National Parks of Sri Lanka

For the visitor it seems it is almost impossible to tire of watching wild animals in their natural habitat going about their daily routine, although sometimes this routine varies to the extent that even to the most experienced guide they become elusive - not so at The Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, where each day the heard of elephants trudge down to the River for their daily frolic in the cooling waters after the baby elephants have been bottle fed. However, travel south to the National park at Yala and chance to see the shy Leopard, one of the largest animals in the cat family in its natural surroundings. Once you chance upon this beautiful creature you can sit and watch for hours as the animal goes about its laborious ritual of licking and cleaning itself. Witness the proud elephant, one of natures most fascinating creatures in its home environment stripping the bush of its vegetation as it attempts to fulfil its insatiable appetite at one of the many national parks located around the island. Walk Horton Planes and listen to the bashful Bear monkey shrieking a warning to all from high in the trees, alarmed as they see intruders entering their wild domain. Ornithologists - twitters will be simply mesmerised by the sheer variety of species, there are even national parks set aside to protect the birdlife only, choose the timing of your visit carefully and ensure you arrive at the right time of year, but whatever you do, don't forget your camera as a picture waits at every turn.

The 14 National Parks of Sri Lanka

Ruhunu Yala - Udawalawe - Wilpattu - Wasgomuwa - Flood Plains - Minneriya - Maduru Oya - Gal Oya - Horton Plains - Bundala - Somawathiya Chaitiya - Yala East - Lahugala Kithulana - Lunugamvehera