Sri Lanka is one of the finest wildlife-watching countries in southern Asia. The island may be small but the variety of habitats and wildlife here would to justice to a country many times its size, from leopard sightings in sun-dappled forests to great gatherings of elephants beside ancient reservoirs.
Yala thrills with one of the world’s highest leopard densities, plus elephants, sloth bears and wild buffalo.
Wilpattu’s floodplain lakes and coastal forests create a serene backdrop for spotting elephants and leopards.
Witness “The Gathering” at Minneriya, where hundreds of elephants converge by the great reservoir.
Explore diverse habitats, from wetlands to dry tropical forests, alive with birds and exotic wildlife.
Pair game drives with boutique safari lodges for luxury, seclusion and unforgettable wilderness moments.
In the south-east, Yala National Park is arguably Sri Lanka’s premier wildlife reserve – over 320,000 acres of forests, scrubland, lagoons and grassy plains home to sloth bears, sambars, jackals, spotted deer, crocodiles, buffalo and elephants, not to mention one of the highest concentrations of leopards in the world.
Situated on the north-west coast and bordering the Indian Ocean, Wilpattu National Park is interspersed with a number of floodplain lakes. This vast expanse of land and forest boasts impressive varieties of wildlife, including deer, elephants, wild boar, sloth bears and leopards. Inland, close to the towns of Habarana and Sigiriya, are Minneriya and Kaudulla national parks. The centrepiece of Minneriya is its large tank or reservoir, which attracts vast numbers of elephants as water dries up elsewhere during the hotter months of the year. Despite its relatively small size, the park boasts an unusually wide range of habitats, from dry tropical forests to wetlands and grasslands.
Bordering Yala National Park and the Indian Ocean, Uga Chena Huts offers a rare blend of wilderness and luxury. With just 18 thatched pavilions featuring private plunge pools, fine dining and immersive safaris, it’s a secluded, all-inclusive escape for adventurous romantics or families.
Leopard Trails Wilpattu sits beside forest pools and quiet tracks, offering expert guiding and well designed canvas tents for couples and families exploring Sri Lanka’s largest national park, known for its populations of leopards, sloth bears and crocodiles.
Where the untamed jungle meets the edge of the Indian Ocean, Wild Coast Tented Lodge offers a sublime blend of wilderness, design and indulgence. Adjacent to Yala National Park, this Relais & Châteaux hideaway redefines the luxury safari experience in Sri Lanka.