Stretching into the ocean from the tip of the Indian Peninsula, Sri Lanka still promises an odyssey for the lifetime. While nature’s bounty is bound to be stunning, there’s a lot more to explore beyond your thoughts. It’s actually worth getting lost in the wilderness as you spare time to experience nature with its finest glory. For sure, you will have an interesting travel tale on your lips which you will be eager to narrate as you return back home. So, without any further ado, let’s go through some of the wildlife escapades which are worth visiting around the island nation.
Sinharaja Forest Reserve
If you really want to soak in a tranquil atmosphere far away from home, then the Sinharaja Forest Reserve is what you should surely visit. Since many years, this forest reserve has been a habitat for many endemic mammals as well as birds. Throughout the entire year, the area is engulfed by numerous cottony clouds. The breathtaking views just adds on to the reasons of including it under the list of UNESCO’s world heritage sites.
Attidiya Bird Sanctuary
If you love watching birds, then the Attidiya bird sanctuary is the place you should roam around. As you make your way through the muddy paths, insects, colourful butterflies and birds are sure to catch your attention. You just can’t wait to pull out your smartphone and shoot the surroundings of the sanctuary. Even when the sanctuary is open for tourists all year round, winter is the best season to visit the place.
Wasgamuwa National Park
Located far into the interiors of Sri Lanka, the Wasgamuwa national park flourishes with flora and fauna. Apart from numerous birds, the national park is known for a herd of elephants and leopards and bears. With the landscape stretching across for more than 36,900 hectares, you could really get a different feel of Sri Lanka. So, when you plan your itinerary, make sure you’re not in a hurry before you head off for the visit.
Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage
Spanning across a landscape of more than 147 acres, this is the place where you can get acquainted with the lifestyle of elephants. As the name implies, this serene place takes care of Asian elephants. In case you can buy some time, then you can watch the playful baby elephants having bath along the river bank. You will certainly not feel lonesome when a group of elephants are wandering in the region.
Udawalawe National Park
While you venture out Sri Lanka, you shouldn’t forget to include the Udawalawe National Park in your list. With the dense jungle as the backdrop, everything will bring you very much closer to nature. To your surprise, owing to the extensive expanse of land, you may change your course to explore the surrounding area with utmost enthusiasm. Well, if you want to enjoy your journey whole-heartedly, then the best time is to visit between July and August.
Kumana National Park
If you wish to see the full majesty of nature, then it’s worth visiting Kumana National Park. Besides admiring the wildlife, you could probably spend some enjoyable time with your travel companions near one of the 20 lagoons sprawled across the area. It would surely be a blessing to view many birds and animals ambling around the region.
Horton Plains National Park
For those who are always enthusiastic about trekking, they can leisurely walk around the Horton Plains National Park. As you experience nature in its purest form, you can opt for exploring the park through a jeep ride. If you’re fortunate, you may probably spot macaques, deers and wild boars. At a height of around 2100 meters, the view is simply mesmerizing and you wouldn’t hold yourself back to capture the beauty.
Bundala National Park
Set in an idyllic location, the Bundala National Park is one of the exotic places where you would observe vibrant birds. You will surely be awe-struck with the topography with sand dunes, and lagoons here and there. While the entire park stretches across a region around 6000 hectares, it’s among the favourite places for bird watching. For an incredible experience, you could just visit the park soon after the break of dawn.
Maduru Oya National Park
When you’re really seek some relief from a busy city and life, then you could explore the Maduru Oya National Park. As you move around the place, you would come across many Buddhist statues, shrines, and more. Besides, you may not have ever imagined in your wildest dreams regarding the birds and the activities around the lagoons.
Gal Oya National Park
As you visit the Gal Oya National Park, you could experience the thrill like never before. You will certainly fall in love with nature as the topography comprises of forests and grasslands. Though it may be difficult to spot sloth bears and leopards, herds of elephants are usually found around the park. In case you embark on a boat safari, then you may watch elephants swimming in the lagoon. To experience the best, you can go for a full day safari right till the sun is about to set.
Yala National Park
While you satiate your enthusiasm at the Yala national park, it’s simply spectacular to watch a leopard plodding along the park. Midway during the tour, you will be fascinated by the cultural ruins which is reminiscent of the ancient civilization. Over the years, the place has become famous that many tourists yearn to visit the park.
Wilpattu National Park
Do you know which is the largest sanctuary situated in Sri Lanka? It’s the Wilpattu National Park, situated towards the north most region. With numerous birds flying here and there, you are sure to be in for an unforgettable trip. But, it’s always better to go for a tour with travel companions anytime during February and October.
Before we conclude, we would just like to say that everything is king-sized around Sri Lanka. If you’re still adding to the list of 100 must visit places before you die, then make sure you include the island nation in your wish list. Your memories shall never fade into oblivion when you return home. Rather, those moments would stay in your mind year after year. You would always feel happy when you have finished off the journey on a high note.