Designated as a National Park in 1938, Yala is Sri Lanka's most visited National Park and is situated in the dry semi-arid region off the southeastern coast of Sri Lanka, Yala is known for its biodiversity, with over 200 species of birds and over 40 species of mammals. Consider yourself stepping into Leopard land when you come to Yala National Park, Sri Lanka’s oldest and inarguably most famous Park. Dry, dusty and hot winds from an arid landscape of savannah grasslands, thorn and dry monsoon forests will make you wonder, if you truly are in a tropical country. But the Park is also home to saltwater wetlands, flaunting her biodiversity and membership of an impressive number of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. With a density of least one leopard per square kilometre, and the chances of spotting these formidable big cats enhanced with the trained eye of our guides; these elusive leopards greet the dawn and acknowledge the sun setting. It is not an uncommon sight to see elephants, buffalo, sloth bears and even leopards crossing the road in front of you, giving you an opportunity to see these big mammals up close. Yala is also home to a multitude of birds, including the Sri Lanka jungle fowl, peacocks, and endemic species such as Sri Lanka grey hornbill, crimson-fronted barbet and Sri Lanka wood pigeon. Watering holes also attract water birds such as herons and storks. Among the smaller species of mammals in Yala are hares, foxes, wild boar, toque macaques, golden palm civets, red slender loris, and fishing cats. Take this Yala leopard safari - you will never forget it.

The Udawalawe National Park is a collection of several distinct, but inter-related geographical features. From lush forests to grasslands to a man-made reservoir, Udawalawe is among the largest of national parks in Sri Lanka. Udawalawe's main attraction is the large herd of Sri Lankan elephants who call it home. With a large area for them to roam, it is the best place in Sri Lanka to see wild elephants. Watch as these majestic, graceful, albeit playful giants interact with each other, following a complex social order within the herd. Sri Lanka Day Tours' Udawalwe National Park safari will take you through hotspots for watching elephants and other animals and birds within the park. Jeeps specialised for optimised viewing will take gravel paths into the deep forest for the best viewing experience. Udawalawe is home to a few other species of mammal. Carnivores such as the rusty spotted cat, the fishing cat and the Sri Lankan Leopard are not unknown. Quite a few of our guides have seen leopards in this park. Among the herbivoresare water buffalo, axis deer, sambar deer, Indian muntjac and spotted chevrotains. Primates such as toque macaques and grey langurs also make the park their home. The park is also anexcellentbird-watching site. Species such as the Sri Lankan jungle fowl, Sri Lankan spurfowl, and the red-faced malkoha breed within the park. Make your experience at Udawalawa be an unforgettable one with our guided safari.

Wilpattu National Park is the largest national park in Sri Lanka but has fewer visitors compared to the Yala National Park. This offers you less crowded wildlife encounters. The Sri Lankan leopard is a recognised subspecies of the Indian leopard and is currently the largest species of leopard living in Asia. The Wilpattu National Park is known for its numerous opportunities to film and photograph these wonderful animals that are often seen lying beside the park’s many villus. Wilpattu is also home to Sri Lankan sloth bears, which are highly threatened. Less than 1,000 of them are currently living in the wild.

The Minneriya National Park is probably the most easily accessed national park from the cultural triangle. The largest seasonally recurring concentration of wild elephants takes place between July and September at Minneriya (and Kaudulla) National Park. Over 300 elephants may gather on the seasonally drying lake bed in Minneriya National Park. This gathering is listed by Lonely Planet as among the Top Ten wildlife spectacles in the world.The list includes famous nature events such as the great wildebeest migration in Serengeti, brown bears feasting in Alaska, the penguin rookery in the Atlantic, the Monarch butterfly migration in Mexico, orca feeding in Argentina, starling roosting in England, and the salmon run in South Africa. Although elephants are its main attraction, Minneriya hosts more than 160 species of birds, a few of which are endemic to Sri Lanka, such as the Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot, the Sri Lanka Jungle Fowl, and the Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill. Large mammals, including, sloth bears, Sambar deer, and axis deer, as well as smaller mammals such as the Purple-Faced Langur, Toque Macaque, and the Grey Slender Loris make the Minneriya National Park their home.

Bundala National Park is renowned as a Ramsar site; a wetland of international importance, where migratory birds nest during their stay - away from winter. It is a fascinating safari for those who love birds, mammals and crocodiles in a beautiful natural environment. One of the ideal places to see an impressive diversity of both migrant and endemic birds in Sri Lanka, at a great frequency and at times unbelievable proximity. The biodiversity of the Park is prolific with 383 plant species being recorded here, six of which are endemic and seven endangered. A wonderland of elephants, most of which reside permanently, with seasonal migratory herds arriving for short periods at Bundala. Visiting this Park could easily be combined with the dates you spend in the southern Sri Lanka, or when you are visiting Yala National Park.

Kumana National Park is probably the most secluded but amazingly rich in diversity. As the legend goes, a god named Katharagama worshipped by almost all the communities in Sri Lanka, made his first landing in the vicinity of the Kumana National Park. This bird haven also serves as a feeding and resting ground to more than 35 species of migratory aquatic bird species - escaping northern winters. Three of Big Five mammals in Sri Lanka, the elusive Sri Lankan Leopard, Sloth Bear and the majestic Elephant are visibly seen here. The Kumana National Park is located in close proximity to the surfing hotspot of Sri Lanka – Arugam Bay. The Kumana Tour can easily be arranged en route to the surfing hotspot. Flexibility in opting for a Full Day or Half Day Safari at the Kumana National Park (Full Day Safari is highly recommended).You will be accompanied by an experienced birding guide, whose experiences and knowledge of the Park, promises to make this an eventful and engaging bird watching tour.

With more than 95% of Sri Lanka’s endemic birds found here, bird watching in Sinharaja is a phenomenal experience to have. More than 147 species have been recorded to date.To name a few commonly sighted birds: the Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, Red Faced Malkoha, Grey Hornbill and White Headed Starling. About 13% of the birds are migratory, coming in for their winter break. Over 50% of Sri Lanka’s endemic species of mammals and butterflies are found in Sinharaja. Besides birding in Sinharaja, watch out for the Sambhur, the most common deer species and the Mouse-deer. Leopards are very seldom sighted, but their frequent presence has been confirmed by tracks and other signs. The most commonly seen primate is the purple-faced leaf monkey. In contrast, the Brown Mongoose and the Golden-palm Civet have been occasionally sighted. The rainforest is habitat to more than 60% of Sri Lanka’s endemic trees, some of which are considered rare.