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1. Yala National Park
Yala National Park is the best National Park in Sri Lanka. In addition to that it is the most famous National Park in Sri Lanka not only that but also Yala is one of the best National Park in Asia for mammals. This national park is best known for Sri Lankan elephants and leopards, Which it is located in the south of the country. This National Park consists of a huge forest area, lagoons. sandy beaches and grasslands.
All these areas covered 378 square miles and It is a 6 hour drive from Colombo. Because of the high number of leopards and elephants, tourists can have an adventurous visit. Furthermore, you can see the pilgrim sites of Sithul Pahuwa and Magul Vihara, which are located near the Yala National Park.
2. Udawalawa National Park
Udawalawe National Park is situated near the boundary of Sabaragamuwa and Uva province even though Udawalawe is near the hill country areas, it mainly consists of planes and marshes. udawalawe National Park is always famous among the tourists for Sri Lankan elephants & there are around 500 of them. Furthermore the total area covered 30,821 hectares and it is 4 hours drive from Colombo. The most eye-catching sceneries in Udawalawe national park are, birds circling overhead, huge elephants kicking the land and making reddish brown dusty cretonne & the beautiful mountains in the distance part
3. Wilpattu National Park
Wilpattu National Park is situated in the Northwest coast of Sri Lanka. This National Park is well known for its lakes called “willus” ,there are around 6 lakes within it’s boundaries. These watery environment provides a vast biodiversity to this National Park and nourishes it’s beautiful flora and fauna, Wilpattu National Park is famous for sloth bears, and in addition to that we can see elephants Leopards and water buffaloes. This park was closed for 15 years and reopened in 2003 in order to increase the safety of its wildlife. Finally Wilpattu is a must visit charming & peaceful national park to enjoy the sun setting in Sri Lanka.
4. Hortain Plains National Park
Horton Plains National Park is located on the southern plateau of the central region of Sri Lanka. It consists of montane grasslands and cloud forest. It is the highest plateau in Sri Lanka and best known for its bird species. There are so many places to visit in horton plains such as horton plains world’s end, Baker’s falls, Babarakanda falls, Gomolli Kanda and Belihuloya. Furthermore Horton plains is known for the dwarf lizard species and different kinds of flora and fauna. Finally, it is around a 5 hours drive from Colombo to Horton plains
5. Minneriya National Park
Minneriya National Park is located in the North Central province in Sri Lanka. This National Park is rich in a number of diverse ecosystems and also the Minneriya reservoir provides a significant biodiversity to this Park. Minneriya National Park is famous for its seasonal elephants during the months of September and October. In addition to that we can observe around 200 elephants gathering around the Park’s grasslands in search of food. At last It is around 5:30 hours drive from Colombo to Minneriya .
6. Kumana National Park
Kumana National Park is located on the south east coast of Sri Lanka. And it is world known for its avifauna and over 250 different species of birds. Especially migratory waterfowl, Wading birds, Black-necked stock, pintail snipes and spoonbill birds species can be seen here. In addition to that elephants and wild boars also can be seen in Kumana from time to time. This park is consisted of lagoons and wetlands which provide a nice and Charm surrounding for is wild life.
7. Bundala National Park
Bundala National Park is located down south in Sri Lanka. It has an international importance because it is a best place for migratory water birds.This National Park is a home to 197 species of birds and few elephants and crocodiles because of its different wetlands, ecosystems, sand dunes, and forests will astonish any nature lover. The total area covered 33339 hectares . And it’s only a five hours drive from Colombo to Bundala.
8. Wasgamuwa National Park
This National Park is situated in the Mathale and Polonnaruwa district. And it is best known for Sri Lankan elephants, which own 150 of Sri Lankan elephants. In addition to that Wasgamuwa National Park consists of a number of other animals and birds such as Red faced malkoha, mugger crocodile,purple Faced langur, sloth bears and Golden palm civet. Furthermore, we can observe the Buddha packed caves of Dambulla. And this national Park is 39322 hectares in area and it is only five hours drive from Colombo.
9. Sinharaja Forest Reserve
This National Park is situated in the Mathale and Polonnaruwa district. And it is best known for Sri Lankan elephants, which own 150 of Sri Lankan elephants. In addition to that Wasgamuwa National Park consists of a number of other animals and birds such as Red faced malkoha, mugger crocodile,purple Faced langur, sloth bears and Golden palm civet. Furthermore, we can observe the Buddha packed caves of Dambulla. And this national Park is 39322 hectares in area and it is only five hours drive from Colombo.
10. Kaudulla National Park
Kaudulla National Park is located in the North Central province of Sri Lanka. Kaudulla National Park is just 30 minutes away from Minneriya National Park. This national park is certainly very popular for bird watchers and this is well known for Sri Lankan elephants, sloth bears, deer, Sri Lanka leopards and wild boar. In addition to that this National Park has a plenty of flora and fauna, which are nourished by the Minneriya lake and attract different kinds of birds. At last it’s around 5.30 hours drive from Colombo.
11. Gal Oya National Park
Gal Oya National park is situated near the Senanayake Samudra reservoir. It is the main catchment area for Senanayake Samudraya. By crossing this Senanayake Samudraya from Inginiyagala is a nice alternative method of approaching the national park. Gal oya national park is important for elephants that can be seen throughout the year, Furthermore we can discover elephants, buffaloes and leopards and also, Visitors are able to visit the Deegavapi pilgrim site which is near the Gal Oya national park.
12. Pigeon Island National Park
Pigeon Island National park is situated near the Nilaveli beach. This national park is well-known for marine and coral life . It owns the best coral reefs in Sri Lanka. It has been a highly protected area since the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami. The things to explore in this national park are 100 species of corals, different marine animals such as sharks, turtles, green turtles and Hawksbill. Furthermore, there are rock pigeons that can also be found here. The best things to do at pigeon island national park are diving, swimming and snorkeling.
