Sri Lanka has a rich and exotic variety of wildlife and a long tradition of conservation, rooted in its 2,250 year old Buddhist civilisation. The following are the most important sanctuaries in terms of attractions, accessibility and availability of facilities, although there are several other sanctuaries on the island.
Animal Sanctuaries:
The animals to be seen in Sri Lanka’s national parks include elephant, leopard, sloth bear, sambhur, deer and monkeys, wild buffalo, wild boar (pig), porcupine, ant-eater, civet cat, jackal, mongoose, loris (unique to Sri Lanka), several varieties of lizards, squirrels, reptiles and amphibians. Each park however has its Own specialities.
Yala (Ruhuna) National Park
Situated 309 km. south of Colombo, Yala is approximately 1,259 sq.km. in extent and is located in the south eastern corner of the island. Its northern boundaries border on the Lahugala Elephant Sanctuary and it has the added bonus ofa scenic ocean frontage. The terrain is varied — flat plains alternating with rocky out-crops. The vegetation ranges from open parkland to dense jungle. Water holes, small lakes, lagoons and streams provide water for the animals and birds. The speciality here is the large numbers of elephants.
Wilpattu National Park
Situated 176 km. north of Colombo, Wilpattu is approximately 1,908 sq.km. in extent.It has a dense jungle cover which makes it a more exciting park where animals have to be tracked. There are numerousdelightful little lakes — known as villus — and the leopard and sloth bear are the speciality rather than elephants,
Gal Oya National Park
Situated at Inginiyagla, is 314 km. from Colombo and is most renowned for its elephant population.
A few travel agents specialise in Nature Tours and these are advertised from time to time in the daily newspapers.
Significant Pageant in Asia – Enchanting Kandy city on a amazing 2-day Sri Lanka Tour!
