Closely following the Buddhist tradition of conservation that dates back over 2,000 years,
Udawalawa National Park:
The park was established on 30 July 1972. and it is most famous for the many elephants that live there (about 400 in total). During a visit, it is not unusual to see whole herds of adults and young elephants– feeding or bathing and playing in the water. In addition to this main attraction, the park is home to many water buffaloes, water monitor lizards, sambar deer, monkeys and the occasional leopard, as well as being an exciting location for bird enthusiasts.
The
32 species of terrestrial mammals have been recorded in the park including the Sri Lankan Elephant, Sri Lankan Axis Deer, Muntjac, Water Buffalo, Sri Lankan Sambar Deer, Sri Lanka Leopard, Toque Monkey and Wild Boar.
The "Kurulu Dupatha" or the “
Horton
The park is home to a wide variety of flora and 24 species of mammals and birds. The sheer precipice of World s End and Baker s Falls are among the tourist attractions of the park.
Bundala is an internationally important wintering ground for migratory water birds in the country. The thorny jungle is also home to spotted deer, rare pangoline and the playful grey langur monkey and also sea turtles have come ashore to lay eggs during the night. The park is home to 32 species of fish, 15 species of amphibians, 48 race of reptiles, 197 species of bird, 32 species of mammals.
Bundala was first sited to be designated a Ramsar Wetland in the country and was declared a Man and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in January 2006.
Yala National Park is one of the premier eco tourism destinations located 24kms northeast of Tissamaharama and 290kms from Colombo on the southeast coast covering a massive area of 97878 hectares over the Southern and Uva Provinces of the country.
Yala plays a very important role in conservation of a large number of flora and fauna in the country. Visitors exploring the park are exposed to an array of animals including birds & reptiles. At the same time Yala is famed to be one of the parks which has the highest density of Leopards in a single geographical area, however it is said that you have to be lucky to spot this beautiful beast in Yala as they lead an out-of-the-way lifestyle.
Kumana is a well-known eco tourism attraction and bird sanctuary where a multitude of birds breed and roost. 200 species of the birds have been recorded in the national park. One of the most significant features of the park is the Kumana Villu - a 200 hectare natural swamp lake, fed by the Kumbukkan Oya through a half mile long narrow channel.
During April–July months tens of thousands of birds migrate to the Kumana swamp area annually. Regular sightings include such species of bird as pelicans, painted storks, spoonbills, white ibis, herons, egrets and little cormorants. Besides the prolific birdlife, Kumana is also home to some of the mammals found in the larger
The park is home to a large number of flora and fauna such as 23 species of mammals, 143 species of birds, 8 species of amphibians, 17 species of fresh water fishes and reptiles and 50 butterflies. In fact the park is inhabited by a herd of 150 Sri Lankan Elephants. This park is truly a paradise for the nature lover.
Located in North central Province between Habarana and Polonnaruwa, the area was designated as a national park on 12 August 1997, having been originally declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1938. The reason for declaring the area as protected is to protect the catchment of Minneriya tank and the wildlife of the surrounding area.
The tank is of historical importance, having been built by King Mahasen in third century AD. The park is a dry season feeding ground for the elephant population dwelling in forests of Matale, Polonnaruwa, and Trincomalee districts.
The park is centered on ancient Kaudulla tank (reservoir), and is a home for approximately 250 Elephants with fantastic opportunities to see many elephants at close range and including herds of juvenile males, Leopards, Fishing cat, Sloth Bear, Sambar Deer, and the endangered Rusty spotted cat. The best times to visit the park are during August to December.