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Sri Lanka, earlier known as Ceylon, is a one of its kind island country in South Asia. Often referred to as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, it is renowned for its rich biodiversity and stunning natural landscapes. The island nation boasts a variety of wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, each offering unique opportunities to experience its diverse flora and fauna. These sanctuaries are home to an array of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, birds, and marine life, making Sri Lanka a premier destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers.
10 Most Popular Wildlife Sanctuaries In Sri Lanka
Here’s a list of the 10 best wildlife sanctuaries in Sri Lanka, the pearl of the Indian Ocean:
1. Udawalawe National Park
Photo: Mstyslav Chernov / Wikimedia Commons
Udawalawe National Park is located in South-central Sri Lanka and is one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in the country. Known for its large elephant population, with approximately 500-700 elephants within its parameters, it also houses water buffalo, deer, and various bird species. The Elephant Transit Home is a place a few kilometres away from the park where injured or diseased elephants are taken care of till they are ready to join their herd.
Timings: 6 Am – 6 PM
Location: Thanamalvila Road, 5th Mile Post, Udawalawe, Sri Lanka
Entry Fee: 11989.13 LKR / $40
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2. Wilpattu National Park
Photo: Rehman Abubakr / Wikimedia Commons
The largest national park in Sri Lanka, Wilpattu National Park, lies in the Northwestern district of the country. The distinctive feature of this park is the “Willus” (natural lakes) – natural depressions filled with rainwater or sand-rimmed water basins. Renowned for its numerous natural lakes, it is home to leopards, elephants, and sloth bears. It houses approximately 50 indigenous leopard species, so you might get a chance to see one if you are lucky.
Timings: 5 AM – 5 PM
Location: Chilaw Anuradhapura Road, Saliyapura, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
Entry Fee: 60 LKR
3. Yala National Park
Photo: Patty Ho / Wikimedia Commons
Yala National Park, located in the coastal region of Sri Lanka, is a must-visit site for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. It offers a diverse range of biodiversity with species of animals, including elephants, leopards, bears, crocodiles, deer, wild boars, peacocks and various birds. There is a pristine lake in the middle of the park with glistening blue water from which the small animals and birds drink. There are facilities for accommodation and a small eatery inside the premises of the park for the tourists.
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Location: Southern and Uva Provinces, Sri Lanka
Entry Fee: 17983.69 LKR / $60
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4. Minneriya National Park
Photo: shankar s / Wikimedia Commons
Located about 182 km from Colombo, Minneriya National Park is famous for the “Gathering” of elephants, the largest meeting of Asian elephants. This refers to the time of the year when a huge herd of nearly a thousand elephants come together within a few hectares of this park. The wide range of wildlife at this park includes sambar deer, sloth bears, leopards, wild buffalo, elephants, wild pigs, grey langers, purple-faced leaf monkeys, spotted deer, three species of mongoose, porcupine and indian pangolin. Wildlife enthusiasts would love to indulge in sightseeing at this beautiful sanctuary.
Timings: 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Location: Maradankadawala-Habarana-Thirukkondaiadimadu Highway West Coast Province, Sri Lanka
Entry Fee: 28474.18 LKR / $95
5. Bundala National Park
Photo: Manelka Jayasundara / Wikimedia Commons
One of the top national parks in Sri Lanka, Bundala National Park is a UNESCO biosphere reserve known for migratory birds, including flamingos. It has been awarded the title of both a national park and a wildlife sanctuary. It has also been designated a wetland conservatory for the rich wetland ecosystem that thrives here. The park offers a variety of activities to visitors, like bird watching, safari tours, a wetland observatory, and a picturesque reservoir in the middle of the sanctuary.
Timings: 9 AM – 7 PM
Location: Bundala, Hambantota, Galle, Sri Lanka
Entry Fee: 10490.49 LKR / $35
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6. Attidiya Bird Sanctuary
Photo: Avinash Uppuluri / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Attidiya Bird Sanctuary, located near Colombo, is a wetland sanctuary that provides a vital habitat for a wide variety of bird species, both resident and migratory. Spanning over 372 hectares, the sanctuary includes marshes, waterways, and reed beds. It is an important site for birdwatching, with species such as herons, egrets, and kingfishers commonly spotted. The sanctuary also supports diverse aquatic life and plant species, playing a crucial role in urban biodiversity conservation. It is one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka for nature lovers.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Location: Walapane, Nuwara, Sri Lanka
Entry Fee: Free
7. Wirawila Tissa Sanctuary
Photo: Mehmet Turgut Kirkgoz / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Wirawila Tissa Sanctuary, located in the Hambantota district in the southern part of Sri Lanka, is known for its large reservoirs and diverse wildlife. The sanctuary is an important habitat for elephants, deer, and various bird species, particularly waterfowl. The reservoir attracts numerous migratory birds, making it a significant spot for birdwatching. The sanctuary’s landscape features a mix of open grasslands, wetlands, and forested areas, providing varied habitats for its wildlife. If you are planning a trip to Sri Lanka, this is a must-visit site for complete relaxation after a tiresome journey.
Timings: 6:30 AM – 5 PM
Location: South Central Province, Sri Lanka
Entry Fee: 20980.97 LKR / $70
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8. Udawatta Kele Sanctuary
Photo: Manelka Jayasundara / Wikimedia Commons
Udawatta Kele Sanctuary, situated in the city of Kandy, is a historic forest reserve known for its rich biodiversity and historical significance. Covering about 104 hectares, this sanctuary provides a green oasis in the heart of Kandy. It is home to a wide range of flora and fauna, including endemic birds, small mammals, and reptiles. The sanctuary features several walking trails, a pond, and the famed Lovers’ Walk. Historically, it served as a refuge for the Kandyan kings and is now a popular spot for nature walks and bird watching.
Timings: 10 AM – 8 PM
Location: Arantenna Estate, Kandy, Sri Lanka
Entry Fee: Free
9. Horton Plains National Park
Photo: Cherubino / Wikimedia Commons
Horton Plains National Park is a stunning area in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, known for its unique biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes. The park’s landscape is characterised by rolling plains, misty grasslands, and cloud forests, creating a picturesque and serene environment. Horton Plains is home to a rich diversity of plant and animal species, including endemic birds, butterflies, and the rare Sri Lankan sambar deer. The most famous trail leading to World’s End is a sheer cliff with a drop of about 1,200 metres. On clear days, you can see all the way to the southern coast.
Timings: 6 AM – 4 Pm
Location: Horton, Sri Lanka
Entry Fee: Free
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10. Victoria Randenigala Rantembe Sanctuary
Photo: Rehman Abubakr / Wikimedia Commons
Located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, the Victoria Randenigala Rantembe Sanctuary encompasses the catchment areas of the Victoria, Randenigala, and Rantembe reservoirs. This sanctuary is known for its diverse ecosystems, including dry and montane forests. It is home to a variety of wildlife, such as elephants, leopards, and numerous bird species. The sanctuary also supports significant flora, making it a critical area for conservation. Its scenic beauty, with reservoirs and lush greenery, attracts nature enthusiasts and researchers alike.
Timings: 24*7
Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Entry Fee: 8991.85 LKR / $30
This list of top 10 wildlife sanctuaries in Sri Lanka provides a guided itinerary to help you make the best of your trip. Sri Lanka’s wildlife sanctuaries offer diverse experiences for nature and wildlife enthusiasts, making them a must-visit for anyone interested in the country’s rich biodiversity. Make trip planning easy with TripXL to access the best packages. Book your ticket now.
Cover Photo: Oleksandr P / Pexels
