Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
Considered to have great biodiversity and stunning scenery, Sri Lanka is a teardrop-shaped island in the Indian Ocean. Although the main draw of the country is its natural beauty, the night safari Sri Lanka offers a somewhat different but equally amazing experience. Night safaris are especially unique in that they allow visitors to witness these animals in their native habitat, so they open a side of nature that very few visitors often come across as they restrict daylight hours. This article explores ten of Sri Lanka’s top night safari experiences, looking at what distinguishes every site.
Top 10 Night Safari Experiences In Sri Lanka
If you are looking to view a variety of wildlife like leopards, sloth bears, owls, and more, here are the top 10 night safaris in Sri Lanka:
1. Yala National Park Night Safari
Photo: Sajedul Islam Alif / Shutterstock
Yala National Park, famous for having one of the highest leopard densities in the world, offers an exhilarating night safari experience in Sri Lanka. As darkness falls, the park transforms into a mysterious realm where nocturnal creatures emerge from their daytime hideouts. Visitors can book their night safari in Sri Lanka ticket and spot elusive nocturnal animals such as leopards, sloth bears, and various species of owls. The experience is heightened by the sounds of the night – the calls of birds settling down, the rustling of animals moving through the undergrowth, and the occasional roar of a predator.
Location: Southeastern coast of Sri Lanka, spanning the Southern and Uva Provinces
Best Time To Visit: February – July (peak season is June to August)
Price: Foreign Adults – $40-50 USD / ₹3,354.93 ; Foreign Children – $25-30 USD / ₹2,096.83
Local Adults – 1000-1500 LKR / ₹280 ; Local Children – 500-750 LKR / ₹140
Suggested Read: Top Things To Do In Sri Lanka For Your Next Getaway
2. Udawalawe National Park Night Drive
Photo: cad_wizard / Shutterstock
Udawalawe National Park, known for its large elephant population, offers a different kind of night safari experience. While elephants are less active at night, the park comes alive with other nocturnal creatures. The night drive at Udawalawe provides opportunities to spot various species of owls, nightjars, and other nocturnal birds. Visitors might also encounter small mammals like the Indian civet, fishing cat, and rusty-spotted cat. The park’s open terrain allows for good visibility, making it easier to spot animals in the dark. One of the highlights of a night safari at Udawalawe is the chance to observe the behavior of elephants as they settle down for the night.
Location: Southern province of Sri Lanka, bordering Sabaragamuwa Province
Best Time To Visit: Year-round, but December to March is ideal
Price: Foreign Adults – $30-40 USD/ ₹3,354.93 ; Foreign Children – $20-25 USD / ₹1,677.61
Local Adults – 800-1200 LKR / ₹224 ; Local Children – 400-600 LKR / ₹112
3. Wilpattu National Park Night Safari
Photo: Torsten Pursche / Shutterstock
Wilpattu National Park, known for its unique ecosystem of “willus” (natural lakes), offers a fascinating night safari experience in Sri Lanka. The park’s diverse habitats, including dense scrub jungle and open grasslands, support a wide range of nocturnal wildlife. During a night safari at Wilpattu, visitors have the chance to spot leopards, sloth bears, and various species of deer. The park is also home to several nocturnal bird species, including the rare Ceylon frogmouth. The reflection of animal eyes in the numerous lakes adds an eerie yet beautiful dimension to the experience.
Location: Northwestern coast of Sri Lanka, north of Puttalam
Best Time To Visit: February to October (peak season is May to September)
Price: Foreign Adults – $45-55 USD / ₹3,774.56 ; Foreign Children – $30-35 USD / ₹3,354.93
Local Adults – 1200-1600 LKR / ₹335 ; Local Children – 600-800 LKR / ₹167
Suggested Read: Beaches In Sri Lanka Where The Golden Sandy Shores Await You
4. Kumana National Park Night Tour
Photo: Dr.S.Rajivraja / Wikimedia Commons
Kumana National Park, less frequented than its famous neighbor Yala, offers a more off-the-beaten-path night safari experience. The park is renowned for its birdlife but also hosts a variety of mammals that become active after dark. A night tour in Kumana provides opportunities to spot leopards, fishing cats, and various species of owls and nightjars. The park’s wetlands and mangrove swamps create a unique ecosystem that supports a diverse range of nocturnal creatures. One of the highlights of a Kumana night safari is the chance to observe crocodiles.
Location: Southeastern coast of Sri Lanka, adjacent to Yala National Park
Best Time To Visit: May to September
Price: Foreign Adults – $35-45 USD / ₹3,354.93 ; Foreign Children – $25-30 USD / ₹2,096.83
Local Adults – 900-1300 LKR / ₹251 ; Local Children – 450-650 LKR / ₹125
5. Minneriya National Park Night Drive
Photo: Eli Solidum / Wikimedia Commons
Minneriya National Park, famous for its large gatherings of Asian elephants during the dry season, offers a unique night drive experience in Sri Lanka. While the elephants are the main attraction during the day, the park’s nocturnal inhabitants take center stage after dark. During a night drive at Minneriya, visitors might encounter various species of owls, nightjars, and small mammals like the golden palm civet and the Indian grey mongoose. The park’s open grasslands and scrub jungle provide good visibility for spotting wildlife. One of the special aspects of a Minneriya night safari is the opportunity to observe elephants in a more relaxed state.
Location: North Central province of Sri Lanka
Best Time To Visit: June to September (for the famous “Gathering” of elephants)
Price: Foreign Adults – $30-40 USD / ₹2,096.83 ; Foreign Children – $20-25 USD / ₹1,677.61
Local Adults – 800-1200 LKR / ₹224 ; Local Children – 400-600 LKR / ₹112
Suggested Read: Water Sports In Sri Lanka For Adventure Enthusiasts And Thrill Seekers
6. Bundala National Park Night Safari
Photo: Nilanka Sampath / Shutterstock
Bundala National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is primarily known for its incredible birdlife. However, its night safari offers a chance to explore a different side of this diverse ecosystem. During a night safari at Bundala, visitors might spot various nocturnal birds, including owls and nightjars. The park is also home to mammals like jackals, wild boars, and occasionally leopards. The wetland areas provide opportunities to observe crocodiles and water birds settling down for the night. What makes Bundala’s night safari special is the chance to experience the transition from day to night in a wetland ecosystem.
Location: Southern province of Sri Lanka
Best Time To Visit: November to March
Price: Foreign Adults – $35-45 USD / ₹3,354.93 ; Foreign Children – $25-30 USD / ₹2,096.83
Local Adults – 900-1300 LKR / ₹251 ; Local Children – 450-650 LKR / ₹125
7. Wasgamuwa National Park Night Tour
Photo: Devaka Seneviratne / Shutterstock
Wasgamuwa National Park, known for its elephant population and rich biodiversity, offers a less crowded night safari experience in Sri Lanka. The park’s diverse habitats, including riverine forests and grasslands, support a variety of nocturnal wildlife. During a night tour at Wasgamuwa, visitors might encounter elephants, leopards, and various species of deer. The park is also home to several nocturnal bird species, including owls and nightjars. The sounds of the forest at night add an extra dimension to the experience. One of the unique aspects of a Wasgamuwa night safari is the chance to observe the behavior of sloth bears, which are more active during twilight and night hours.
Location: Central Province of Sri Lanka
Best Time To Visit: November to May
Price: Foreign Adults – $35-45 USD / ₹3,354.93 ; Foreign Children – $25-30 USD / ₹2,096.83
Local Adults – 900-1300 LKR / ₹251 ; Local Children – 450-650 LKR / ₹125
Suggested Read: Festivals In Sri Lanka You Cannot Miss Out On Experiencing
8. Lunugamvehera National Park Night Drive
Photo: Thidas Herath / Wikimedia Commons
Lunugamvehera National Park, less known than some of the country’s more famous parks, offers a more intimate night safari experience in Sri Lanka. The park is an important corridor for elephants moving between Yala and Udawalawe National Parks. A night drive at Lunugamvehera provides opportunities to spot elephants, leopards, and various species of deer. The park’s wetland areas are home to numerous water birds, which can be observed settling down for the night. The relatively low visitor numbers mean that night safaris here often feel more adventurous and exclusive.
Location: Uva Province of Sri Lanka
Best Time To Visit: May to September
Price: Foreign Adults – $30-40 USD / ₹3,354.93 ; Foreign Children – $20-25 USD / ₹1,677.61
Local Adults – 800-1200 LKR / ₹224 ; Local Children – 400-600 LKR / ₹112
9. Horton Plains National Park Night Walk
Photo: A-wiki-guest-user / Wikimedia Commons
Horton Plains National Park, known for its unique montane ecosystem, offers a different kind of night safari experience in the form of guided night walks. The park’s high-altitude environment supports a range of endemic species that are active after dark. During a night walk at Horton Plains, visitors might encounter nocturnal mammals like the purple-faced langur and the Sri Lankan giant squirrel. The park is also home to several species of frogs and insects that are more active at night. The clear mountain air often provides excellent stargazing opportunities.
Location: Central Highlands of Sri Lanka
Best Time To Visit: January to March
Price: Foreign Adults – $40-50 USD / ₹3,354.93 ; Foreign Children – $25-30 USD / ₹2,096.83
Local Adults – 1000-1500 LKR / ₹279 ; Local Children – 500-750 LKR / ₹140
Suggested Read: Best Places To Visit In Sri Lanka With Family
10. Gal Oya National Park Night Boat Safari
Photo: Justin Berrett / Shutterstock
Gal Oya National Park, centered around the large Senanayake Samudra reservoir, offers a unique night safari experience by boat. This allows visitors to observe nocturnal wildlife along the shoreline and on small islands within the reservoir. During a night boat safari at Gal Oya, visitors might spot elephants coming to the water’s edge to drink and various species of deer and water birds. The park is also home to leopards and sloth bears, though these are more elusive. The reflection of animal eyes in the water adds a magical element to the experience.
Location: Eastern Province of Sri Lanka
Best Time To Visit: March to July
Price: Foreign Adults – $50-60 USD / ₹4,194 ; Foreign Children – $30-35 USD / ₹3,354.93
Local Adults – 1300-1700 LKR / ₹364 ; Local Children – 650-850 LKR / ₹182
Night safaris in Sri Lanka offer a thrilling way to experience the country’s rich biodiversity. From the leopards of Yala to the elephants of Minneriya, each park offers its own unique nocturnal adventure. These experiences not only provide exciting wildlife encounters but also foster a deeper appreciation for Sri Lanka’s natural heritage. So, let TripXL help you prepare to discover night safari’s magic in Sri Lanka after dark!
Cover Photo: Sainam51 / Shutterstock / Image For Representation Only
