safari holidays sri lanka

Wildlife Tours in Sri Lanka & Bird Watching Tours in Sri Lanka

Passionately designed by local wildlife naturalists.

Wildlife Tours in Sri Lanka by local wildlife specialists

Wildlife safari tours in sri lanka designed by local wildlife guides.

We are a specialist in tailor made, wildlife tours in Sri Lanka . Our wildlife tours in Sri Lanka are designed by passionate local wildlife enthusiasts who are wildlife guides and wildlife photographers in Sri Lanka. We go all-out to offer an authentic wildlife experience by creating wildlife tours guided by knowledgeable local wildlife guides. To make the experience even more unique, we use wildlife lodges with a character such as tented safari camps, tree houses in the wild, off the beaten rustic wildlife safari lodges and small authentic wildlife hotels. As a local wildlife specialist in Sri Lanka, we possess local wildlife secrets, hence your wildlife tour in Sri Lanka will not be an off-the-shelf or one-for-all wildlife tour, but an expertly crafted true local wildlife experiential journey in Sri Lanka .

Recommended Wildlife Tours itineraries in Sri Lanka

A collection of time tested wildlife safari tours in Sri Lanka that give the wildlife enthusiasts the opportunity to experience a diverse collection of "must experience" wildlife experiences in Sri Lanka.

Endemic Bird Watching tour in Sri Lanka in Sinharaja Rain Forest

2 days wildlife tour of sri lanka, starting from us$ 726 pp.

Wildlife Tour of Yala & Udawalawe

Colombo - Udawalawe - Yala - Colombo

Starting From US$ 360 pp

Yala & Udawalawe Wildlife Tour with Whale Watching in Mirissa

3 days wildlife tour of sri lanka.

Mirissa – Yala - Udawalawe

Starting From US$ 435 pp

Wildlife & Bird Watching Tour in Sri Lanka in the North West - North Central & Central

4 days wildlife tour of sri lanka.

Anawilundawa – Wilpattu - Minneriya

Starting From US$ 675 pp

Most popular wildlife & bird watchig tour in Sri Lanka

Wild world of sri lanka.

Sinharaja - Mirissa - Yala - Horton Plains - Kitulgala - Minneriya - Wilpattu - Anuradhapura - Colombo

Starting From US$ 1990 pp

Wild South of Sri Lanka

Sinharaja - Tangalle - Kalamatiya - Udawalawe - Yala - Colombo

Starting From US$ 1770 pp

Off the beaten wildlife expedition in Sri Lanka

Wilpattu - Minneriya - Wasgamuwa

Starting From US$ 1045 pp

Wildlife Photography Tour in Sri Lanka

Colombo - Sinharaja - Mirissa - Bundala - Yala - Kitulgala - Minneriya - Sigiriya - Habarana

Starting From US$ 6810 pp

Ultimate Wildlife Safari of Sri Lanka

Sinharaja - Mirissa - Bundala - Yala - Buttala - Udawalawe - Kitulgala - Sigiriya - Minneriya - Wilpattu - Kalpitiya - Colombo

Starting From US$ 5050 pp

Sri lanka, the best wildlife destination out of africa.

Sri Lanka is Asia's foremost wildlife destination and probably the best outside Africa. In fact, Sri Lanka has been recognized as one of the ten global bio diverse hotspots in the world. Beautiful Sri Lanka, situated in the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean is a relatively small island yet blessed with some of the world's greatest natural treasures that are beyond comparison.

Travel in any direction North, South, East or West and you are in for some exciting wildlife moments, take our word, every corner of Sri Lanka reverberates with the sounds of the natural world!

Recommended Bird Watching Tours Itineraries in Sri Lanka

Bird Watching Tour of Sri Lanka

Bird watching tour in sri lanka.

Negombo - Sinharaja - Nuwara Eliya - Habarana - Sigiriya - Colombo

Starting From US$ 1650 pp

Bird watching tour itinerary in Sri Lanka for 10 days

egombo - Anawilundawa - Wilpattu - Sigiriya - Kitulgala - Bundala - Yala - Colombo

Starting From US$ 1863 pp

Ultimate bird watching tour in sri lanka.

Negombo - Anawilundawa - Mannar - Wilpattu - Sigiriya - Kandy - Nuwara Eliya - Kitulgala - Sinharaja - Bundala - Kirala Kele - Colombo

Starting From US$ 2938 pp

Whole of sri lanka is a nature reserve, a rich biodiversity, the biological diversity in this little island, sri lanka has an unbelievable proportion of endemism for both flora and fauna; to be more specific 23% of flora and 16% of fauna are endemic to the country., plethora of fauna and flora, there are close to sixty national parks and reserves situated all over sri lanka, some of them unesco world heritage sites because of their high biodiversity, each one unique and exclusive for specific species of fauna and flora. still more the sinharaja rain forest , a main and biosphere forest reserve believed to be one of the finest tropical ecosystems in the whole of asia is teeming with endemism; close to 140 endemic trees, 20 endemic species of birds, with over 50 percentage endemism amongst butterflies, fish, amphibians, and reptiles; it's a treasure trove that's waiting to be discovered. click to read more about national parks of sri lanka., big 4 of sri lanka, adding value to the this incredible wildlife destination are the big four; the sri lankan elephant listed by iucn as endangered can be seen in large herds sometimes as large as 400 at the annual spectacle called the "gathering", leopard listed as endangered by iucn makes claim to the world's largest leopard densities in the world, the incredible sloth bear listed as highly endangered by iucn and the largest animal on earth the blue whale . click to read more about bif 4 of sri lanka ., primates of sri lanka, don't forget the primates; the red slender loris , the toque macaque and the purple faced langur , all identified as endangered by iucn, surviving in their natural habitats. click to read more about primates of sri lanka, sri lanka, birder's paradise, this little island is a birders paradise too it is home to 439 species of birds of which 33 are endemic with 68 endemic sub species, 236 are breeding residents, 203 are migrants and the rest vagrants along with hundreds of birding sites that makes it easy to observe these feathered beauties in their natural habitats, no matter in which part of the country you are. click to read more about birds of sri lanka ., read more about sri lanka's wildlife.

Tusker elephants of Kalawewa National Park

Kalawewa was declared as a National Park in 2015 and expanse of forest is surrounding the giant Kalawewa and Balalu Wewa tanks which were constructed by King Datusena in the 5th Century.

Leopards and Bird Watching in Kumana NP

Kumana National Park is situated in the eastern part of the Yala National Park and is home to three out of big four of Sri Lanka. The elusive Leopard,Sloth Bear and the Asian Elephant.

Bird Watching in Gal Oya National Park

Maduru Oya National Park is one of the National Parks of Sri Lanka. It was designated as a National Park on 9th November 1983.

Bird Watching in Anawilundawa Sanctuary

The Anawilundawa bird sanctuary is situated in the Puttalam district it is situated in the between of Chilaw puttalam railway line.

Best Bird Watching sites in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a birder’s paradise. It's a tropical island in the Indian Ocean and called as “pearl of the Indian Ocean”it is situated ten degrees north to equator.

Lesser Known Attractions of Maduru Oya National Park

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Location Sri Lanka

Details 15 DAYS FROM 11000 PP

Best time to go DEC - MAR

Classic Sri Lanka Explorer Safari

This safari combines wildlife, culture and beaches to provide you with a fantastic overview of Sri Lanka. From the ancient city of Polonnaruwa to the leopards of Wilpattu, the imposing Sigiriya Rock Fortress to the palm-fringed beaches of Galle, there is something for everyone on this beautiful isle.

Travel to some of Sri Lanka's natural and cultural highlights, from the jungles of Wilpattu and Gal Oya National Parks to the ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the important pilgrimage site of the Temple of the Tooth. Journey off the beaten track as you search for leopards in Wilpattu, the largest and oldest national park on the island, before heading south to the ‘cultural triangle’ to explore the historical cities of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura. You will also get the chance to visit the indigenous Veddha people in the remote Gal Oya National Park, and hike through the rolling hills of Sri Lanka’s famous tea plantations.

On your arrival into Sri Lanka you will be met by your guide and transferred to your first hotel, located on a beautiful pineapple plantation an hour from the airport. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and recover from your flight. You may wish to relax by the pool or explore the plantation on a gentle hike.

Transfer north along the coastal road to Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka’s largest and one of its oldest national parks. Wilpattu, also known as the land of lakes owing to its many ‘willus’, is one of the best locations for spotting leopard in Sri Lanka. Arrive in time for lunch at your jungle camp before heading out on your first game drive in the later afternoon. In the evening, return to camp for dinner under the stars.

Transferr to your base in the ‘cultural triangle’. The area is home to countless historical and cultural sites, from the ancient cities of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura, to the incredible engineering-feat of Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the Buddhist temple of Dambulla, as well as many lesser known sites. In the afternoon, settle in to your new surroundings and relax before tomorrow’s adventures.

Head to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, situated atop a high limestone monolith and enjoying incredible views over the surrounding countryside. The rock is best climbed in the cool of the early morning, when you can take time to enjoy the ancient frescoes found in caves as you climb. After lunch in a local restaurant, you will be taken to the ancient site of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s second capital city. While afternoon visits can be warmer, they enjoy much smaller crowds, enhancing your visits to the many Buddha statues, stupas and monuments found across the site.

Explore Sri Lanka’s first capital city, the ancient city of Anuradhapura. This well-known historical site is vast, and is home to ancient stupas, pagodas and Buddha statues, as well as a sacred Bo Tree which dates back to 245 BC.

Transfer to the mountains and Gal Oya National Park. The park is one of the few parks in Sri Lanka where you can enjoy safaris by jeep, on foot or by boat, on the largest reservoir in the country, Senanayake Samudraya. Spend the afternoon exploring the park before enjoying an evening under the stars in this remote region of the island.

Drive out of the mountains to Sri Lanka’s second largest city, Kandy. The city is known for its beautiful botanical gardens and the famed Temple of the Tooth, a popular pilgrimage site where a relic of the Buddha’s tooth is housed. Head to the Temple of the Tooth for the morning unveiling of the Buddha’s tooth before moving down to the railway station to board your train into the hills. Winding through the tea plantations, you will be able to observe a variety of wildlife from the open doors of the train. Your driver will meet you in Hatton, from where you will be transferred to your hotel.

Spend time enjoying the Sri Lankan coast and exploring Galle. Take an evening walking tour of the fort, where you will get the chance to learn all about its history and seek out the hidden nooks and crannies that only the locals know about! The rest of your time is at your leisure to explore or relax as you wish.

Why book this trip

Beautiful landscapes.

Get off the beaten path in the scenic Gal Oya National Park.

Leopard Sightings

Seek out leopards in one of Sri Lanka’s oldest national parks, Wilpattu.

Soak up the culture in ancient cities, temples and verdant tea plantations.

Beach Relaxation

Relax on the beaches of the south coast and explore the town of Galle.

Accommodation highlights

Gal oya lodge.

Situated in the relatively unexplored east province of Sri Lanka, Gal Oya Lodge is a paradise for wildlife-lovers looking to explore on foot, in jeeps and even by boat on Sri Lanka’s only boat safari. Stay in sumptuous eco-friendly accommodation with a combination of traditional and modern features and spectacular views of the mountainous region.

Cape Weligama

Designed to encapsulate the essence of a traditional Sri Lankan village, featuring forty opulent villas and residences. Each of these dwellings is arranged around a quaint courtyard, shared by a small cluster of 3 to 4 villas, and boasts access to a communal pool. The resort offers a diverse selection of international restaurants, serving up exquisite cuisine and guests can indulge in the pleasures of a 60-meter crescent-shaped pool. With all rooms offering captivating sea views, this resort is perfectly positioned for breathtaking sunsets. A wide range of activities awaits guests, from kayaking, surfing, and diving to cycling and spa treatments right in the comfort of your villa, ensuring an engaging and rejuvenating stay.

What to expect on this safari

Best Sri Lanka Safari: 8 Park Comparison guide

Sri Lanka might be a small island, but it’s an island that’s absolutely packed with wildlife and wilderness, and it’s fast becoming one of the most popular destinations in the world to go on safari. 

Africa might the traditional haunt of safari-goers, but Sri Lanka can easily compete with the best that the African plains or the rainforests or rivers have to offer.

Across Sri Lanka’s many national parks, you can find everything from elephants to leopards, while whales cruise along the coastline and birds migrate in vast numbers to the forests through the year.

A Sri Lanka safari might just be the ultimate experience in the country, and to help you decide which is the best one for you, here’s our ultimate comparison guide!

Don’t leave home without:  Lonely Planet Sri Lanka (Travel Guide)

Best Sri Lanka Safari: 8 Park Comparison Guide

Table of Contents

Yala National Park

Yala National Park could easily be the country’s most well known national park, and of course, it’s the perfect place for a Sri Lanka safari . It’s one of the country’s largest nature reserves, as well as being the most visited, and in Yala, you can find the best of Sri Lanka’s wildlife.

The huge national park encompasses several different ecosystems, ranging from semi-arid landscapes to dense wetlands.

That means that a huge variety of wildlife can be spotted here, including elephants, sloth bears, and water buffalo, which are the main mammals that tourists are looking to see on a Sri Lanka safari.

Yala also has the highest density of leopards in the country, making this prime leopard spotting territory.

Yala National Park is located in the south-east of the country, and it’s relatively easy to get here from Colombo, or from other parts of Sri Lanka. The best time to visit the park is generally in the dry season when the roads are open and there’s no chance of flooding.

Wildlife is easier to spot too because they tend to congregate around the watering holes. The dry season runs roughly from February through to June in Yala National Park.

Our top recommended safari’s in Yala National Park:

• Private Day-Trip to Yala National Park Including BBQ Dinner on the Beach
• Private Safari at Yala National Park
• Yala National Park Private Safari

Kumana National Park

Kumana National Park is the rebranded name for what was for many decades known simply as Yala East National Park. Kumana is technically part of the wider Yala area, however, it’s well worth making a trip here for its own sake, to see what a Sri Lanka Safari here has to offer.

The quick answer to that is that a Sri Lanka safari in Kumana National Park has a lot to offer, particularly if you are a lover of birds. This is a nature reserve that’s primarily set up for bird watching, but you can see all other kinds of wildlife here too.

It’s not as well advertised or well known as the traditional safari areas within Yala National Park, but that just makes it a quieter place to visit, with much less tourism.

While you’re less likely to see elephants or leopards in Kumana, you might find the experience more enjoyable on the whole, as the roads are almost empty and the whole park feels much rawer than its neighbors.

May to June is the best time of the year to visit if you’re bird watching, as this is when nesting season is, and you’ll see may rare species flocking here from thousands of miles away during their annual migrations to Sri Lanka. 

Our top recommended safari’s in Kumana National Park:

• Kumana National Park Wildlife Safari
• Jeep Safari at Kumana National Park
• Afternoon Safari in Kumana National Park

Udawalawe National Park

Also found in the south of the country, Udawalawe National Park is another popular destination for a Sri Lanka safari. It’s just a few hours drive from Colombo, making this an easy national park to access, particularly if you’re short on time in the country.

Of course, that also means that Udawalawe National Park can be busy, but if you’re looking to find elephants, there are few better places than here to go on safari.

This is elephant country because the reserve is home to a large population of Sri Lankan Elephants that number up to 250, and can frequently be found at the local watering holes within the national park. 

While leopards, buffalo and sloth bear also live within the park, they are incredibly rare. If you do see one of these beautiful creatures though, it will make the experience even better.

Elephants can be seen here all through the year, but for your own comfort, it’s best to visit between May and September when there’s little rainfall in Udawalawe.

Our top recommended safari’s in Udawalawe National Park:

• Udawalawe National Park Safari trip from Galle/Mirissa/Ella
• Private Safari: Udawalawe National Park Safari
• Private Day Tour: Udawalawe National Park Safari

Horton Plains National Park

North of Udawalawe, you can find Horton Plains National Park, which is a great place to visit if you are looking to escape the heat and humidity of Sri Lanka’s lowlands. Horton Plains is located high up, at an altitude of just over 2000 meters, meaning it’s much cooler than other national parks. 

This is rocky, rugged, mountainous terrain, and it’s a unique place to go on a Sri Lanka Safari. While you can’t find larger animals such as elephants or leopards here, you can find a diverse range of deer species and plenty of birdlife.

It’s a great place for hiking too, given the cool climate and the magnificent views from the mountain tops.

You can visit waterfalls, seeing crashing rivers and even walk to the World’s End, a dramatic clifftop where the rocks literally drop away far below you. It’s cool all year round in Horton Plains National Park, however, the area gets hit hard during the monsoon seasons.

You’re best visiting in the dry, between January and March, to avoid the heavy rainfall that comes for much of the rest of the year. 

Our top recommended safari’s in Horton Plains National Park:

• Horton Plains National Park Tour
• Horton Plains National Park : Private Guided Trekking Tour
• Horton Plains National Park Tour With Scenic Train Ride

Kaudulla National Park

For a more traditional Sri Lanka safari, then head to Kaudulla National Park , which is located in the country’s North Central Province. The park is renowned for its elephant safaris, and you’re almost guaranteed to spot them in huge numbers in the wild here.

Kaudulla is harder to get to from Colombo than other national parks, but it’s worth the extra effort and travel time because you’ll find that are far fewer tourists here than in the south of Sri Lanka. 

The dry season runs from April through to October, but if you want to see huge herds of elephants moving through the park then head to Kaudulla towards the end of September, when the animals begin migrating through Kaudulla in search of the large water reserves that are found here. 

As well as the elephants, you can find a whole range of other animals too, from leopards and sloths to deer and boar. 

Our top recommended safari’s in Kaudulla National Park:

• Private Tour: Kaudulla National Park Safari
• Elephant Safari Kaudulla National Park: Private Tour

Minneriya National Park

Also found in North Central Province, Minneriya National Park is a great place to visit after exploring Kaudulla National Park, as they are located incredibly close to one another. 

Minneriya National Park is also known for its huge elephant herds, and in fact, the same elephants are found migrating from this national park, into Kaudulla.

If it’s the elephants your after, then head here in the dry season, between April and September, when the herds congregate around the large water reservoirs that are found within the park.

When it comes to the end of September though, they’ve usually drunk those reserves dry, and that’s when they move on into Kaudulla National Park. 

Our top recommended safari’s in Minneriya National Park:

• Minneriya National Park Safari
• Visit Sigiriya and Jeep Safari at Minneriya National Park
• Minneriya National Park Day Tour

Gal Oya National Park

If you’re looking for a change from the standard jeep safari while you’re in Sri Lanka, then head to Gal Oya National Park, where instead of traveling overland in search of the wildlife, you can take a cruise along the river.

Gal Oya National Park is located on Sri Lanka’s eastern coast, and this is ecotourism at its best in the country. The park protects one of the largest water reservoirs in Sri Lanka, and it’s fed by a network of waterways. 

You can stay at riverside lodges, before taking to the water in local boats to experience one of the most exciting Sri Lanka safaris. As you cruise along the quiet rivers you can spot wildlife in the surrounding trees and foliage, and within the national park, you can find deer, buffalo, and even leopards.

The park is also home to a permanent population of elephants, while Bird Island is an important nesting ground for Sri Lankan birds. 

Our top recommended safari’s in Gal Oya National Park:

• Gal Oya National Park Boat Safari
• Overnight adventure tour to Gal Oya National Park with Return Transfers
• Afternoon Game Drive in Gal Oya National Park with MICE Team

Whale Watching Safaris

As well as the bountiful national parks that are found on land, the country has a growing reputation for whale watching, and in the right season, along much of the coastline, you can see these beautiful marine mammals on the open ocean.

Whale Watching makes for a great Sri Lanka safari, and you can spot them along the southern and eastern coast at different points throughout the year.

Mirissa, on the south coast, is the most popular spot in Sri Lanka for whale watching, with spectacular, sandy beaches and plenty of great hotels and tourist infrastructure that makes for an all-round excellent experience.

The whales make their first appearance in November, and you can spot them right up until April.

After April, the whales begin to move along the eastern coast, as they migrate north. You can head far north to Trincomalee between June and October. You can see many different species on a whale watching Sri Lanka safari, ranging from Blue Whales and Sperm Whales to Minke Whales and Orcas. 

Our top recommended Whale Watching Safari’s:

• Whales Watching at Mirissa
• Mirissa Whale Watching
• Whale Watching Tour

More on Sri Lanka:

• Ultimate Sri Lanka Itinerary: 2 Weeks to 4 Weeks
• The Most Spectacular Places to Visit in Sri Lanka
• 10 Sri Lanka Beaches You’d Be Foolish to Miss
• 11 Epic Reasons to Visit Arugam Bay (Spoiler: Epic Breaches!)
• 10 Epic Things to do in Ella, Sri Lanka
• 9 Epic Reasons to Visit Mirissa, Sri Lanka
• Boogie Boarding in Sri Lanka

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Lina is an award-winning photographer and writer that has been exploring the world since 2001. She has traveled to 100 countries on all 7 continents. Member: SATW, NATJA, ATTA, ITWA

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Explore the wondrous wildlife on offer on the eco-diverse island of Sri Lanka. The 26 iconic and unique National Parks offer an opportunity for wild adventure across amazing landscapes spotting wildlife that is endemic to the country. From the stealthy leopards to the lazy sloth bears, the majestic elephants and the diverse species of birds, you are sure to find adventure no matter what you are looking for.

The best time to visit is when the water tables are getting low and animals come out to the vast lakes to quench their thirst. This is usually between March and October. The world famous Minneriya Elephant gathering for example, happens from the end of July to September. Birdwatching enthusiasts are advised to visit in either November or April when migration is at its peak.

Popular Safari Destinations in Sri Lanka

• Yala National Park
• Wilpattu National Park
• Minneriya National Park
• Gal Oya National Park
• Udawalawa National Park
• Wasgamuwa National Park
• Kaudulla National Park
• Maduru Oya National Park
• Bundala National Park
• Kumana National Park

Family Travel

Take a jeep ride through the wildlife filled national parks with the entire family and spot the leopards in Yala, the Elephants in Minneriya or the sloth bears in Wilpattu...

Romantic Escapes

If you and your partner love nature then get ready to enjoy each other’s company in the heart of the wild on a daytime safari with the sun beating down on your necks...

Group Holidays

Travelling in a band is always fun, and with the hosts of adventures that await you in Sri Lanka, there is no better destination to make memories with your friends...

Solo Travel

If you are a solo traveller in search of your own piece of wild, then look no further than the shores of Sri Lanka. With its lush green forests teeming with wildlife...

Wildlife Safari in Sri Lanka

Indigenous Experience in Sri Lanka

Birding in Ceylon

Hidden Treasures & Jungle Trails

Ultimate Adventures of Sri Lanka

A Wildlife Expedition of a Lifetime

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Our complete guide to planning a safari in sri lanka in 2024.

When visiting the wonder of Asia that is Sri Lanka, your itinerary wouldn’t be complete without a trip to one of the amazing Safaris on offer in the country.

When you think of a safari, we typically think of Africa, but don’t underestimate the greatness of a Sri Lanka Safari.

It is easily one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka and when it came to deciding what safari in Sri Lanka I would opt for, there was A LOT of choice.

So I figured to make your life a little easier, a guide covering all you need to know about safaris in Sri Lanka and highlighting the best safaris in Sri Lanka would be pretty useful.

So, with that in mind, keep reading this guide to create the perfect Sri Lanka safari holidays...

Travellerspoint

Let’s begin with our experience

We visited the Wilpattu National Park Safari which is well known for its leopard sightings, and is actually the reason I choose it.

I l ove elephants , but I’ve seen a lot of elephants, so I figured we could try and spot something different.

It was an AMAZING safari, and fantastically priced on booking. com and you can read about the experience here .

But imagine, staying in a luxury tent, dining underneath the stars, and you’ll have a taste of what a Wilpattu National Park Safari is like.

Going on safari in Sri lanka

There are 22 Sri Lanka national parks.

But with so much choice, it’s hard to know where to start searching for the perfect Sri lanka safari tours.

Sri Lanka wildlife consists of amazing elephants, bears, leopards and so much more.

Here’s a detailed look at the 6 most popular national parks in Sri Lanka for safaris.

Yala safaris in Sri Lanka

About Yala national park

Yala national park is probably the most popular and well known safari in all of Sri Lanka.

It’s the second largest national park in Sri Lanka and it’s a wonderful safari experience for all, especially families.

Yala safari is located around six hours from Colombo which is why most people organise a tour here (some of which I’ve listed below).

Animals to see in Yala national park safari: ‍

• 215 bird species including , Sri Lanka wood pigeon, blue-tailed bee-eater, amongst many others
• 44 mammals including, the famous Sri Lankan elephant, leopards (Yala has the highest density of leopards in the world), the Sri Lanka sloth bear, and many more.
• 47 reptile species including the Sri Lankan flying snake, Indian cobra, and saltwater crocodile, among others.

The only problem with Yala is that because it is so popular, you’re going to be in a park that is filled with jeeps.

You may even see more jeeps than animals, and because of the high number of visitors, the chances of seeing leopards is slim due to the noise etc.

But, you have a very high chance of seeing lots of elephants, so if you love elephants and don’t mind the crowds, then it’s a great choice!

This is probably the best elephant safari Sri Lanka has to offer.

If you're wondering when the best time to visit yala national park is then be aware that Yala is closed during the drought season from the 1st of September to the 15th of October, but you can visit other national parks at this time, including Wilpattu.

Be aware that all my safari suggestions below include accommodation and safari for one night unless otherwise stated. I always find it’s best to get everything booked beforehand, plus it makes you excited!

Best luxury safaris in Yala

If you want an luxury safari sri lanka experience in Yala national park, then these spots will not fail to deliver.

Yala National Park All-Inclusive 2-Day Safari At The Leopard Nest Campsite

$450 per person

This is an excellent Sri Lanka safari that offers luxurious accommodation amongst the jungle with an all inclusive experience.

Imagine sleeping in a luxury treehouse with your own camp fire underneath the stars.

The price is excellent for the beautiful accommodation, all your food and drink and two game drives with a professional and qualified guide.

It also includes pick up from Colombo, Mount Lavinia and Negombo, Kalutara, Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Galle, Unawatuna , Mirissa and Weligama, which is excellent.

They take care of everything, so all you need to worry about is spotting animals and having an amazing time!

You can do a 2 night version of this same trip but with Viator.

Remember if you do a 2 day safari you'll have a better chance of experiencing a night safari Sri Lanka style.

Kulu Safari

$725 for two people all inclusive

This is a brilliant safari tour and you can go for an all-inclusive option that includes all your food, drinks, alcohol drinks and 2 game drives. Great value.

The accommodation is in the style of luxury tents with little decks which is perfect for dining under the stairs.

It will feel like you're camping in Sri Lanka, but in ultimate luxury.

Book it here.

Chena Huts by Uga Escapes

Prices start at $700 for two people all inclusive

An all-inclusive stay with accommodation location within the jungle and a safari experience.

Everything is included within this price , food, drinks, alcoholic drinks, spa experiences. It’s TOTAL luxury, but it’s expensive, but you can see why.

It's the perfect jungle safari in Sri Lanka.

Take me with you. ‍

Book your stay here.

Best budget safaris in Yala

If you want a budget experience in Yala national park, then you’ll need to book cheap accommodation within Yala vicinity then book a day safari.

You’ll still get all the animal sightings experience, but miss out on the camping and dinner under the stars.

Below are some great value choices.

Viator Budget Yala Half Day Safari Experience

$37.50 per person

Includes pick up and drop off from your hotel in Yala, Katagrama area, and a 4 hour safari keep experience.

‍ Get it here.

Viator Private Yala Half Day Safari

$38.25 per person

If you’re on time constraints, then this is a great choice.

It includes pick up from your hotel and you can arrange an early money or afternoon safari experience to suit your day.  Includes a private driver for a private experience.

Great choice for couples on a budget looking for a Yala safari.

Get it here.

Yala day safari from Mirissa 

For just $32 with Klook, you can take this awesome day tour safari of Yala National Park from Mirissa.

Transfers and safari experience included but you will need to pay the entrance fee to the national park. There is a morning and afternoon safari option too! Great for those on a strict budget. 

Book it here. 

Elephant Lake Yala  

$220 dollars per night

I’ve also included this one, as I think it’s a budget option for two reasons:

• You can book an all-inclusive option that includes your accommodation, all your food, all alcohol drinks and a half day safari for only $105 dollars each, which is BRILLIANT value for absolutely everything.
• You can book to stay in a tent and just breakfast for $33 dollars each per night and add on a safari experience.

Book your amazing stay here.

Best mid range safaris in Yala

Eco island sri lanka tented safari camp yala.

$288 per night (based on two people sharing)

This mid-range accommodation offers you the chance to stay in a beautiful tent within the jungle alongside breakfast and dinner under the stairs.

The price includes a 5 hour game drive and it’s a great choice for those who have a little extra to spend and would like the overnight experience of a safari.

5 hours is a good amount of time to see some amazing animals!

Book your experience here.

Big Game Camp Yala

$264 per night (based on two people sharing)

Big Game camp is the company that Bradley and I stayed with in Wilpattu, and they offer safari experiences in both Yala and Udawalawe.

You get five star service for a mid range price, and I personally think it’s excellent value for money.

You get to stay in a luxury tent underneath the stars in jungle surroundings. The dining underneath the stars in the evening is a spectacular experience with a 5 course meal.

The staff at Big Game Camp are outstanding across the board and you’ll truly not want to leave!

With the safari option you get a half day safari, an afternoon tea, and breakfast and dinner under the stars.

Book your Big Game Safari Stay here.

Best luxury Yala safari for couples and honeymoons

I’ve included two safaris which I think ooze romance and bliss for couple travellers who simply want to have a romantic safari experience, or who are celebrating their honeymoon.

These are both all inclusive options and include two game drives.

The tents are beyond luxurious and it’s a truly wilderness safari experience that screams romance.

You’ll see what I mean…

Jetwing Safari Camp (All Inclusive)

$467 based on two people sharing

Get it here

Yala Tented Camp by Ajith Safaris - All Inclusive

$678 based on two people sharing

Wilpattu safaris in Sri Lanka

About Wilpattu national park

Wilpattu national park is the oldest and largest national park in Sri Lanka.

It was actually closed for 16 years during the Sri Lankan civil war, but is now open to the public again.

Wilpattu national park is a perfect choice if you’re visiting the cultural hubs of Anuradhapura as it’s only 30 minutes away by tuk tuk.

This is the park Bradley and I visited and it’s wonderful.

In my opinion, it's the best safari park in sri lanka.

It’s famous for its natural pools of water that exist, so you get a true essence of the “wild” here.

It’s the perfect safari in Sri Lanka for all seasons as both the wet and dry season bring different types of animals.

For example, the wet season is meant to bring greater sightings of sloth bears, but we got to see one in the dry season too!

Wilpattu national park is around 4 hours from Colombo.

Wilpattu is among the top national parks world-renowned for its leopard population, which is why Bradley and I visited.

The best time to visit Wilpattu is February to October, but you can visit all year round with certain eco groups.

Animals to see in Wilpattu national park safari: ‍

• Birds: there are lots of amazing birds to see including The painted stork, the open bill, little cormorant, Sri Lankan junglefowl among others
• Mammals: 31 species of mammals have been identified so far including the Sri Lanka elephant, the Sri Lankan sloth bear, leopards, water buffalo, spotted deer, amongst others
• Reptiles: The most common reptiles include the common cobra, the mugger crocodile, Indian python amongst others

Wilpattu is a quiet national park, probably because it was closed for so long, but that’s a good thing.

You will only come across 2 or 3 jeeps on your journey (if even that) and you will truly feel like you’ve got the whole park to you and the wildlife, which I think is what a true safari experience should be like.

So if you want a secluded Sri Lankan Safari experience, then this is the perfect one for you.

Best luxury safaris in Wilpattu

Mahoora tented safari camp all-inclusive.

$639 per two people sharing

This is a fantastic all-inclusive option for a Wilpattu Safari experience.

It includes everything you could ever need, food, drink, alcohol drinks, One Half-day safari ride in a luxury jeep with forward-facing seats, even a picnic lunch on the safari day, and much more.

Leopard Trails Wilpattu

$1009 per night per two people sharing

A 5 star resort that oozes luxury, and it’s no surprise with the price.

It includes everything you need including, food, drinks, alcoholic drinks, and two game drives.

Best budget safaris in Wilpattu

Private day tour.

If you’re looking for a budget option then this private day tour is a great option!

Afternoon game drive

If you are on a time constraint, then an afternoon safari in Wilpattu is a great idea. This tour leaves from Anuradhapura, which is perfect as it’s only 20 minutes away and something you can do after a morning of sightseeing in the area!

Budget Day Trip from Anuradhapura 

Another awesome budget option is this tour with Klook which is only $35. You can book it here.  

Best mid range safaris in Wilpattu

Big game camp wilpattu  .

This is the safari in Sri Lanka that Brad and I went on. I think this is the best Sri Lanka safari on offer.

I can say it’s amazing value, an amazing experience and you can read all about it here.

‍ Book here: This is my absolute highest recommendation for luxury, value and experience.

Udawalawe safaris in Sri Lanka

About Udawalawe national park

Udawalawe national park is located near South of Sri Lanka and it is literally bursting with Sri Lankan elephants.. .more than 500, so it’s an elephant lovers dream.

You’re almost guaranteed to spot them with those numbers.

Udawalawe national park safari is located 4 hours from Colombo and is the 3rd most popular Sri Lankan safari.

Within the park there is even a he Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home was established in 1995 for the purpose of looking after abandoned elephant calves within the park. Cute right?

The best time to visit a Udawalawe safari in Sri Lanka is all year.

It’s an all year park due to its location, which makes it a perfect spot for any Sri Lankan itinerary.

Animals to see in Udawalawe national park safari:

• Bids: Over 180 species of birds including, Sri Lanka spurfowl, red-faced malkoha, Sri Lanka grey hornbill, brown-capped babble among others. It’s actually regarded as one of the top bird watching sights in all of Sri Lanka
• Mammals: There are over 42 mammals recorded in the park, particularly notable for its Sri Lankan Asian elephants. Other mammals include, Sri Lankan leopard, sloth bear, sambar deer, wild boar among others.
• Reptiles: There are over 32 reptile species including, oriental garden lizards, mugger crocodiles, and 30 species of snakes, among others.

This is a perfect choice for those who want to get awesome pictures of elephants and baby elephants.

It’s a fairly popular park, but won’t have the same crowds of Yala, so it’s a good choice for those looking for something in between Wilpattu and Yala, and since it’s good for spotting animals all year round, there are no seasonal restrictions on when you visit.

That's why people love a Sri Lanka safari Udawalawe.

Best luxury safaris in Udawalawe

Master campers.

$643 per two people sharing

All all-inclusive tent jungle experience in beautiful Udawalawe.

Highly rated food, accommodation and safari experience, this is an excellent choice for families and friends. Reviews say they take you up real close to the elephants!

Price includes your alcohol, food, accommodation and two game drives.

Best budget safaris in Udawalawe

Private tour: udawalawe national park safari (half day).

Start at $31 per person

If you’d like your own romantic private safari tour of Udawalawe national park then this is a great value choice.

It’s a half day safari giving you the chance to spot some animals in a morning game drive.

Private full day tour of Udawalawe national park safari

Starts at $63 per person

If a half day simply isn’t enough for you, then opt for this private full day safari tour!

You’ll have even more chance of spotting amazing animals.

Best mid range safaris in Udawalawe

Big game camp udawalawe.

$239 per two people sharing

I’ve said before how brilliant our experience with Big Game Camp was in Wilpattu and it seems like the experience in Udawalawe is just as good according to the reviews, value and what’s offered.

I don’t think you can go wrong with choosing these guys.

Dinner and breakfast al fresco, afternoon tea, and a game drive with luxury tent accommodation.

It’s great!

Minneriya safaris in Sri Lanka

About Minneriya National Park

Minneriya national park is located in the dry zone of Sri Lanka, and it’s a perfect choice if you’re visiting Sigiriya, (which you should).

It’s one of the most important bird areas in Sri Lanka. It has an interesting elephant story…

According to the wardens, one elephant lost her baby due when pregnant due to being hit by a jeep, so as revenge, she rammed into over 15 tourists since then.

I guess elephants remember, and you should be careful not to kill their children!!!!

But yeah, so the elephants are known to be a little angry at humans, which I think is fair enough.

It’s an important spot for monkeys!

Animals in Minneriya National Park

• Birds: 160 species of birds which is why it’s an important bird area
• Mammals: It’s recorded there is 24 different types of mammals in the park including, Sri Lankan elephant, deer, purple-faced langur and toque macaque monkeys among others.
• Reptile: 25 reptiles including Painted-lip lizard,  Saltwater crocodile, Indian python, Asian water monitor, among others.

Fun fact, this national park safari has over 25 species of butterflies!

People tend to take a Minneriya national park safari for the chance of seeing elephants and monkeys.

So if you’re a fan of both, then this is a good spot.

A good time to take a Minneriya national park safari is July to September as that’s when the elephants flock there.

Best safaris in Minneriya

With regards to booking online, there isn’t a WIDE range of choice, but there is a good value private tour listed below.

This is because the park isn’t as popular as other marks, so it’s really only worth a day tour, rather than an overnight safari experience.

If you’re on a time constraint, then opt for this.

Because you will be near Sigiriya , it’s always worth staying there, then doing your safari from there. It’s popular for companies and lodges to offer safaris with them too.

If you need a place to stay near Minneriya, then I recommend the Cassandra Culture Resort , because it’s cheap, luxurious and has amazing views.

You won’t regret it, trust me.

Private tour of Minneriya national park

$44 per person

If you’d like your own private safari tour of Minneriya national park sorted before you arrive, then this is a good choice.

It also offers pick up and drop off within the area which will save on tuk tuk costs!

Bundala safaris in Sri Lanka

About Bundala National Park

Bundala National Park is an internationally important wintering ground for migratory water birds in Sri Lanka. It’s located in the Southern area of Sri Lanka and it well known for its bird population and it’s located around 4.5 hours from Colombo.

I haven’t heard much about this park in terms of reviews, and it’s very close to Yala so it probably loses a lot of competition from there, but that’s probably a good thing which makes it quieter to visit.

Animals to see in Bundala national park

• Birds: Almost a whopping 200 bird species are located in the park
• Mammals: 32 mammals inhibit the park including some elephants, leopard, wild boar, mouse deer, among others
• Reptiles: There are 43 species of reptiles including rat snake, python, crocodile, amongst others

I think is probably one of the least visited national parks in Sri Lanka and it’s not a good choice if you want to see elephants. But, if you like birds and reptiles then it’s a great choice! The best time to take a Bundala national park safari is September to March.

Best safaris in Bundala

Full day safari with picnic.

$81 per person

If you’re looking for a full day safari in Bundala then this is a great choice.

You’ll start your day at 5.30 with a pick up from your hotel and head out to find amazing animals, then you’ll stop half way through for a picnic lunch in the jungle, then head back to your hotel at around 4.30pm.

Bundala national park safari

$48 per person

You can choose from a full day or half day safari for this trip (great if you’re on a time constraint). It’s a similar experience to above, but without the picnic lunch.

Wasgamuwa safaris in Sri Lanka

About Wasgamuwa National Park

Wasgamuwa national park is located central of Sri Lanka and was actually created by the government to help displaced wild animals (one of four).

Wasgamuwa is one of protected areas where Sri Lankan Elephants can be seen in large herds and its one of the important bird areas of Sri Lanka.

It’s located around 5 hours from Colombo and the best time to visit is

Animals to see in Wasgamuwa national park

• Birds: There are 143 species of bird in the park including, Endemic red-faced malkoha, Lesser adjutant, yellow-fronted barbet, amongst others.
• Mammals: There are a recorded 23 mammals in the park including, 154 Sri Lankan elephants, monkeys, water buffalo, amongst others. Sightings of leopards and sloth bears are rare.
• Reptiles: There are 17 species including, mugger crocodile and water monitor.

If you’d like to spot some elephants in a relatively quiet

Best Wasgamuwa National Park safaris

Budget safari at wasgamuwa national park, tcs safari village  .

$40 per couple sharing

This safari village offers budget accommodation, and you can book on a great value safari trip when you are there.

They offer both full day and half way game drives.

It’s located in a wild area, so you might even spot some wildlife amongst your living surroundings!

Safari at Wasgamuwa National Park

$57 per person

This is a full day safari option, perfect if you’ve just got a day to spend and are not fussed on staying near or within the borders of the national park.

Luxury safaris at Wasgamuwa national park

Explorer by mahoora - wasgamuwa  .

$980 based on two people sharing

This is definitely a luxurious option for those looking to truly relax and unwind on their safari experience.

It’s an all inclusive option that covers your food, drink, alcoholic beverages, luxury tented accommodation and of course your high quality game drive with guide.

You even get a picnic on your drive as well!

Mid range safaris in Wasgamuwa national park

Camping in wasgamuwa national park.

You can opt to stay overnight in the park for one or two nights on an all inclusive options with tented accommodation, 3 course dinner, beer, and two safari game drives for twice the chances to spot amazing animals.

Book your stay here. ‍

Kumana national park safaris in Sri Lanka

About kumana national park.

Kumana national park safari is located near Arugam bay, and you can actually do a tuk-tuk safari before you get to the official entrance, which is pretty cool.

You can spot elephants, deer and water buffalo.

Kumana was formerly known as Yala East National Park , but changed to its present name on 5th September 2006.

It’s one of the most important bird nesting and breeding grounds in Sri Lanka with 255 species of birds have been recorded in the national park.

It’s perfect is you’re on a budget because you can drive your own tuk tuk to the park, or even pay a tuk tuk driver to take you, or of course, you can go inside the park for a game drive too!

Animals you can see in Kumana national park:

• Birds: 255 species of birds recorded, which makes it the largest bird safari in Sri Lanka
• Mammals: The different types of mammals include, the golden jackal, wild boar, Sri Lankan elephant, and the European otter.
• Reptiles: Reptiles include  Mugger crocodile, Indian flap-shelled turtle and Indian black turtle.

I think this is a good safari in Sri Lanka if you’re surfing in Arugam bay and just want something close and easy.

You might not see as many animals as you would on say, a Yala safari, but it’s fun all the same!

Best Kumana national park safaris in Sri Lanka

Private tour of kumana national park.

If you’d like a private tour experience of Kumana national park safari, then this is a great choice at a great price.

Book it here

One night camping in Kumana national park safari

If you’d like the chance to stay overnight and do camping with a safari experience, then this is a great choice and it’s even better as it’s organised from Colombo which is where you’ll be flying in to!

Ridiyagama safari park in Sri Lanka

About ridiyagama safari park.

Ridiyagama is a safari park and the first of is kind in all of Sri Lanka.

It’s 500 acres and it’s more a zoo, I’d say, except you’re the ones in cages and the animals roam free.

This was one Sri Lanka national park I wasn't aware of before my research, or during my visit.

It was open to the public in 2016, so it’s very new by Sri Lankan standards.

They have 22 different types of animals and you can do day trips to this safari park, but no camping!

This safari has animals from other countries too such as camels, zebras, lions, etc, but they all roam free.

‍ You can take a day tour to it here from Colombo.

Cost for entrance into Ridiyagama safari park:

Adult: LKR 2500.00

Children: LKR 1250.00

Common FAQ about safaris in Sri Lanka

How much do sri lanka safaris cost.

If you've been wondering about a Sri Lanka safari price, it can range greatly.

You can definitely get a cheap safari by using online websites like the suggestions I’ve made above, but mainly the cheap way to do it is to book your accommodation with booking.com and book an full day or half day tour with an online booking company.

It’s always cheaper than paying there, because you don’t have to haggle.

Check out these sites for the best deals.

• GetYourGuide ‍
• Booking.com

If you want luxury, then you can find that too, and the safaris in Sri Lanka that I suggested above are about as luxurious as it gets!

Should I book a safari before I get to Sri Lanka?

Personally I think yes. When you get to Sri Lanka and try and buy a safari in a tour or something, then you’ll often get charged more because you’re white and people often expect you to have lots of money.

It can sometimes be hard and hassle to negotiate, so if you book a tour ahead of time, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting for your money and you can pay for it in advanced.

Overall, Sri Lanka safari tours are bet bought in advance.

When is the best time to do a Sri Lanka safari?

There are safaris in Sri Lanka available all year round. So depending on the month you decide to go, you’ll find something.

Throughout this post, I’ve listed the best times to visit each safari in Sri Lanka, so use that as a guide when booking your Sri Lankan safari adventure.

What should I take with me to Sri Lanka?

For a detailed rundown of what to pack when travelling to Sri Lanka, check out our detailed packing list here .

I hope you have enjoyed my post on safaris in Sri Lanka.

I’ve tried to include every safari that is available in Sri Lanka that you could possibly want.

If you visit any of these places, let me know what you thought and if you enjoyed it.

If you're wondering what is the best safari in Sri Lanka, personally my favourite is the Big Game Camp, because that’s where I stayed, but to be honest, they all look fantastic and whatever you choose, you’ll have a wonderful safari experience in Sri Lanka!

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Luxury Safari Tours in Sri Lanka

If waking up from your deluxe canvas tent at your jungle camp, or peering out the window of your resort, to the sounds of native wildlife sounds like a dream to you then you're sure to find a tour for you. We have an array of luxury safari holidays in Sri Lanka that the whole family will enjoy.

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Sri Lanka for Families - 10 Days

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SRI LANKA WILDLIFE TOUR

3-Day Different Discovery Private Wildlife Tour

"The Rainforest Eco Lodge was an amazing place. The Yalla Leopards Nest Glamping location was muddy, so a little unpleasant arriving in the dark." Richard, traveled in January 2024

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2 Days Tour To Bentota Galle & Yala From Colombo with private driver, vehicle and H/B accommodations

Sri Lanka lover Train Trail - 11 Days

"Sri Lanka is a beautiful country with pristine, green surroundings and numerous cultural sites waiting to be explored." akirioo, traveled in March 2024

Sri Lanka Wildlife Photography Tour

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Sri Lanka Luxury Private Tour 2024

"Very happy with the tour. Good choice of hotels and very attentive guide." PaulStevens, traveled in September 2019

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Sea, Tea and Safari: Sri Lanka

7-Day Off The Beaten Nature and Wildlife tour

Overnight Luxury Glamping in Yala With Return Transfers (From Galle)

Overnight Luxury Glamping in Yala With Return Transfers (From Kandy)

In Search of Tigers & Leopards (2020) (from New Delhi to Negombo)

Sri Lanka Wildlife & Nature - 18 Days

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Overnight Luxury Glamping in Yala With Return Transfers (From Colombo)

What people love about luxury safari tours in sri lanka.

Looking to make your holiday dreams a reality? Look no further than Stelaran Holidays. Our recent excursion to Sri Lanka left us utterly enchanted, and it's all thanks to Antony and the incredible team at Drivers in Sri Lanka.Throughout our 10-day adventure, Antony served not only as our driver but as a trusted guide and friend. His wealth of knowledge and thoughtful recommendations truly enhanced our experience. From must-see attractions to hidden gems, he ensured every moment was memorable. Plus, his flexibility and cheerful demeanor made every twist and turn of our journey a delight, even with four energetic kids in tow. But the exceptional service didn't stop there. From the initial planning stages to the final farewell, Stelaran Holidays exceeded our expectations. Their dedication to crafting the perfect itinerary and their swift, helpful responses via WhatsApp made the entire process seamless. Antony and the team at Drivers in Sri Lanka aren't just in the business of planning trips; they're in the business of creating unforgettable experiences. So, if you're ready to embark on your next adventure, don't hesitate to entrust Stelaran Holidays with your holiday plans. Believe us, it's a decision you won't regret.

There was a lot of driving. The distance between Rainforest Eco Lodge and Leopards Nest in Yalla is almost 5 hours due to the elevation and dirt road conditions; the travel company estimated 3 hours which is unrealistic. I missed lunch. I wasn't disappointed as I was able to make the Safari. The Jeep driver was accommodating and brought me something to eat on the Safari. The Rainforest Eco Lodge was an amazing place. The Yalla Leopards Nest Glamping location was muddy, so a little unpleasant arriving in the dark and not being able to see what few stepping stones there were. Other than that, this is a really special place.

I wanted to express my sincere gratitude for the amazing trip to Sri Lanka that you organized for me. Visiting places like Negombo, Kandy, Nanuoya, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Yala, and Mirissa was truly an unforgettable experience. I especially cherished the scenic train journeys from Kandy to Nanu Oya and from Nanu Oya to Ella, which were simply breathtaking. Your attention to detail throughout the trip was truly commendable. I must also emphasize that Sri Lanka is a beautiful country with pristine, green surroundings and numerous cultural sites waiting to be explored. The gentle rain and cool weather only added to the charm of the trip, making it even more delightful. The hike to Little Adam's Peak and the Nine Arch Bridge was undoubtedly the highlight of my journey. Once again, thank you for organizing such a wonderful trip for me. Your service was impeccable, and I wholeheartedly recommend Stelaranholidays to anyone planning to visit Sri Lanka.

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Sri Lanka is your ultimate location for wildlife Safari experience and wildlife Safari tours & camping

Sri Lanka is a small country, yet teemed with wildlife. It has 26 national parks, The most famous ones are Yala, Wilpattu, Udawalawe, and Minneriya. Holding Eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Sinharaja Forest biosphere reserve, designated by UNESCO. It covers only a small portion of the island, 88.64 km2 to be precise, but they're home to half of all endemic and native species, including elusive cats and slender loris.

When it comes to Sri Lanka safari wildlife tours, the island nation is most famous for majestic Asian elephants and leopards, (one of the five "big cats"). This small island holds the world record for the highest leopard density in the world, here leopards are super large since they are the highest-ranking formidable predators on the island, they have evolved more like a jaguar with more muscular, more powerful maybe even more powerful than a jaguar, they roam National parks proudly with no idea of fear whatsoever. Not to mention the country has the highest density of elephants in Asia. Also, the world's largest elephant gathering happens here in Minneriya. This miracle island is not ready to stop there and push its limits to the Indian ocean and making it possible to witness the world's largest whale gathering.

If you are looking for a leopard safari, Yala and Wilpattu are the best in terms of spotting leopards mainly due to their leopard density. Yala has its prime advantage because it is more like a savanna, mostly scattered with shrubs, grasslands, and occasional big trees. If you are into elephants best parks are Udawalawe and Minnariya.

In general, Sri Lankan National parks harbor lots of animal species, including mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and Invertebrates. so contact us, for more info. We provide all-inclusive private jeep tours with free meals and do free pick-up and drop-off from close by areas to the national park. we even can tailor-make your itinerary and we provide camping in Sri Lanka as well

Best time slots to reserve a safari

MORNING GAME DRIVE

AFTERNOON GAME DRIVE

FULL DAY GAME DRIVE

Yala Safari

Yala is the most famous NP on the island because it is very likely to spot animals since it has more open areas and most of the plants are bush-like plants

Wilpattui Safari

Wilpattu NP is most popular for its leopard density, also it's a top national park in the world for its leopard, 75% of the Wilpattu NP is covered with thick jungle

Udawalawe Safari

Udawalawe NP provides Natural habitat for Srilankan elephants, Many elephants are attracted to the park because of the Udawalawe reservoir

Minneriya Safari

Witness the world's largest elephant gathering, elephant herds from 150 to as high as 700 Can be seen in Minneriya NP during the dry season

Jeep Tours In Lesser-Known National Parks In Sri Lanka

Bundala is located close to Yala, but a less-popular safari destination, if you are a bird lover this is a not to miss bird paradise and also a good place to avoid the tourist crowd, Bundala harbor not only birds, occasional leopard, elephants, reptiles, amphibians, and many other faunae. Park consists of five Lagoons providing wintering ground for migratory waterbirds, not to mention the park's harbors 197 species of birds.

Kaudulla NP

If you are a bird-watcher Kaudulla is a good place to visit. Apart from the birds, you can spot elephants, Sambar deer, chevrotain, wild boar, Axis deer, sloth bear, and occasional Leopard. The centerpiece of the park is the Kaudulla tank built by King Mahasen, surrounded by lowlands, hills, scrubland, and forest. Even you can do a boat ride in the Kaudulla tank while bird watching. Best to visit from June to September.

Wasgamuwa NP

The Wasgamuwa is the Best place to see sloth bears, highest density when compared to other parks on the island, Wasgamuwa park is a dry evergreen forest located in Sri Lanka's dry zone, the park holds More than 150 floral species and 23 species of mammals, including Elephants and many other faunae including 143 species birds, 15 species of amphibians 35 reptiles and lots of butterflies can be spotted. Also a very less-crowded park.

If you are a nature lover and like a peace of mind, Gal Oya Park's boat ride will give you a wonderful experience on your wildlife tour. Popular for its spectacular view of nature combined with man-made gigantic reservoirs to create heavenly beauty. Gal Oya National Park lies southeast of the island and is famous for a boat safari. 32 terrestrial mammals and more than 150 species of birds have been recorded in Gal Oya.

Lunugamvehera NP

The Lunugamvehera is an important habitat for elephants and water birds, also it serves as a catchment area of the Lunugamvehera reservoir and surrounding wildlife areas. Park is a vital corridor for elephants to migrate between Udawalawe and Yala. Park provides a home for 43 mammals, 12 amphibians, 21 fish species, 183 birds, and 33 reptiles. Lunugamvehera is packed with amazing views and is good for bird watchers.

The Kumana is famous for its birds and elephants, and the density of other animals remains low, however, it’s not rare to spot a leopard, along with crocodiles, wild buffalo, white cobras, and turtles. Tourist numbers on any given day remain extremely low throughout the eyer, even during high season. Ornithological rich mangrove swamp attracts birds, turning into a good place to do bird watching. There have been sightings of Black-necked stork, and tons of other birds.

Lahugala Kitulana NP

Situated in the Ampara District and is one of the smallest parks on the island. Due to its remote location, the park has almost no visits at all. Despite its size and unpopularity park has lots of endemic birds and mammals. Rusty-Spotted cat, Fishing cat, Toque Macaque, Tufted Gray Langur, Golden Jackal, Wild boar, and Axis deer are some of them. Park's Physical features consist of flat terrain and occasional rocky outcrops, with a thick jungle.

Kalawewa NP

Kalawewa was Declared recently as a National park in the year of 2015 and became more popular in the year 2019. A man-made humongous reservoir built by King Datusena in 307 B.C, Capable of holding 123 million cubic meters of rainwater which feedback to local farmlands, During the season reservoir attracts lots of elephants that reside in nearby vegetation. Safaris only can be done when water levels declined, the best time to visit will be June to July, however, this could vary depending on weather patterns. The park is also home to many birds which makes it a good place to do birdwatching as well.

SRI LANKA BIG 5 ANIMALS

1: The blue whale

2: the sperm whale, 3: the srilankan leopard, 4: the srilankan elephant, 5: the srilankan sloth bear, sri lanka safari.

By- Zanita Careem-Features editor Featured in Sunday island newspaper

Things you need to know about Safaris, beforehand.

Sri Lanka is a must-visit Safari destination in the world. A small island nation filled with hundreds of endemic species is a big draw to do a safari. The best way to have a wildlife encounter is to take a Safari Game Drive in a National park in Sri Lanka. Below you can find some of the most valuable information that nobody tells beforehand. I am sure this will clear any doubt you having what to expect on the tour itself.

It is definitely a bumpy ride.

Well, This is wilderness, so do not expect a comfortable ride like you are on an expressway, jeeps have comfortable seats with local standards and have pretty good suspensions, however, they can't absorb a sudden jerk as high-performance vehicles handle shocks.

So hold on to something and do not forget to have a good grip on your camera, unless you want it to fly away into the wilderness.

If you are on a wildlife photography tour, let Go4safri know about it beforehand. They will make arrangements for that.

Just sitting in the front row will reduce the shocks to a great extent, and the last row will have the exact opposite reaction. The last row is directly over the wheels so you will experience lots of bouncing effects. teenagers might like it.

While you are on a narrow trail watch out for tree branches, most come with thorns.

What to wear during the Safari.

It's not like Man vs Wild appeared on the Discovery channel, you are not crawling through mud with elephants, anyway, you are not allowed to step outside of the vehicle, in most locations, unless your park ranger permits you to do so, it's park rules.

However, your clothes, hair, and face might get dusty, If you prefer to stay clean no matter what, do not forget to bring a wet wipe to clean off your face.

The big picture about what you can wear is, that you can wear whatever you want, consider the blazing sun when you select your clothes.

You may get sun sunburn.

Do not forget to have sunscreen or shades. Locals can endure the heat, but not you. most of the vehicles (jeeps) have a roof, but the sun won't stay on top, most of the time.

Other important things that you should know about.

If you want to take photographs coordinate with your driver for stopping the vehicle while it is moving or you want to get into a perfect spot for your photograph, Put your camera on sport mode and keep it ready at all times, you don't know when you will encounter amazing wildlife in its natural habitat.

You will have bathroom breaks when you have your picnic breakfast and picnic lunch, if you need any additional bathroom breaks just tell the driver, but it will disrupt the Game-Drive so only drink adequate liquids.

One more thing, you will not be the only vehicle doing the tour, popular national parks have more jeeps, having the same goal as you, so you have to take it easy about the traffic jam, for the sake of the country’s incredible wildlife, you are about to witness.

Enjoy thrill-seeking wildlife tours presented by Go4Safari that let you experience the majestic attraction of nature while resting your eyes on the wilder living beings in the world of fauna and flora.'Our wildlife tours are probably the most comprehensive nature expedition in Sri Lanka said, Sameera Gamage.

Srilanka's wildlife tours are popular all over the world. From leopard safaris in Yala National Park to walking wildlife tours in the highlands of Horton Planes National Park, the experiences will always be etched in your mind – Enjoy! – The world's best destination for rich wildlife tours. Book early and enjoy your tour.

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SRI LANKA WILDLIFE HOLIDAYS

Leopards, Whales, Birds, Butterflies, Reptiles & so much more ...

Sri Lanka is the perfect tropical island for nature lovers, let us show you why.

Our Holiday Ideas

The holidays here are to highlight some of the possibilities for a wildlife holiday in Sri Lanka whatever your particular interest.

Best of Sri Lanka's Wildlife

Diversity of wildlife & habitats Iconic species - leopards, sloth bear, elephants Prolific bird life with numerous endemics Primates and reptiles  

Leopard Island Safari

• Leopard safaris in Sri Lanka at 3 very different locations
• Plenty of time in each location
• Superb holiday for keen wildlife photographers

Bush & Beach Boutique Luxury Safari

• Fabulous bush & beach location for a safari
• Famous Yala National Park for leopards, sloth bears & much more
• Stunning boutique beach hotel in Ahungalla

Whales & Leopards of Sri Lanka

Wild elephants of Uda Walawe Leopards, sloth bears & more in Yala National Park Whale watching from Mirissa: Best for blue whales, sperm whales & other cetaceans  

Discover Sri Lanka's Wildlife

Sinharaja rainforest Leopards of Yala National Park  Central Highlands and Horton Plains Famous Kandy, a cultural interlude Wilpattu safaris

Sri Lanka Bird Watching Holiday

Sri Lanka endemics Migrants birds From rainforests to dry zone and wetlands Leopards too

Sri Lanka Herpetology Tour

Sinharaja rainforests, prolific start to the trip Nawalpitiya with local expert Highlands of Horton Plains Unique montane of Knuckles Range Mannar dry zone scrub and coastal habitats Wilpattu game drive for leopards and more

Frogs of Sri Lanka - Small Group Tour

90% endemicity of frogs - 60% threatened - chance to explore many habitats Iconic species - leopards, sloth bear & elephants Prolific bird life with numerous endemics Endemic reptiles

Sri Lanka Safari & Beach

• Diversity of wildlife in Wilpattu
• Leopards, sloth bears & elephants
• Prolific bird life
• Incomparable beaches of Trincomalee

Selected Accommodation

We have picked out and stayed ourselves at a diverse range of accommodation from 5 star luxury to small boutique hotels right through to safari camps. There is a wide choice across this delightful island to suit all budgets.

Nuwara Eliya

Wild Grass Nature Resort

Anuradhapura

Water Garden Sigiriya

Villa hundira, jansens bungalow, leopard trails wilpattu, uga chena huts.

Yala National Park

Sri Sharavi Beach Villas & Spa

Parangi weligama bay.

Weligama Bay

Cape Weligama

Working with the best specialists on the ground in Sri Lanka we are able to create incredible wildlife holiday itineraries that showcase the diversity of the island's wildlife across a wide range of habitats.

On a nature holiday to Sri Lanka with us you can watch whales in the morning, and either be on the beach in the afternoon and cruising for crocodiles in the evening, or perhaps up in the cloudforests of Sinharaja finding rare owls or gazing at lizards. You can discover the high moorland grasslands of Horton Plains, the home to some of Sri Lanka's rarest endemic birds and where leopard roam. Equally you can spend time seeking leopards, birds and other wildlife in the better-known wildlife reserves of Wilpattu, Yala or Kumana. Less visited destinations include Wasgamuwa National Park where you can enjoy the butterflies and even help with elephant conservation and monitor human-elephant conflict; or Polonnaruwa where you may spend a morning walking with researchers among their troupes of habituated primates. The island is a paradise for bird watching whilst for herpetologists too there are so many endemic species to discover, and we have access to the specialists to help you whatever your interest.

During our research of the island its luxuriant tropical feeling and relaxed atmosphere really inspired us, whilst the food was delightful. Travelling was easy, even during the recent economic struggles that have now passed. In all locations we've sought out the best of the accommodation to suit your needs and there are some incredible places to rest between adventures, places where the cuisine and hospitality really shine through. Finally, it would be remiss not to mention the diverse culture and the island's size ensures that some of the highlights are easily incorporated into a wildlife holiday in Sri Lanka.

Let us show you some of the gems of Sri Lanka, the jewel in the Indian Ocean.

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8 Best National Parks For Safari In Sri Lanka (2024)

• Last Updated: April 8, 2024
• Asia , Destinations , Sri Lanka

Welcome to my comprehensive guide to the best national parks in Sri Lanka. If you’re looking to go on a wildlife safari in Sri Lanka, these parks are the best places to do it.

I’ve been fortunate enough to go on many safaris in Sri Lanka – and in several different national parks around the country. Each one was good in its own way, but quite different, as you’ll see below.

However, my favourite one by far was in Wilpattu National Park , and not only because I had amazing sightings of both a sloth bear and a leopard there.

It’s a bit more out of the way, but more than worth the extra effort to get there. If you ever get the chance to visit, do it – it’s an amazing place!

Table of Contents

National Parks in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is famous for its incredible biodiversity and spectacular landscapes. This small island nation has no fewer than 26 national parks, each one offering something unique and special.

Many of these national parks are ideal places for spotting some of the country’s iconic wildlife, such as elephants, leopards, crocodiles, sloth bears, spotted deer, and mongooses.

Sri Lanka’s national parks are important because they help to protect the diverse range of wildlife found there. They’re also really varied, from the dry savannahs of Yala to the steamy rainforests of Sinharaja.

8 Best Safaris in Sri Lanka

Going on a Sri Lanka safari trip allows you to observe a stunning array of wildlife. Your park entrance fees also help to fund various conservation efforts, ensuring that these special places, habitats, and creatures are taken care of.

Here’s my pick of the best national parks for safari in Sri Lanka.

1. Yala National Park

Yala National Park is the most visited national park in Sri Lanka and one of the best places to go on safari in the country.

This huge area spans more than 975 square kilometres (375 sq mi) across the southeast corner of the island. It’s the second-largest national park in the country (after Wilpattu).

Yala is home to a wide range of wildlife, including more than 215 species of birds, 44 mammal species, and 26 species of reptiles.

Yala boasts one of the highest densities of leopards in the world. So, it’s one of the best places to come if you want to see one of these majestic and elusive creatures in the wild.

Other highlights include Sri Lankan elephants, buffalo, sloth bears, crocodiles, monkeys, hummingbirds, jungle fowl, peacocks, toucans, and bee-eaters.

The best way to experience Yala is to take a Jeep safari through the wilderness. You’ll get to observe some of the country’s most iconic animals in their natural habitat.

Depending on where you’re coming from, you can either arrange a tour that includes transport to/from Yala (usually more expensive) or make your own way there first (usually cheaper).

It takes about 6 hours to drive to Yala from Colombo .

Most Yala tour providers offer either morning, afternoon, or full-day safari trips. This full-day safari is particularly good and includes transport to/from any hotel or guesthouse in the Yala/Tissamaharama area.

However, if you have time, I highly recommend spending at least one night in the national park.

An overnight safari in Yala allows you to experience the park at all times of day and night.

It’s a really immersive experience that takes you deep into the jungle. You’ll have the opportunity to go on multiple game drives, to maximise your chances of spotting wildlife.

There are a few luxurious tented lodges in Yala. You can stay at one of these and then organise your own game drives.

Alternatively, you can book a multi-day tour that includes game drives and accommodation. This 2-day Yala safari includes a night in a gorgeous treehouse .

Going on a safari in Yala National Park is the highlight of many people’s time in Sri Lanka. However, this is also one of the most popular (and therefore one of the busiest) national parks in Sri Lanka.

Personally, I preferred the experience at Wilpattu, which receives far fewer visitors and is much quieter, although my Yala safari trip was still very good.

Best for: Spotting leopards

Location: Southeast

Best time of year for safari in Yala National Park: February–June

Where to stay in Yala National Park (if your tour doesn’t include accommodation)

Budget: Yala Wild House (if they don’t have any availability, I’ve also stayed at Rice Rice Villas , which is a 30-minute drive away and is another great budget option)

Mid-range: Mahoora – Yala by Eco Team

Luxury/high-end: Tribe Yala OR Leopard Trails Yala

2. Udawalawe National Park

Udawalawe National Park is probably the best place to see wild elephants in Sri Lanka.

It’s home to stunning landscapes full of vegetation, abundant flora and fauna, and one of the largest concentrations of elephants in the country.

You’re virtually guaranteed to see these amazing animals at Udawalawa, either drinking and playing at waterholes, or grazing on the park’s fertile grasslands.

In addition to elephants, the park is home to an array of other wildlife, including water buffaloes, spotted deer, and exotic birds.

Crocodiles are commonly spotted along the banks of the lake and rivers throughout the park. As are Sri Lankan sambar deer, which roam around freely grazing amongst the trees and shrubs.

The park also serves as a sanctuary for orphaned elephants. Sadly, many elephants are killed each year, largely due to conflicts with humans – especially farmers whose crops are eaten or destroyed by elephants.

You can visit the Uduwalawe Elephant Transit Home (ETH) facility inside the park, which offers a unique opportunity to see some of Sri Lanka’s orphaned baby elephants up close.

Please: do not visit the unethical Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, just west of Kandy . The welfare standards here are shocking – including chaining the animals up for tourists to photograph – it’s horrible.

Uduwalawe ETH, on the other hand, is a much more ethical place. The elephants are properly looked after, visitors are kept at a distance, and the animals are eventually released back into the wild following rehabilitation.

If you’re short on time, you can even visit both Yala and Udawalawe in one (long) full-day tour .

Best for: Elephant sightings

Location: South Central

Best time of year for safari in Udawalawe National Park: December–March & May–September.

🤩 This is the most highly-rated safari tour of Udawalawe National Park (it’s also excellent value!)

🤩 This one is more expensive but includes transport to/from lots of places (including Galle , Ahangama, Mirissa , Weligama, Ella , and Hikkaduwa)

Where to stay in Udawalawe National Park

Budget: Nature House OR Green View Safari Resort OR Max Safari Villa

Mid-range: Kottawatta River Bank Resort

Luxury/high-end: Kalu’s Hideaway Udawalawe

3. Minneriya National Park

Minneriya National Park, near Sigiriya , is another amazing safari destination in Sri Lanka, and another great place to see elephants.

Minneriya is most famous for its annual Great Elephant Gathering, which occurs between July and September.

During these months, elephants from various parts of the island migrate to Minneriya National Park to feed on the lush grasses and socialize with other herds.

This is the largest gathering of Asian elephants in the world and is a truly spectacular sight.

You can see literally hundreds of elephants in one place, socialising, playing, washing, and drinking together. It’s an incredible experience!

As a natural phenomenon, the Great Elephant Gathering is keenly studied by conservationists and zoologists. It gives valuable insight into the behaviour of these amazing animals.

You can either witness it from ground level on a jeep safari, or from high above in a balloon.

Hot air balloon safaris offer a totally different perspective on Minneriya. You’ll get breathtaking aerial views of the elephants roaming freely through fields and forests below.

Keep an eye out for leopards and Sri Lankan sloth bears too. They also live here, although spotting these creatures is much rarer.

Even if you can’t visit between July and September, you’ll probably still see plenty of elephants and various other animals. It’s worth coming here either way.

Best for: Witnessing the Great Elephant Gathering

Location: North Central

Best time of year for safari in Minneriya National Park: July–September

🤩 This is the best safari tour of Minneriya National Park

Where to stay in Minneriya National Park

I’m not aware of any good places to stay in or right next to Minneriya National Park itself. (If you are, please let me know in the comments below!)

However, there are plenty of great places to stay in nearby Sigiriya , which is only a short drive away from Minneriya.

These include:

• Anu Homestay (budget)
• il Frangipane  (mid-range)
• Roo Mansala Boutique Villas (luxury)

4. Wilpattu National Park (my Favourite National Park in Sri Lanka)

If you’re looking for an authentic wilderness adventure, far away from most other visitors, I can highly recommend a trip to Wilpattu National Park .

Wilpattu is my absolute favourite national park in Sri Lanka. It’s the largest national park in the country, spanning an area of over 1,300 square kilometres (500 sq mi), and is one of its oldest protected areas.

Due to its size and remoteness, Wilpattu is much less crowded than many of Sri Lanka’s other national parks. I did this full-day jeep safari in Wilpattu and saw fewer than 10 other jeeps all day.

I also saw a sloth bear (very rare) and a leopard up close for several minutes. It was awesome!

The drive into the park is also very atmospheric. You follow a dirt track for almost an hour as the forest grows denser and denser all around you. Keep your eyes peeled for animals moving through the trees.

Then, all of a sudden, you get to a series of grassy clearings and giant lakes that are teeming with wildlife.

One of my favourite spots is the viewing tower that overlooks one of the lakes. It’s so peaceful, beautiful, and untouched. The atmosphere is truly magical and I was utterly transfixed by the surroundings.

Witpattu offers a unique, unspoiled safari experience in one of Sri Lanka’s most pristine wildernesses. It’s definitely worth making the effort to get there.

Also, if you’re visiting Anuradhapura , it’s only about an hour’s drive away. Don’t miss it!

Best for: Unspoilt nature and fewer crowds (also leopards and sloth bears!)

Location: Northwest

Best time of year for safari in Wilpattu National Park: May–October

🤩 This is the best full-day safari tour of Wilpattu National Park

🤩 Or, for the ultimate safari experience, check out this epic 2-night camping safari in Wilpattu

Where to stay in Wilpattu National Park

Budget: Big Game – Wilpattu by Eco Team

Mid-range: Leopard Cross

Luxury/high-end:   Mahoora Safari Camp OR Leopard Trails Wilpattu

5. Gal Oya National Park

Gal Oya National Park is a large conservation area that was established in 1954. In the centre of the park lies the biggest reservoir in Sri Lanka, Senanayake Samudraya.

As well as being an important source of water for irrigation in the dry eastern areas of the country, it’s also home to a huge amount of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, bears, monkeys, wild boar, deer, and water buffalo.

There are more than 200 elephants living here and you can see them throughout the year. Unlike the elephants in some other parks, the elephants in Gal Oya don’t need to migrate to find food and water during the dry season.

This makes it a good national park to visit year-round, although the elephants do tend to be more active between March and July.

One of the highlights of Gal Oya is that you can often see elephants swimming in the reservoir. I had no idea that these enormous land animals could swim – but they can. Apparently, they really enjoy it too!

Gal Oya is also one of the less-visited national parks in Sri Lanka, so is another great option for those looking to escape the crowds. It’s a paradise for any nature lover.

It’s also one of the only national parks where you can get out of your jeep and hike through the park on foot (accompanied by a guide).

Most wildlife tours in Sri Lanka don’t allow you to do this. But it’s a really exciting and unique experience and a great way to get up close to nature.

If you have time, the best way to fully experience this amazing national park is to stay in the Gal Oya Lodge, a beautiful eco-lodge with bungalows spread across 20 acres of private forest.

Best for: Walking safaris & observing elephants swimming

Location: Eastern Sri Lanka

Best time of year for safari in Gal Oya National Park: June–December

🤩 Check out this short Gal Oya safari tour

🤩 …Or, this overnight safari tour (includes 1 night at the Gal Oya Lodge + free transfers)

Where to stay in Gal Oya National Park

Budget: Charitha Rest

Mid-range: Gal Oya Lake Club

Luxury/high-end: Gal Oya Lodge OR Wild Glamping Gal Oya

6. Bundala National Park

Bird lovers: this one’s for you.

Bundala National Park is one of the best places for birdwatching in Sri Lanka. It’s known for its large flocks of migratory birds who come here to escape the cold winters of Europe and northern Asia.

There are many species of birds that live here year-round too.

Flamingos are perhaps the most famous sight in Bundala, their elegant pink presence adding an extra splash of colour to the landscape. Also keep an eye out for spoonbills, which are commonly spotted and very photogenic.

Other species that live here include pelicans, painted storks, kingfishers, egrets, cormorants, coots, black-necked storks, and various ducks.

The park also has a healthy population of wild Sri Lankan elephants, crocodiles, tortoises, jackals, monkeys, wild boars, pangolins, and snakes.

If you’re lucky, you may even spot an elusive fishing cat or a (critically endangered) rusty-spotted cat.

Bundala is a very scenic place, with its stunning coastal lagoons, lush grasslands, and intricate network of waterways teeming with wildlife.

It’s also one of Sri Lanka’s quieter national parks and offers a peaceful, uncrowded natural escape.

I’ve never actually been inside this national park. But I have ridden a motorbike on the little road that runs around the edge of it, and even then I saw loads of wildlife (birds, crocodiles, monkeys, etc.)

Best for: Birdwatching and flamingo sightings

Location: South Coast

Best time of year for safari in Bundala National Park: November–March

🤩 This is the best full-day safari tour of Bundala National Park

Where to stay near Bundala National Park

Accommodation options are very limited here. You can’t actually stay inside the national park and there aren’t many other places nearby.

Budget: Lagoon Inn

Luxury/high-end: Shangri-La Hambantota (in nearby Hambantota)

Here’s a collection of the  best safari captions and quotes .

7. Sinharaja Forest Reserve

Sinharaja Forest Reserve is Sri Lanka’s only remaining tropical rainforest. It’s been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988 due to its incredible biodiversity and huge numbers of endemic species.

Picture a dense, steamy rainforest that’s filled with exotic plants and animals, waterfalls, orchids, and giant liana vines snaking down from the thick trees. Imagine the sights, smells, and sounds.

That’s what Sinharajah is like.

It’s a really ancient forest and has been there since the Jurassic period, more than 150 million years ago!

At only 8,864 hectares (89 km²), Sinharaja Forest Reserve isn’t particularly big. However, it’s one of the densest rainforests in Asia, with roughly 240,000 plants per hectare.

Sinharaja is home to hundreds of different species of trees, plants, and animals, including mammals, birds, insects, reptiles, and amphibians.

Many rare and endangered species live here, such as leopards, purple-faced langurs, flying squirrels, grizzled giant squirrels, and Sri Lanka hanging parrots.

There are no roads through Sinharaja, the only way in is on foot. And you need to be accompanied by a guide at all times. So, the best way to explore this amazing jungle is on a guided nature walk.

Your guide will teach you about the rainforest and its inhabitants. Common sightings include chameleons, tree frogs, hump-snout lizards, monkeys, parrots, green pit vipers, hump-nosed vipers, Indian pythons, and tarantulas.

Sinharajah is an amazing destination for anyone who wants to experience a true rainforest safari in Sri Lanka.

Best for: Rainforest adventures

Location: Southwest

Best time of year for safari in Sinharaja Forest Reserve: August–April (avoid May–July, when this area experiences the heavy southwest monsoon)

🤩 This is the best full-day tour of Sinharaja Forest Reserve

Where to stay near Sinharaja Forest Reserve

Budget: Sinharaja Vini Villa

Mid-range: Dolagawa

Luxury/high-end: Boulder Garden

8. Kumana National Park

Kumana National Park is a stunning and diverse place on the wild southeast coast of Sri Lanka.

If you’re heading to Arugam Bay for a spot of surfing , this is the national park for you!

Spanning over 350 square kilometres (135 sq mi), Kumana contains a wide range of habitats including mangrove swamps, lagoons, scrublands, grasslands, and woodlands.

It’s home to loads of wildlife, such as elephants, crocodiles, and buffalo. You’ll also find large numbers of migratory birds here (from August–April), and resident species like painted storks, spoonbills, and pelicans year-round.

The park’s vast wetlands, including the picturesque Kumana Villu and numerous lagoons, provide an ideal habitat for both water and land birds.

The park is also home to several species of raptors, including white-bellied sea eagles and crested serpent eagles.

Kumana is one of the most remote national parks in Sri Lanka. It used to be known as Yala East National Park because it shares a border with the eastern boundaries of Yala NP.

However, you can’t access it from the Yala side. To get to the park entrance, it’s an hour’s drive south of Arugam Bay (which is quite remote itself).

South of the village of Panama, the paved road ends and you need to take a long and bumpy dirt track full of giant potholes for the final 15 kilometres.

I drove this in a rented tuk-tuk and it was slow going, but really amazing. On the way to the park entrance, I saw so many different animals, including elephants, buffalo, and toucans.

It felt like a self-drive safari just to get to the park. So fun! And also free, other than the cost of hiring the tuk-tuk.

Also, the advantage of driving yourself is that you can also visit Okanda Beach. This is located close to the entrance of Kumana National Park and is one of the most incredible wild beaches I’ve ever seen.

However, if you don’t have your own wheels, you can easily book a safari trip to Kumana that includes transport from Arugam Bay.

Best for: Birdwatching and getting away from other tourists

Best time of year for safari in Kumana National Park: May–September

🤩 This is the best full-day safari tour of Kumana National Park

Where to stay in/near Kumana National Park

Budget: Little Lagoon (Arugam Bay)

Mid-range: Surf Gangs (Arugam Bay) (this place is awesome!)

Luxury/high-end: Explorer by Eco Team – Kumana (inside Kumana NP)

Other National Parks for Safari Trips in Sri Lanka

The 8 parks mentioned above are the best-known national parks for safari trips in Sri Lanka.

However, there are several other national parks in Sri Lanka where you can go on safari. For example:

• Wasgamuwa National Park – (Central Sri Lanka, wild and remote, large numbers of elephants, birds, monkeys, and crocodiles)
• Kaudulla National Park – (close to Minneriya, great for spotting elephants, deer, pelicans, and other birds)

Choosing the Right Accommodation

Of all the parks in Sri Lanka, Yala National Park has the largest number of accommodation options available.

Here you can choose from a wide range of places to stay, from simple guesthouses and budget bungalows to high-end hotels and luxurious tented camps.

Yala, Wilpattu, and Gal Oya each have camping and glamping sites inside the parks themselves. These offer a unique and immersive nature experience.

For the other parks, you’ll probably need to stay somewhere nearby. Most safari tours include transport to/from the park, but it’s important to double-check what’s included when booking.

Some lodges have facilities such as on-site restaurants, hot water showers, and pools. Some even include game drives in their packages too.

Wherever you decide to stay for your Sri Lankan safari adventure, check its proximity to the relevant national park(s), as well as the amenities on offer.

Here are some frequently asked questions about planning a safari trip in Sri Lanka.

Can you go on safari in Sri Lanka?

Yes, there are many places in Sri Lanka where you can go on safari. The country has 26 national parks, and most of these offer thrilling and up-close experiences with an amazing range of wildlife.

How much do safaris cost in Sri Lanka?

Sri Lankan safari tours vary in cost depending on the length and type of safari you are looking for, and where you want to do it.

All-inclusive safari excursions that include transport, meals, and a professional guide cost anywhere from $50 USD to $400 USD per person.

What do you see on safari in Sri Lanka?

On safari in Sri Lanka, you can spot elephants, buffalo, crocodiles, deer, jackals, wild boar, monkeys, and (if you’re lucky) leopards and sloth bears, as well as a huge range of birds and other creatures.

Is Yala good for safari?

Yala National Park is home to the highest density of leopards in the world and is one of the best places on Earth to spot these incredible animals. The park is well-maintained and has excellent facilities.

That said, it can also get quite crowded which, for me, is the biggest downside to going on safari in Yala. Personally, I much preferred my safari in Wilpattu.

Can you see tigers in Sri Lanka?

No, there are no tigers in Sri Lanka. However, there are plenty of leopards.

How likely are you to see a leopard in Yala?

Yala National Park is known for its Sri Lankan leopard population. Your chances of seeing a leopard are higher in Yala than virtually anywhere else in the world. However, leopard sightings aren’t guaranteed. They are generally quite shy and elusive animals. Even if you do visit Yala, there is no guarantee that you will be able to spot one.

What should I wear for my Sri Lanka safari?

It’s a good idea to wear lightweight, breathable clothing that offers protection from the sun while on wildlife tours in Sri Lanka. Bring a hat and sunglasses, and don’t forget to pack plenty of water and mosquito repellent.

What’s the best time of year to go on safari in Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka’s tropical climate and long dry seasons make it an ideal destination for safaris all year round. However, different parts of Sri Lanka experience very different weather throughout the year.

Morning or evening safari?

The received wisdom is that morning safaris are the best time for spotting wildlife in Sri Lanka. Early mornings have the advantage of cooler temperatures that allow animals to move around more freely. It also allows for better visibility.

However, I’ve done several safaris in Sri Lanka – both in the morning and afternoon. The two times I saw a leopard, and the only time I saw a sloth bear, were all in the late afternoon. Draw from that what you will!

🤩 This is my favourite Sri Lanka safari tour

Final Thoughts

Going on safari in Sri Lanka is an unforgettable experience.

The country is full of breathtaking national parks, each one offering unique opportunities to experience the diverse wildlife and natural beauty that Sri Lanka is known for.

My personal favourite is Wilpattu, and I’d highly recommend making the journey up there if you can.

Of course, with wild animals, no sightings are guaranteed. Part of the thrill of going on safari is not knowing what you might be about to see!

I hope this post has helped you decide which national park to pick for your Sri Lankan safari. I’m sure you’ll have a fantastic time whichever one you choose.

Which park is your favourite? I’d love to hear below!

Related Posts

• Wilpattu National Park Safari Travel Guide: The Wild Side Of Sri Lanka (2024)
• 19 Best Places To Visit In Anuradhapura In 2024
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• 9 Best Hiriketiya Hotels in 2024
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Kumana Safari Holidays

Authentic jungle experience at the heart of wilderness.

Located in the southeast corner of Sri Lanka , the 18,149 hectare KUMANA (YALA EAST) NATIONAL PARK is a well-known eco tourism attraction and bird sanctuary where a multitude of birds breed and roost. One of the most significant features of the park is the 'Kumana Villu' - a 200 hectare natural swamp lake, fed by the 'Kumbukkan Oya' through a half mile long narrow channel. It is at this mangrove swamp that many water birds nest in May and June. Regular sightings include such species of bird as pelicans, painted storks, spoonbills, white ibis, herons, egrets and little cormorants.

The very rare black-necked stork has also been spotted at the swamp. Besides the prolific birdlife, Kumana is also home to some of the mammals found in the larger YALA NATIONAL PARK (west) park, such as elephants and leopards. The vegetation in Kumana consists mainly of mangrove trees, kumbuk trees and the karan fern, as well as the open marsh area. For bird watching enthusiasts, the park is an 'absolute must'.

Bird Watching in Kumana

THE BEST place to see Birds of Sri Lanka, Kumana bird watchers paradise.

Kumana Safari Game Drives

Guided safaris in Kumana National Park with free pick up and drop from all Arugam Bay Hotel

Kumana Excursions

Not only Safaris, Kumana area is filled with ancient monasteries, temples and mother natures secrets. Explore the culture and nature.

Kumana Home Stay

Live with a local family, eat, drink and mingle with them while they show you the basic way of their living.

Kumana Safari Trip of 1 night and 2 days at Blue Wave Hotel Arugam Bay

From $131 USD

Kumana Safari Trip of 1 night and 2 days stay at Kuamana Home Stay

From $105 USD

Kumana Safari Trip of 3 nights and 4 days at Blue Wave Hotel Arugam Bay

From $375 USD

Beach Holidays in Sri Lanka

• Tangalle Beach Holidays
• Bentota Beach Holidays
• Trincomalee Beach Holidays
• Passikudah Beach Holidays
• Hikkaduwa Beach Holidays
• Weligama Beach Holidays
• Thalalla Beach Holidays
• Thalpe Beach Holidays

Wildlife & Safari Tours in Sri Lanka

• Leopards Safaris Sri Lanka
• Elephant Safaris Sri Lanka
• Whale watching Sri Lanka
• Bird Watching Sri Lanka
• Bears watching Sri Lanka

Tea, Hills and Trekking Tours in Sri Lanka

• Knuckles Mountain Trekking
• Meemure Trekking Tours
• Horton Plains Trekking
• Haputale and Ella Tours

Heritage Tours in Sri Lanka

• Excursions to Anuradhapura
• Excursions to Sigiriya

Rain Forest Exploration Tours in Sri Lanka

• Sinharaja Rain Forest Tours

Guided Safaris and Tented Safari Camping in Yala

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Copying and re-using any textual content, itineraries, packages or images are strictly prohibited under the copyright law of Sri Lanka and doing so we will practice zero tolerance and take stringent legal action against any individual or institution.

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Sri Lanka's best tented safari camp in Yala, Tailor made holidays to Sri Lanka designed by local experts in Sri Lanka, Active Adventure Holidays in Sri Lanka designed by local explorers in Sri Lanka, Tailor made family holidays in Sri Lanka and Family tours in Sri Lanka

“ On earth there is no heaven, but there are pieces of it ”

Isak Dinesen

About Leopard Trails

During the grand era of the British dominion, Ceylon was one of the world’s most sought after locations for truly exotic expeditions. Leopard Trails bespoke tented safaris returns to the original spirit and true essence of safari, reminiscent of a golden era – an era of elegance, romance and adventure.

We aim to provide a unique Sri Lankan safari experience in spectacular solitude and soothing comfort – with only the canvas walls of your tent separating you from the wonders of our remarkable bio diversity.At dusk, return from your evening safari and make your way to our jungle bar.

Fill your heart and soul with good drink and good company while you bear witness to Mother Nature’s masterpiece – the jungle orchestra!

Yet while you enjoy the luxurious air-conditioned canvas tents, the curated local dining experience and the authentic ambiance of a tented camp, what truly sets Leopard Trails apart is our team of internationally qualified and locally experienced safari guides; a team that is often described by returning guests as the best in the business.

Yala Campsite

If viewing a diverse array of wildlife is at the top of your agenda then Yala national park is the place to visit.

Wilpattu Campsite

Wilpattu is Sri Lanka’s largest national park with an area of 130,000 hectare. It is also the oldest national park in Sri Lanka.

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When your enquiry is received we decide how your specific interests are handled in the most excellent way by our group for an optimal guidance and reservation procedure.

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What’s the deal?  

The Hilton Yala Resort offers an unforgettable luxury experience for adventurers, set within a remarkable natural wonder of the world: Yala National Park. As Cathay Pacific’s flight from Hong Kong lands late in the evening, we stayed at the beautifully refurbished Hilton Colombo overnight before Hilton’s seamless transfer to Yala the next morning. 

Why stay?  

Opened last summer , the resort offers stylish lodgings that exude safari chic and every room has a private hot tub or pool. The centrepiece of the property is the swimming pool, evoking a mangrove with its meandering design. There are four dining experiences to explore: you’ll find contemporary Asian cuisine at Dhira; Western grilled specialities at Sandali; coffee by day and cocktails by night at Vanya; and bespoke fine dining on the beach at Lanthaaruma. The Eforea Spa provides relaxing treatments that draw from ancient and modern pampering techniques, in glass treatment rooms that may even grant you a glimpse of passing leopards. The nature-first design ethos ensures the utmost respect for the environment. Three greenbelts run through the resort, so animals can roam freely – don’t be alarmed if you see an elephant passing by. 

Don't miss

The highlight of any stay here is the unforgettable safari . Six incredibly knowledgeable wildlife expert rangers, led by Sajith Withanage, lead daily outings, ensuring a safe and informative journey full of natural wonder. With Hilton, expect to beat the queues and maximise your time exploring the wildlife .

The 12 best places to visit in Sri Lanka

Nov 9, 2023 • 9 min read

Polonnaruwa is famed for its ancient ruins, rock temples and Buddhist heritage © leodaphne / Getty Images

With rugged mountains, untouched beaches and fertile soil that grows coconuts, tea and spices, Sri Lanka offers travelers a wondrous mix of experiences unmatched for an island of its size.

Today the country’s rich heritage, delectable cuisine and astonishing wildlife are more accessible than ever, thanks to an ever-improving public transport system. Trains, buses, coaches and tuk-tuks carry visitors to all parts of the island at various price points. But with so many charming places to choose from, where does one start?

Depending on what you’re looking for – art, culture, history – what you put down on your Sri Lanka itinerary is bound to change. Still, here’s our selection of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka to get you started. 

Best for exploring on foot

No Sri Lanka itinerary is complete without Colombo , the country’s culturally diverse hub. (But not its capital – that’s actually Sri Jayawardenepura-Kotte!) An ideal first taste of Sri Lanka, with tuk-tuks, cars and buses rushing through busy lanes, Colombo is renowned for its landmark buildings around the cosmopolitan Fort district, including the terracotta-roofed Dutch Hospital . 

Be sure to spend some time at Galle Face Green , a seaside promenade where hundreds of families gather to dip their toes in the sea at sunset and children fly kites overhead. Order yourself isso wade , deep-fried prawn and lentil cakes, topped with spicy sambol , and people-watch. 

Planning tip: While Colombo is a safe and walkable city, tuk-tuks are inexpensive and convenient for getting around. Always check that your tuk-tuk has a working meter before you get in to ensure you pay the correct fare for your ride. 

2. Sigiriya

Best for history buffs and art aficionados 

With ornate ponds, royal sleeping chambers and majestic lion paws carved into the base of the rock, the colossal granite fortress of Sigiriya  is easily Sri Lanka’s most recognizable site, peeking out of a thick jungle canopy for a glimpse of the ancient kingdom of Kassapa.

Although its frescoes – images of bare-breasted women adorned in jewelry with flowers in their hair – are famous, the view from the top of the rock is unparalleled. A hush of calm echoes over the terraced summit, which covers 1.6 hectares (4 acres). 

Planning tip: Get here around 7am – the cooler morning air makes for a pleasant walk up the 1200 steps to the top. Aim to head back down before noon (before the rock surface gets too hot), stay hydrated and wear soft shoes with tread.

3. Anuradhapura

Best for experiencing Buddhist culture

Anuradhapura looks misleadingly like any other Sri Lankan town when you arrive: an unremarkable clock tower, a single train station and small shops lining a busy main road. But the town's simple facade gives nothing away regarding the enormous scale of its heritage as the heartland of Sri Lankan Buddhist culture.

The main feature of this area remains the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree, believed to have been planted from a cutting from the tree Buddha attained enlightenment under in Bodhgaya, India. Beyond this, Anuradhapura is bursting with archaeological wonders: colossal dagobas (stupas), temples, palaces and venerable Buddhist sites scattered among the jungles and villages of the area. 

Planning tip: Comfortable shoes are a must for walking between sites. Buddhist temples, even as ruins, are still places of worship, and footwear must be removed before entering. Carrying a scarf to cover legs and shoulders is always a good idea.

4. Polonnaruwa

Best for ancient archaeological wonders

Often twinned with a visit to Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa is also famed for its ancient ruins, rock temples and Buddhist heritage. 

As you gaze upon the 14m (46ft) reclining Buddha in Gal Viharaya and its surrounding carvings, you can’t help but imagine what went into creating these figures. The white, grey and black granite softens the details of these intricate carvings, and the scent of fresh flowers and incense, offered to the statues by devotees, floats through the temple's air. 

Don’t skip the remaining archaeological sites in the area, including the Royal Ruins , which can be visited in a day and contain closely grouped temples and stupas. 

Planning tip: If traveling toward Jaffna in the north of Sri Lanka, both Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa are great places to stay and break up the journey.

Best for a taste of Tamil culture

From the Jaffna Fort  to the architecturally marvelous Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil , a Hindu temple adorned with brasswork and staggering murals, Jaffna is a relaxed change from the rest of the country. Here you can immerse yourself in the culture and heritage of Sri Lanka’s largest ethnic minority: the Tamil people.

Once under Portuguese and Dutch occupation, today’s Jaffna is revitalized with up-and-coming restaurants. Of the several islands off the coast of Jaffna accessible by roads and ferries, Kayts – a hauntingly beautiful, quiet island of fishing communities – and Delft, with its wild ponies descended from horses abandoned by Dutch colonists, are worth a visit.

Planning tip: The Tamil-centric culture in Jaffna differs from the rest of the island. Be mindful of local customs, such as removing footwear when entering certain sites. This includes the Jaffna Public Librar y, where footwear is removed as a means of respecting the knowledge within the building.

6. Trincomalee

Best for an unspoiled beach vacation

Stretches of powdery soft beaches and calm waters meld with dramatic cliffside Hindu temples – among them the famous Kandasamy Kovil , with unmistakable ornamental architecture and a monumental statue of Shiva looking out to sea – for a touch of Sri Lanka that remains off most tourists’ radars. 

The coastline here is only disturbed by the occasional bit of driftwood or coconut husk washing ashore in the shallow waters, ripe for snorkeling, where miles of coral reefs and marine life thrive.

Planning tip: Public beaches here do not have lifeguards, and swimming and snorkeling should only be undertaken with a guide.

7. Dambulla

Best for pilgrim trails 

An important part of the country’s pilgrim trail, set within a quiet jungle that's home to the native toque macaque (aka toque monkey), Rangiri Cave Temple in Dambulla is the most visited place in Sri Lanka.

Expect troops of monkeys to accompany you on the walk up to the temple, inside which you'll find a series of five caves containing 150 well-preserved statues of Buddha alongside religious art, sculpted and painted into the rock.

Planning tip: Wear white or soft colors as a mark of respect, and expect crowds on full-moon days, which are holy days in the Buddhist calendar. While toque macaques are delightful to watch, they are wild and should never be approached.

8. Minneriya National Park

Best for witnessing the largest gathering of Asian elephants in the world

Herds of wild elephants – around 300 in number – graze nearly 9000 hectares (22,240 acres) of Minneriya National Park, where life centers around Minneriya Lake. Watch in awe (cameras at the ready, naturally!) as long trunks draw water and calves roll around on the banks in wet mud.  

Once a year, during the dry season, all 300 elephants gather around the banks of the lake to graze in a marvelous natural event known as "the Gathering." This also happens to be the largest gathering of Asian elephants in the world.

Planning tip: April to October is the best time to see the Gathering. Prebooking your safari and sharing jeeps helps to reduce the number of vehicles entering the park during this busy period.

Best for experiencing Sri Lanka’s Hill Country

An ideal day trip from Colombo, the train departs the city’s Fort Railway Station and pulls into the heritage town of Kandy in under four hours. As the train curves and winds around mountains to connect rural towns, wide windows frame the view of deep ravines and hillsides densely covered in emerald-green tea bushes. 

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and Kandy Lake , both must-do attractions for anyone visiting Sri Lanka, are easily reached via tuk-tuk from the station. 

Planning tip: Visitors are required to cover their arms, legs and shoulders when visiting the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. The Kandy-to-Colombo train is an alternative way to experience Sri Lanka’s railway journeys, as popular towns such as Ella are 10 hours away from Colombo.

10. Kalpitiya 

Best for surfing enthusiasts

Despite attracting thrill-seekers from around the world, Kalpitiya retains most of its quaint coastal charm, with the exception of a Dutch-era fort that is occupied by the Sri Lankan navy. Cows, goats and donkeys stroll across the villages. Thatched-roof beach huts with outdoor showers offer that stereotypically pleasing surf-shack vibe, and most mornings you’ll wake to a crowing rooster. Most important, just 30km (19 miles) north of here at Vella Island, a narrow sandbar, you’re surrounded by tall, clear waves – kitesurfing heaven. 

Planning tip: The weather for kitesurfing is ideal between October to May, and there are several kitesurfing schools around Kalpitiya.

11. Kumana National Park

Best for spotting birds 

Known for its 200-hectare (494-acre) bird reserve, Kumana National Park is a birder’s dream, home to throngs of vibrant kingfishers and jungle fowl alongside 255 recorded species of endemic and migrating birds, all of which find sanctuary in the park's mangrove swamps and lagoons.

Expect to spot falcons and eagles as they soar above or peacocks shimmying on the ground. Also frequently spotted here: cleverly camouflaged crocodiles lying in wait on the sandy banks of the lake for a chance encounter with buffalo.

Cap off your trip here with a visit to the coastal village of Panama, which many visitors bypass in favor of bigger towns, such as Pottuvil and Arugam Bay . Between the tiny monastery under a rock, thatched-roof homes and dirt tracks through paddy fields, Panama is one of the most remote places to see.

Planning tip: Entrance to Kumana National Park is through the village of Okanda. Prearranging a guided jeep safari is best for enjoying the park. 

12. Adam’s Peak

Best for experiencing a night hike

Adam’s Peak (the footprint of Prophet Adam, in Islam), Sri Pada (the sacred foot of Buddha) and Samanala Kanda (the mountain of the butterflies and a reference to the local deity Saman) are multiple names given to Sri Lanka’s holiest peak, considered sacred by all religions on the island. 

Join thousands of pilgrims, dressed in white, in the early hours of the morning to hike slowly and quietly to the little temple at the top . Humble teahouses, resting places and shrines dot the landscape as you ascend. Pilgrims greet each other through blessings for a good climb. The hike to the top takes three to four hours, depending on the trail you choose. Aim to summit at dawn to catch the first rays of the sun wrapping around the mountain.

Planning tip: Adam’s Peak is 2243m (7359ft) high and a moderate climb. Ascending via Hatton and descending via Ratnapura is the shortest route, although steeper.

The full-moon days in December and May mark the beginning and end of the climbing season. During this period, set off earlier to sidestep the crowds, or expect slow and packed trails. Climbing in the offseason is not recommended, as it coincides with the southeastern monsoon.

This article was first published Apr 9, 2021 and updated Nov 9, 2023.

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5 reasons to visit Sri Lanka in the off-season

Many travellers flock to Sri Lanka in the high season from December to March, but the off-season is where it’s at.

So, you’ve settled on Sri Lanka as the country that’ll star in your next adventure (excellent choice), but now you’ve come to the conundrum of deciding what time of year to go. When faced with the whole ‘peak season vs off-season’ debate, most people opt for the former. But there are several advantages to exploring Sri Lanka during the off-season.

Imagine hiking to the top of the Lion Rock Fortress in Sigiriya without a bumbag-wielding tourist in sight, being able to afford the five-star hotel you’ve had bookmarked on your browser, or being outside for longer than 12 minutes without a constant trickle of behind-the-knee sweat. You get the point.

Off-season travel is the new peak season travel, especially in Sri Lanka. But first…

When is the off-season in Sri Lanka?

The off-season in Sri Lanka runs from April to September, bringing lower accommodation and activity prices in most regions, more availability, and fewer crowds at popular sites.

While the peak season is often regarded as the best time to travel weather-wise, the conditions experienced during Sri Lanka’s off-season can be just as enjoyable. Since the weather changes drastically depending on which region you’re in, you simply have to know where to go.

Coastal areas are typically warm all year round, while mountainous areas experience cooler temperatures and more rainfall during the monsoon periods. But even then, the rains aren’t likely to stop you from enjoying your itinerary, and there are still plenty of sunshine hours to get that all-important vitamin D.

Now, onto the good stuff.

Top Sri Lanka trips

1. There are fewer people around

When has having fewer people around ever been a bad thing? I’ll wait.

Travelling to Sri Lanka between April and September means there’ll be smaller crowds at famous attractions nationwide. That means fewer people queuing to get into the Colombo Lotus Tower, fewer nature-lovers wandering the green landscapes of Nuwara Eliya and fewer safari jeeps making their way through Yala National Park in search of leopards and elephants and crocodiles (oh, my!)

Don’t get me wrong, you’ll still have to share this outstanding island with other travellers who also see the value in visiting in the off-season (maybe they’ve read this blog too?). But not being surrounded by hordes of tourists while you’re trying to connect to the very sights, sounds, and smells that make Sri Lanka the enviable, bucket-list destination that it is will go a long way in helping you enjoy your holiday.

2. Your money goes further

Perhaps the most obvious pro of travelling in the off-season is the money you’ll save. When the off-season rolls around, accommodation, transportation and activity prices go down, meaning you can do one of two things.

Either have the budget-friendly holiday of your dreams (without having to take overnight trains or stay at a backpackers hostel), or you can explore Sri Lanka for a bit longer and treat yourself to experiences that might’ve ordinarily been financially out of reach.

You can also be more flexible with your travel plans because you won’t have to book accommodation that far in advance. Last-minute deals , anyone? 

3. Enjoy weather that’s actually comfortable

In many destinations around the world (did someone say southern Italy ?), the peak season means travelling when it’s hot. Like, 35°C+ hot. And while that might be conducive for swimming in the Tyrrhenian Sea and drinking Aperol Spritz on shaded balconies, it’s less ideal when you’re standing alongside hundreds of sweaty bodies all trying to get a small glimpse of the Trevi Fountain.

Sri Lanka’s peak season coincides with the hottest annual temperatures in popular destinations such as Galle, Colombo and Kandy – we’re talking average highs of up to 32°C. So wandering around crowded city centres and visiting iconic cultural sites will have you feeling each and every per cent of the country’s humidity.

Unless you travel to Sri Lanka during the off-season.

Yes, the humidity’s still high and the weather won’t always be perfect. There is the rainy season between October and December and the mountainous regions inland experience cloudier days from May to September. Still, the waters around this picturesque island are warm year-round and temperatures remain comfortable, even in tea country.  

Get all the info: When is the best time to visit Sri Lanka?

4. The beaches are at their best

If you think that just because it’s not Sri Lanka’s peak season you can’t lounge your days away on the pure white sandy beaches of Batticaloa and Trincomalee, think again. Sri Lanka’s east coast comes alive from May to September, experiencing highs of up to 33°C which is fine when you’re sipping ‘toddy’ straight from the source in the shade of a palm tree or scanning the waters for the tip of a dorsal fin on a dolphin-watching boat trip.

You don’t even have to wake up early and rush down to the beach with your towel in hand to stake out the perfect spot thanks to fewer travellers fighting you for prime sand space.

Instead, enjoy the emptiness that stretches for miles and the gentle waves that make for perfect snorkelling conditions. If paradise does in fact exist, it can be found along Sri Lanka’s eastern coast during the off-season.

Why you should bump Sri Lanka to the top of your travel wishlist.

5. There are festivals galore

If living it up at one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic festivals is on your bucket list, consider it checked off if you’re visiting Kandy in July or August. Touted as one of the most historically cultural processions in the world, the Esala Perahera Festival (also known as the Festival of the Tooth), pays homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha, found in Kandy’s Sri Dalada Maligawa temple.

Bursting with fantastical colours and an exuberant spirit you’ll quickly get swept up in, this Buddhist pageant spans 10 nights of processions that feature beautifully embellished elephants and traditional musicians and dancers. The city is also lit up with elaborate light displays and adorned with celebratory decorations during this time.

Forget over-spending or worrying about coordinating your annual leave with Sri Lanka’s peak season, simply travel in the off-season instead. It sure does have its perks.

Explore our range of trips in Sri Lanka.

Kate Gazzard

When I was 11, my parents asked me whether I wanted a pool for the house or a trip to Fiji. I chose Fiji, and I've made travelling as much as I can a priority ever since.

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Sri Lanka and the Maldives: ‘I took my dream honeymoon on a test run’

F or some, it’s the dulcet tones of David Attenborough or Stephen Fry reading their favourite book. For many, it’s white noise or something laughably niche like “loud rain on a car roof”. For my boyfriend and I, every night we play “ocean waves crashing against the coastline” on a ten-hour loop out of our bedside Roberts radio, much to the annoyance of our housemates.

So, when we arrived at Kayaam House in Tangalle, Sri Lanka, and laid down our bags in our sea-view room, we felt a little starstruck. The sound that had so reliably been our audio-Valium over the past six months – the Indian Ocean lapping rhythmically against the sandy shore – was, it seemed, to be the soundtrack of our stay. And this one was on a 24-hour loop.

Is Sri Lanka and the Maldives a good honeymoon route?

On what might just be the most romantic holiday of your life, the origami towel swans on the bed and sand-between-toes beach dinners are a fun touch, but personally I want my honeymoon to have a little grit alongside the whole candle-lit bit.

The adventure of a Sri Lankan safari lodge sandwiched between these serene, romantic hotels, plus the activities each place boasts (kayaking at sunrise, swimming with whale sharks, paddle-board yoga in the sea) made for a multi-destination trip that was in equal parts bonding and soul-soothing, with a little exhilaration thrown in.

Sri Lanka means “resplendent isle”, and I couldn’t think of a better adjective for the island. It’s like someone turned up the saturation in the dense green jungle or by the sparkling turquoise ocean. Everything appears in HD here, from the rich orange colour of the curry you’re nailing at 9am (in a big egg hopper, a must-try delicacy), to the birds that swoop across the windscreen on safari drives, or the verdant hills and rice paddies you drive past on your way to each new place.

And this psychedelic-like colour intensity doesn't go anywhere when you look out the window during the short flight from Colombo to Malé, the densely-populated capital of the Maldives. But nothing can quite prepare you still for the view from the sea plane to your hotel’s private island – this sounds super boujee, but almost every hotel rents its own island on a long-term lease from local people here.

The oval-window-framed view of little floating huts in the sea is every bit as jaw-to-the-floor vibrant and beautiful as you’ve seen on social media, and then some. Saturation still firmly cranked up.

These two locations are close enough by that it’s easy to organise a trip here without needing a travel agent, but with sea planes and whale shark swimming thrown in, you feel like you’re embarking on a real adventure, too.

But first, back to the beginning of our honeymoon road test…

Kayaam House

What are the rooms like? And the rest of the hotel?

With only nine rooms in total, even when the hotel is full it feels fairly private and spacious. We stayed in the “ Ocean View Suite ”, which meant waking up each morning to the bright blue tranquillity of the T-shaped infinity pool in the foreground, fringed with frangipani flowers and luxurious loungers. The azure hues of the ocean teased its cooling touch in the background, but it was too dicey and rough to dip at the time of year we visited.

The sea from certain angles looks as if it’s crashing against the infinity pool, with the unspoilt beach hidden just through a clearing of tropical trees. It's a perfect napping spot for local dogs, who soak up the sun curled like furry pretzels on the sand. They're totally unbothered by the movements of the tide and passers-by.

With free-flowing Ceylon arrack cocktails (made from local coconut trees) delivered to the private sun loungers on our front porch, the rooms, or the beach, an afternoon lounging here is time well spent.

And isn’t it known for its Ayurvedic wellness offering?

Yes! This is the ideal place to drape yourself at the start of your trip – if you’re anything like me and often take a few days to switch off from your default million-miles-an-hour daily schedule, this is your place. I can only imagine this is even more necessary after the whirlwind of planning, executing, and enjoying the whole wedding thing.

When it came to the full Ayurverdic retreat Kayaam House offers , we stuck to an (out of this world) à la carte menu, as we wanted to sample as many of the organic, locally-sourced ingredients as possible, without feeling restricted in any way.

If you do want to spend your time here leaning fully into the repose of spa treatments and pared-back diets (perhaps wise after draining your social battery over a wedding weekend) the chef will work with you to curate a menu according to the teachings of Ayurverdic medicine , that also aligns with what you want to get out of your stay.

If a few days of slipping in and out of sleep on the sun beds is enough downtime for you, however, there are local activities aplenty. Our sunrise kayak through the lagoon off nearby Rekawa Beach, surrounded by lush mangroves, is one of the memories that sparkles brightest when we look back at this trip.

Our guide taught us about the Komodo dragon cousin – the water monitor lizard – who looks remarkably like a crocodile to the untrained eye, and feels almost as big as one when it rears its head up next to the kayak.

He taught us about snakebirds that look like their namesake as they slither out of the water, about murmurations and bird formations, but mainly he reminded us of the value of living in the moment, for today. Every single morning before the sun soaks the earth with her life-giving warmth, he's out on the water to watch the show.

We didn’t have time to try everything, but we had a few snooze-inducing massages and stretchy yoga sessions while we were here. If you opt for a slightly longer stay, there's whale watching, surfing lessons, cookery classes, turtle safaris and visits to beautiful buddhist architectural sites all on offer locally, so you'll be plenty occupied should you get itchy feet.

Wild Coast Tented Lodge

The lodges are in individual, intelligently designed tented cocoons that, in my boyfriend’s words, ‘make you feel like an intrepid French monarch in the world-is-flat era.’ Niche, but I see what he means. The pods are designed to resemble the boulders dotted along the shoreline of the Indian Ocean in rocky outcrops, and they’re unlike anything I’ve ever stayed in before.

Inside, you’re transported to a time of expeditions and wide-eyed adventure. Each item and corner of the cabin is meticulously thought-out to allow for a relaxed yet luxurious stay, that’s effortlessly in keeping with the jungle surroundings.

You feel like a right explorer – nature identification manuals, magnifying glasses and binoculars litter leather-topped desks. Circular port-hole windows frame the swaying forest canopy each room is shaded by, with free-standing copper bathtubs, air con and a huge cloud-like bed adding a little luxe comfort to an already special space.

To make the resort build more sustainable, designers used local materials to give back to surrounding communities, while utilising reclaimed teak shingles to tile the roof of the indoor pool, restaurant and bar. These will turn grey over time and weather into a similar colour to the surrounding rocks. The cocoons themselves are raised on stilts and designed so they can be disassembled and leave the landscape relatively untouched, when or if the time may come. Hopefully it doesn't.

And what about the safari experience?

Yala National Park , the area where you do your game drives, is known for its biodiversity and particularly its abundance of leopards. Nature photographers come from far and wide to camp out and capture these regal cats. With arguably the most iconic coat pattern in the history of the animal kingdom, these felines are – when found – well worth the search.

We visited during the Easter holidays (UK) and the week of Sinhalese and Tamil New year, which meant it was busier than ever in the park. There’s a big temple and religious city nearby, so it’s apparently the ideal place to travel for locals during this season. Being totally transparent, this slightly dampened the experience for us, as there were lots of safari vehicles surrounding the animals. Do your research to avoid this, and ask your guide to buy your park ticket in advance online (only they can do this, not you), so you can skip the queues to get in at first light.

Once you’re in the park, it’s unbelievably peaceful, with big expanses of lily pad-clad ponds and huge rocks reaching to the sky, adding welcome texture to the landscape. And that’s all before you start spotting the wildlife.

Leopards, elephants, mongoose, and warthog-like wild boar are wandering around this jungle they call their home. And if you’re into your tropical birds, you’ll be in your element. The air is pierced with a chorus of curious birdsong, and flashes of warm-climate colours swoop low all around.

As our guide showed off his encyclopaedic knowledge of our new bright-beaked pals, my boyfriend and I pointed at some we'd seen earlier, both trying to impress him with the natural bird-spotting talent that we both believed we were blessed with.

LUX* South Ari Atoll

Nothing says honeymoon like the Maldives. The archipelago has made a name for itself as a tropical paradise perfect for high-end beach dinners and two-person loveseat swings. Hmm.

Having said this, those cloying camera-curated moments – despite how it may seem from my Instagram feed – are not really my jam. I love a boutique hotel and am shamelessly guilty of building a holiday around ‘this teeny little shack that’s completely undiscovered where the food is cheap and unfathomably fresh’ moments – the ones that sound immediately wanky as soon as you start to tell anyone about them. So, I did fear that a big, multi-restaurant, 400-capacity hotel on its own island in the Maldives might not be for me.

But, after a week of smaller, boutique hotels, the variety and energy of the island delivered a welcome dose of diversity when deciding what to have for dinner. Plus, the tropical beachy vibe meant more cocktails and a resultingly seamless switch-up to tiny island life.

What were the rooms like?

There’s no way you won’t let out an audible gasp when walking into your hotel room here. The huts on stilts are just so charming, and we didn't get used to it for the whole time we were here. One side of ours was just entirely glass, and each time we stepped foot in the suite the sea-and-sky killer combo looked slightly different in some way – from candy floss to flaming orange and bright, blinding blue. Throughout the day mother nature offers new magic touches to the island, testing and challenging you – 'you think you can get bored of me?!'

The free-standing bath tub boasts a panoramic ocean vista for romantic soaks with both types of bubbles – the Prosecco upon arrival is a nice touch – and the glass sections of floor framing the ripples below make for an unforgettable (and often disconcerting) feature.

And as it’s a big hotel, is there a gym? And other fitness offerings?

If you’re someone who’s set on keeping up a semblance of their normal routine on holiday , you’ll feel more than comfortable here. There are gym classes, lots of cycling and walking the length of the island, and you can even try your hand at floating yoga on paddle boards. You’re far more sporty than me if you don’t fall off, but I must say watching your partner pelt into the water in pigeon's pose is great value entertainment.

The verdict – was this the multi-destination honeymoon you’d dreamed of?

And more. I’d go back to each of these hotels in a heartbeat. I’m desperate to explore more of Sri Lanka; it’s a spicy, stunningly gorgeous (resplendent, should I say) island with so much to offer, and the people we met had a smile for everyone.

If I did this route again, I’d check peak times for the safari experience and spend longer there so the schedule was less full-on – if you’re on your honeymoon, you’re going to want a little time to enjoy the room. Especially that copper bathtub.

All three destinations provided a degree of wide-armed hospitality worth mentioning in your postcards home, and every one offered something different. The common thread we could rely on in each place, though, was the sound of the waves of the Indian Ocean lapping rhythmically against the shore, the rocks, and even the foundations of our room. While we soothe ourselves to sleep with our looped Spotify soundscapes from now on, I hope they encourage dreams of this unforgettable, blissful adventure.

Rates at Kayaam House start from £550 on a fully inclusive basis with wellness treatments.

Fully inclusive rates at Wild Coast Tented Lodge start from £856 per night including accommodation, all meals and drinks and a resort ranger guided game drive per night stay.

Prices for a Beach Pavilion start from £200 per night based on two people sharing on a B&B basis.

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