paradise with painted storks, grey herons, grey white pelicans, lesser adjutants, Sri Lanka jungle fowl, brown-capped babblers being the highlights.
The two endemic monkeys of Sri Lanka; the tufted grey langur and toque macaque, both call Minneriya home and can be sighted during safaris around the park.
Yala National Park
Yala National Park is the most popular national park in Sri Lanka and is home to a diverse range of stunning wildlife. It is arguably the best place in the world to see leopards.
Whale Watching in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is just as renowned for her sensational and diverse wildlife as it is for its historic relics and stunning scenery, so take the unique chance the island offers with a mornings whale watching in Sri Lanka!
Sri Lanka is surrounded by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, a place many remarkable and rare creatures call home. While you’re in Sri Lanka it’s highly recommended you take the opportunity to go and spot the unique sea life which thrive in the warm waters, including various whales, dolphins and sea turtles.
Mirissa, a small town on the south coast of the island, is one of the best places on the island to go dolphin and whale watching in Sri Lanka. Weligama Bay off the coast of Mirissa offers the perfect conditions for spotting these usually indiscernible animals.
A variety of whales and dolphins can be seen at Mirissa, including Blue whales, Sperm whales, Fin whales and the occasional Killer whale. Having the chance to see a blue whale, the largest animal ever known to have existed, is a real highlight of any Sri Lanka whale watching trip. An array of dolphin is also typically spotted, including the Bottlenose, Spinner and Striped dolphin.
Unless you plan to hire your own private boat tour an observation boat typically hold up to 40 passengers and will take you on a tour lasting several hours. Trips usually begin the mornings and finish by midday to avoid the rougher seas of the afternoon.
