PAW-SIBLE SIGHTINGS
Sri Lanka is a country which has an abundance of wildlife. Elephants, leopards, deer, whales and birds make the place a big home for the wild. The numerous national parks in Sri Lanka, ensure that the flora and fauna are protected and preserved in their natural environment. These places shield them from the rapid environmental changes that the country is undergoing due to development.
If you are planning to visit Sri Lanka, and if you are a wildlife lover, drive to as many parks as you can. Untouched and undisturbed by human activities, these are the places worth visiting to come closer to nature.
Yala National Park
The most famous of Sri Lanka’s national parks, Yala National Park covers a vast swathe of countryside in the south-east of the island. A substantial section of the park is closed to visitors but the accessible area is home to probably the most varied wildlife in the country, including an impressive elephant population, elusive sloth bears, beautiful birdlife and – most famously – a significant leopard population. Although they’re not easy to spot, the odds of seeing a leopard are reasonably good if you spend some time in the park under the guidance of a reputable park tour operator.
Udawalawe National Park
Udawalawe is Yala’s slightly lesser-known neighbor. Although it is less popular, it is still an amazing place to see animals, because of its small size and open views. It is particularly good for seeing elephants as there are approximately 400-500 in the park. It is also excellent for birdwatching too and is thought to be one of the best birdwatching sites in the whole island.
Minneriya and Kaudulla National Park
These two national parks in Sri Lanka are only a half hour drive from each other. Situated in the North Central Province, these parks are located near the ancient Minneriya and Kaudulla Tanks. The area has an abundance of scrubs and jungles with wetlands.
Home to toque macaques, crocodiles, elephants and sambar deer, these two parks are rich in biodiversity. Though leopard and sloth bears are also sheltered in the area, it is not hard to spot them lounging out by the water ponds on a hot island day!
Wilpattu National Park
The largest wildlife sanctuary in Sri Lanka. The topography is dominated by fifty wetlands. With low scrubs and deep forests, the park is home to numerous species of flora and fauna. The biggest attraction for tourists is the spotting of leopard and sloth bear. The other animal species that can be found in this area are Asian Elephants, jackals, Sambar deer, water buffalo.
Sinharaja Forest Reserve
Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a national park with a huge biodiversity. The reserve has been designated as a Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Sinharaja is the countrys premier rainforest. The place is known for tall and rare trees in the world. Mixed-bird species are found here, including those of red-faced malkoha, green-billed coucal and Sri Lankan Blue magpie.
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