National Park In Sri Lanka

Wasgamuwa National Park

Wasgamuwa National Park

Wildlife safaris to Wasgamuwa National Park in Sri Lanka leave you with a sense of deja vu. Historians believe that this part of Sri Lanka was the part of a flourishing empire in the early 12th century. The sheer thrill of treading through dense forests inhabited with wild animals is simply indescribable.

Located at a distance of 225 kilometers from Colombo, the Wasgamuwa National Park is open to visitors from six in the morning to six in the evening. There are several campsites and bungalows within the park that can be reserved for wildlife viewing. India Sri Lanka tours makes arrangements for wildlife safaris to the interiors of this exotic Sri Lanka National park online.

Initially Wasgamuwa was designated as a nature reserve in the year 1938. It was much later in the year 1982 that Wasgamuwa was converted into a national park. Covered with dry mixed forests, riverine vegetation, wetlands and grasslands, Wasgamuwa offers a natural habitat for animals such as: elephants, purple-faced leaf monkeys, wild boar, barking deer, wild buffaloes and other animals.

Wasgamuwa National Park

Some birds that can be commonly spotted while on wildlife safaris to Wasgamuwa National Park are: painted stork, racket tailed drongo, lesser adjutant, yellow breasted barbet, spurfowl and jungle fowl.
In all Wasgamuwa is home to around 23 species of mammals, 8 recorded species of amphibians, 143 bird species and 17 reptile species.

Wasgamuwa National Park in Sri Lanka draws most of its water from two rivers Amban and Mahaweli that flow through these forests.

India Sri Lanka Tours offers online reservation for Wasgamuwa National Park tours. For details please fill up the form given below.

Uda Walawe National Park

Spread-eagled on riveting forest greens of Ratnapura and Monaragala in Sri Lanka, the Uda Walawe National Park is perfect for spotting the panorama of rare wildlife that flourishes in the jungles of Sri Lanka.

The Uda Walawe National Park covers an area of 306 square kilometers. The national park was established in the year 1972. The main objective behind the establishment of this sanctuary was to preserve the catchment area of the Uda Walawe River.

The entire habitat at Uda Walawe National Park is a massive green parkland covered in some areas with dense teak forests.
A natural home to animals such as Asian elephants, crocodiles, leopards,
Water buffalo, grey langurs, golden jackals et al, the Uda Walawe National Park is real treat for adventure enthusiasts.

Birds such as the Malabar Pied Hornbills, Indian Roller, Cuckoo, Hawk Eagle, White bellied Sea Eagle and more engage your attention with their unique antics while you are on wildlife safaris to the Uda Walawe National Park in Sri Lanka.

The most interesting aspect of Uda Walawe Wildlife Sanctuary tours is the fact that there is a special Elephant camp inside the wildlife sanctuary.

India Sri Lanka Tours offers online reservation for Uda Walawe National Park tours, Sri Lanka. For details please fill up the form given below.

Yala National Park

Located in the South east coast of Sri Lanka, the Yala National Park covers an area of 979 square kilometers. Only a part of the Yala National Park is open for wildlife safaris and the rest of the forest is reserved only for researchers and forest officials.

Yala National Park, Sri Lanka is known to have the largest concentration of leopards in the world. The entire landscape is strewn with freshwater lakes, open parkland and forests. In fact the numerous water holes in the Yala National Park are the ideal places to spot animals.

A part of the Yala National Park features exotic beach country near the rivers that flow through the park.
The wild animals you're likely to spot while on a wildlife safari into the Yala National Park include Asian elephants, water buffaloes, Grey langurs, toque monkey, mouse deer, stripe-necked mongoose, water monitor, wild pigs, barking deer, sloth bear, crocodile et al.

There is a large leopard population at this wildlife reserve that is also one of Sri Lanka's oldest national parks.
Also known as Ruhuna National Park Yala is home to the largest leopard population in the world.

Spot birds such as junglefowl, babblers, stone curlew, Brahminya mynah, Sirkeer Malkoha, peafowl, painted storks, orange breasted green pigeon, green bee-eater, Malabar pied hornbill and more on tours to Yala National Park in Sri Lanka.

The Kumana Swamp in the Southeast region of the Yala National Park is a nesting ground for a large number of rare and exotic waterfowl.

India Sri Lanka Tours offers online reservation for tours to Yala National Park, Sri Lanka. For details please fill up the form given below.

 Gal Oya National Park

The Gal Oya National Park gets its name from that of the river that flows through the wildlife sanctuary. Situated at a distance of 300 kilometers from the national capital - Colombo, Gal Oya National Park is spread over areas in Ampara and Badulla.

Gal Oya was established in the year 1954 so that the catchment areas of the Senanayake Samudra could be protected from evils of erosion. Essentially a eco tourism project, Gal Oya is a great place for enjoying wild boat rides and thrill filled jungle safaris.

Gal Oya National Park is spread over a land area of 62, 936 hectares. Besides its natural importance the Gal Oya National Park lies over a region that is of immense historic importance.

Vast tracts of grasslands, water holes - big and small, dense forests and tree covered hill tracts form the main highlight of the Gal Oya landscape.

The home of the Sri Lanka Swamp Crocodile and more than 430 bird species, Gal Oya National Park offers raw green tracts for nature lovers to come and explore. India Sri Lanka Tours offers packages that make it easier for you to organize your wildlife holiday to this massive animal and bird sanctuary in Sri Lanka.

Animals commonly spotted at Gal Oya National Park include Sloth bears, Asian elephants, wild boars, leopards, water buffalos, monkeys et al. Birds like the black shouldered kite, wooly necked storks, sea eagles, serpent eagles etc. are a common sight in the evergreen forests of Gal Oya National Park in Sri Lanka.

India Sri Lanka Tours offers online reservation for wildlife tours to Gal Oya National Park in Sri Lanka. For details please fill up the form given below.

Horton Plains National Park

Sprawled on Sri Lanka's highlands in the highest plateau in the Central Province, the Horton Plains National Park covers a land area of 3160 hectares and lies at an altitude of 2100 meters above the sea level.

Horton Plains National Park is cloaked in Montane rain forests and large tracts of open grasslands that at dusk serve as grazing grounds for large deer herds - a sight to behold and an experience to remember!!!

Horton Plains National Park lies on a region from where three of Sri Lanka's most important rivers originate. Rich in biodiversity, Horton Plains National Park is a botanist's delight.

The region is one of the best elephant habitats in Sri Lanka. The other animals that are commonly seen in the jungles of Horton National Park include fishing cats, black-naped hares, bear monkeys, giant squirrels, shrews et al. The park is home to a large population of reptiles and amphibians.

The best way to travel to the Horton Plains National Park is by hiring a vehicle from either Talawakale or Nuwara Eliya.

Kumana National Park in Sri Lanka.

Reaching Kumana National Park
The gateway to Kumana National Park is at Panama. The park office is located at Okanda, 22km south of Panama.

Climate of Kumana National Park
Kumuna receives 1,300 millimetres (51.18 in) of annual rainfall. The mean annual temperature is 27 degrees Celsius.

Landscape of Kumana National Park
Kumana National Park spreads over an area of 35,664 hectares. In the west, the park is bordered by River Kumubukkan Oya; to the south is south-eastern coast that runs to Panama. A 200 hectares mangrove swamp called "Kumana Villu" within the Park is subject to occasional inundation with sea water. It is at this swamp that many water birds nest, during the months of May and June. Scattered in the Kumana National Park are several water pools that are favorite spots of the wildlife: Kudawila wewa, Thummulla wewa and Kotalinda wewa.

Reptiles at Kumana National ParkKumana National Park provides excellent feeding and resting habitats for a large number of threatened wetland species, including three turtle species such as the Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas), Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta), and the Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivaceae). Among other threatened species of reptiles are the globally vulnerable Mugger Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris).The most sighted reptiles at Kumana National Park are Mugger Crocodile, the Indian Flap-shelled Turtle, and the Indian Black Turtle.

Birdlife at Kumana National Park
Sri Lanka records more than 430 bird species comprising endemic, resident and migrant birds. Of these, the bird watchers are able to watch over 200 species easily. The wide variety of birds found in the numerous wildlife parks of Sri Lanka makes the tropical island a prime Bird Watching destination in the world. The Kumana National Park is the most important and most popular bird sanctuary in Sri Lanka. Kumana birdlife supported by Some 20 lagoons and tank is an ornithologist’s paradise. During April–July, tens of thousands of birds migrate to the Kumana swamp area annually nearly 255 species of birds have been recorded in the National Park. Regular sightings of birds include pelicans, painted storks, spoonbills, white ibis, herons, egrets and hundreds of little cormorants. The very rare black-necked stork has also been spotted at the swamp.

Among the breeding inhabitants of the Kumana villu are the rare species such as Black-necked Stork, Lesser Adjutant, Eurasian Spoonbill, and Great Thick-knee are breeding inhabitants of the Kumana villu.

The bird species migrate here in large flocks. Asian Open bill, White-breasted Water hen, Lesser Whistling Glossy Ibis, Purple Heron, Great Egret, Indian Pond Heron, Weathercock, Purple Swamp hen, Duck Black-crowned Night Heron, Intermediate Egret, Little Egret, Spot-billed Pelican, Indian Cormorant, Little Cormorant, Common Moorhen, and Little Grebe are the bird species migrate here in large flocks.

Among the rare birds that migrate to the swamp 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 are the common wading birds at the Park.

Mammals at Kumana National Park
Apart from being abound with the birdlife, Kumana is also home to some of the mammals found in the adjacent Yala National Park such as Elephants, Leopards, Golden Jackal, Wild Boar, European Otter as well as the endangered Fishing Cat.

Coastal wetlands of Kumana National Park
Coastal wetlands of Kumana have its inhabitants engaged in lagoon fishing and rice cultivation.

The planned coastal road from Kirinda to Panama
The bird population has taken a dip at Kumana National Park in recent years. Environmentalists and wildlife enthusiasts have expressed their concern over a road planned to be constructed from Kirinda to Panama which will run along the coastline of the park disturbing the habitat of the birdlife.

Minneriya National Park in Sri Lanka

Location of Minneriya National Park
Minneriya National Park is located 182 km away from Colombo in the North Central Plains of Sri Lanka. The major city closest to Minneriya National Park is Polonnaruwa.

Reaching Minneriya National Park

Minneriya National Park can be reached off Habarana - Polonnaruwa road. The office and the entrance point of Minneriya National Park is located at Ambagaswewa.

Minneriya Rainwater reservoir
The renovated vast ancient Minneriya Rainwater Reservoir that irrigates the considerable area of the district of Polonnaruwa is the focal point of the Minneriya National Park.

Best time to visit Minneriya National Park
Being part of the elephant corridor which joins up with Kaudulla and Wasgomuwa parks, Minneriya National Park affords the opportunity to sight herds of Elephants throughout the year.May to October is the best period to visit Minneriya National Park in view of the famous Gathering of the wild elephants. Gathering is the largest known meeting place of Asian Elephants in the world. During this period herds up to 300 elephants are seen at the 8,890 hectare park within a few square kilometers of the Minneriya Reservoir.In August and September each year during the dry season, wild elephants from the surrounding wilderness in search of food and water, makes their way to the shores of the Minneriya Reservoir adjoining the Minneriya National Park. Huge herd of elephants, sometimes numbering up to 300, converge together within a few square kilometers of the lake. This Elephant Gathering is a thrilling spectacle that would be remembered for rest of the life of all those who were fortunate to witness it.

The Climate and altitude at Minneriya National Park
Minneriya National Park that covers an area of 8,889 hectares is of tropical monsoon climate: annual rainfall is about 1146mm and mean annual temperature is 27.5 centigrade. The altitude ranges from100m to 885m at the top of Nilgala peak.

Accommodation options at Minneriya National Park
Minneriya National Park has no accommodation facilities within its boundaries. The cities close to Minneriya National Park- Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Habrana and Giritale- are clustered with luxury hotels and lodges.

Vegetation at Minneriya National Park
The vegetation of the park consists of tropical dry mixed evergreen forests, abandoned chena lands, grasslands and wetlands. The open grasslands and old chena lands are dominated by the many species of small shrub.

The abandoned chenas are dominated by kukuruman (Randia dumetorum), keppettia (Croton sp.) wara (Calotropis Gigantea) and grasses i.e. katu-una (Bambusa bambos), wali indi (Phonenix zeylanica), illuk (Imerata Cylindirca) and pohon (Panicum Maximum). The phytoplankton is dominated by Microcystis and Melosira.Among the large trees are palu (Manilkara Hexandra), Satin (Chloroxylon Swietenia), milla (Vitex Altissima), Kalumediriya (Diospyros Quaesita), halmilla (Berrya Cordifolia), weera (Drypets Sepiaria).

Mammals at Minneriya National Park
Among the 24 species of mammals resident in the park are Elephants, Leopards, Sloth Bear, Spotted Deer, Sambar Deer, Wild Buffalo, Wild Pig, Grey Langers, Purple-faced Leaf Monkey, three species of Mongoose, Porcupine & Indian Pangolin.

Birds at Minneriya National Park
Minneriya National Park has recorded over 170 species of birds. From Migrating waders like Woodsand Piper, Common Sandpiper & Kentish Plovers to forest birds like Malabar-pied Hornbills, Rufus Woodpecker the globally endangered Lesser Adjutant and the endemics Sri Lanka Grey Horn-bill, Sri Lanka Green Pigeon, Brown-capped Babbler and Sri Lanka Jungle Fowl are some of the highlights.

Amphibians & Reptiles at Minneriya National Park
Among the nine species of Amphibians at Minneriya National Park are the endemic and endangered Slender Wood Frog and the Common Tree Frog. Of the 25 species of reptiles recorded in the park 8 are endemic including the Red-lipped Lizard. Water and Land Monitors are also seen here. The Mugger Crocodile can be seen near the tank. Many species of fresh water fish are found in the Minneriya reservoir.

Bundala National Park in Sri Lanka

Reaching Bundala National Park
Bundala National Park can be reached by A2 main motor road that runs from Colombo to Hambantota


Climate at the Bundala National Park
The general Climate of Bundala National Park is hot and dry. While the average Temperature is 27 degrees Celsius, the annual rainfall varies between 900mm to 1300mm. Dry season' falls between May and September.Best time to visit is September to March: during this period migratory birds arrive at the park.

Landscape at the Bundala National Park
Bundala National Park spread an area of 6216 that consists of mainly of dry thorny scrublands, marshes and four brackish lagoons. The terrain is generally flat with sand dunes bordering the coastline.

Birdlife at the Bundala National Park
Each and every species of water bird found in Sri Lanka is believed to visit Bundala National Park . Nearly 200 species of birds have been recorded within the park, out of which 58 species are migratory birds.

During September and March, hoards of migrants arrive in Bundala; among them are Marsh and Curlew Sandpiper, Curlew and Greenshank Golden and Kentish Plover, Large and Lesser Sandplovers. While the Broad-billed Sandpipper and Red-necked Phalarope are the rare visitors, the most famous migratory bird is greater flamingo. Hoards of flamingoes are one of the most common sights. In this period over 10,000 shore birds might be feeding at any one day.

The lagoons at the park attract a great variety of aquatic birds: among them are ibis, pelicans, painted storks, Black-necked Stork, terns, gulls, sand-pipers, snipes, teals, egrets and spoonbills. Endemic birds include the Brown-capped Babbler, Ceylon Woodshrike and Ceylon Junglefowl.

Mammals at the Bundala National Park
Bundala is home to 32 species of mammals. Among them are civets, wild boars, Grey & Ruddy mongoose, porcupine, giant Indian palm squirrels, black-naped hares, Spotted Deer, Wild buffalo, the endemic, jackal and fishing & Rusty Spotted cats. While most commonly seen mammals are the hordes of grey langur and Toque Macaque.

Elephants at the Bundala National Park
Bundala National Park shelters a small population of Elephants that varies between 25 and 60 depending on the season.

Amphibians & Reptiles at the Bundala National Park
Bundala National Park is a habitat for several species of Reptiles. Bundala abounds with estuarine crocodile and mugger crocodile. The coastal area attracts Loggerhead Turtle, Green Turtle, Hawk's bill turtle and Olive Ridley: four out of Sri Lanka's five marine turtle species, which come ashore to lay their eggs Between October and January. Watching egg laying turtles in the night, on the beaches of Bundala is a sight that no visitor would forget in his lifetime.

Vegetation at the Bundala National Park
Among the 383 species of plants that have been recorded in Bundala, six are endemic species. Seven are nationally threatened. The prominent species are Weera (Drypetes Sepiaria), Palu( Manikara Hexandra), Satin (Chloroxylon Sweitenia), Kohomba (Azadirachta Indica) and Divul (Limonia acidissima). The dominant scrub is Andara.

Conservation measures proposed at Bundala National Park
CEA conservation management plan and IUCN’s biodiversity assessment report have proposed several management initiatives for the Bundala National Park. These demand re-demarcation of the boundaries of the park, relocating groups of inhabitants living within the park and arresting the spread of invasive alien species, creating an irrigation structure and management of livestock grazing within the park.