Sri Lanka’s National Parks Tour

Day 1-2: Arrival in Colombo & Travel to Wilpattu National Park

• Start your journey with a visit to Wilpattu National Park, known for its natural lakes (villus) and leopard sightings.
• Spend a full day on safari, exploring the park’s diverse ecosystems.

Day 3-4: Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park

• Head towards the Cultural Triangle and choose between Minneriya or Kaudulla National Parks, famous for the annual “Elephant Gathering.”
• Enjoy a safari to see large herds of wild elephants, deer, and numerous bird species.

Day 5-6: Sigiriya and Dambulla

• Although not national parks, the areas around Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Dambulla Cave Temple are rich in biodiversity. Explore these historic sites with their surrounding nature.
• Proceed to the nearby Hurulu Eco Park, part of the Hurulu Forest Reserve, for another chance to observe elephants in the wild.

Day 7-8: Kandy to Udawalawe National Park

• Travel south to Udawalawe National Park, known for its large elephant population and the Elephant Transit Home, where orphaned elephants are rehabilitated.
• Spend a day on safari, also looking out for water buffalo, crocodiles, and various bird species.

Day 9-10: Yala National Park

• Next, head to Yala National Park, the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka.
• Yala is renowned for its density of leopards, along with a variety of other wildlife including elephants, sloth bears, and crocodiles. Dedicate at least a full day to explore different sections of the park.

Day 11-12: Bundala National Park

• Move to Bundala National Park, a UNESCO designated Biosphere Reserve famous for its migratory waterbirds, including flamingos.
• Spend your time birdwatching and exploring the park’s lagoons, salt marshes, and scrublands.

Day 13: Sinharaja Forest Reserve

• Visit Sinharaja Forest Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the last viable area of primary tropical rainforest in the country. It’s rich in endemic species, both flora and fauna.
• Trek through the dense rainforest, keeping an eye out for rare birds, insects, and the diverse plant life.

Day 14: Return to Colombo

• Travel back to Colombo, reflecting on the incredible biodiversity and natural beauty you’ve experienced across Sri Lanka’s national parks.
• Depending on your flight, explore any missed attractions in Colombo before your departure.