9 x Most Beautiful National Parks in Sri Lanka
Last Updated On June 19, 2023
Sri Lanka's lengthy and ancient history means many incredible sights to discover on this magnificent island in the Indian Ocean. Visitors to Sri Lanka can enjoy all of the historical, archaeological, and cultural views on offer, with traces of human habitation reaching back to the 6th Century BC.
Photo by Egle Sidaraviciute on Unsplash
Sri Lanka has something for everyone, whether it's marveling in the ruined temples of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, staring in astonishment at the ancient frescoes at Pidurangala Rock, or simply basking in the gorgeous seas that surround the island.
This treasure of a country is charming to explore, with a variety of breathtaking scenery and an abundance of natural wonders on display. Here are some of Sri Lanka's most beautiful national parks for you to visit.
1. Yala National Park
Yala National Park, located southeast of the Sri Lanka beyond Tissamaharama, is the most well-known of Sri Lanka's 22 national parks. A large portion of the park is off-limits to visitors. Still, the accessible region is home to some of the country's most diverse species, including a fantastic elephant population, elusive sloth bears, stunning fauna, and, most notably, a significant leopard population.
2. Udawalawe National Park
3. Wilpattu National Park
Wilpattu National Park is Sri Lanka's largest wildlife sanctuary. There are around fifty marshes that dominate the landscape. The park's low scrubs and deep forests support a diverse range of flora and fauna. The sighting of leopards and sloth bears is the most popular tourist attraction. The national park is a bird watcher's paradise, with an astounding assortment of bird species.
4. Kumana National Park
5. Horton Plains National Park
Horton Plains National Park is the most well-known reserve in the hills themselves. Unlike any other national park in the country, there is little wildlife here, yet it is one of the best places on the island to see montane bird species. The magnificent beauty is the major lure here.
Wild, misty moorlands interspersed with spectacular patches of cloud forest slope down to the breath-taking precipice of World's End, where the cliffs are marking the hill country's southern tip fall sheer for the better part of a kilometer (0.5 miles) to the lowlands below.
6. Kaudulla National Park
7. Minneriya National Park
The Gathering, a rainwater tank in Minneriya National Park, is Asia's most prominent elephant meeting spot. Polonnaruwa, located northeast of Colombo in the north-central plains, is the nearest city. The best way to experience Minneriya is to stay in one of the tented camps. Every day, there are numerous jeep safaris. In 1997, Minneriya was designated as a national park.
8. Gal Oya National Park
Gal Oya is one of the least visited national parks in Sri Lanka's south. The enormous tank, a man-made rainwater lake called Senanayake Samudraya, is the main attraction here. You can experience the thrill of natural beauty and diverse species, both car, and boat safari. The park area spans approximately 25,900 hectares and is dominated by Sri Lanka's largest reservoir, Senanayake Samudraya.
Meadows, woods, and scrubs dominate the landscape. Leopards and sloth bears live in the park but are challenging to see. Instead, this park is home to some of the most significant elephant herds in the world.