Wildlife & Safari in Sri Lanka

An island of remarkable wildlife

For its size, Sri Lanka is one of the richest places in Asia for wildlife. Together with India’s Western Ghats it forms one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots, and many of its birds, reptiles, amphibians and plants are found nowhere else. The country’s national parks are managed by the Department of Wildlife Conservation.

What you can see

• Sri Lankan elephants — seen year-round in Udawalawe, and in large numbers at Minneriya and Kaudulla in the dry season.
• Leopards — the Sri Lankan leopard is an endemic subspecies; Yala and Wilpattu are the best-known parks to look for them.
• Sloth bears — shy and rarely seen, most often in Wilpattu and Yala.
• Blue whales and dolphins — off Mirissa in the south, roughly December to April.
• Endemic birds — the Sinharaja rainforest is one of the best places to see species such as the Sri Lanka blue magpie.
• Crocodiles, water buffalo, deer and peacocks — common in most dry-zone parks.

Watching wildlife responsibly

• Choose licensed operators and drivers who keep a respectful distance and do not chase animals.
• Stay inside the vehicle in national parks and follow ranger instructions.
• Never feed wild animals — including elephants along roadsides.
• Avoid attractions that offer elephant rides or close contact with captive animals.
• Keep noise low; early mornings and late afternoons are usually best for sightings.