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Explore Sri Lanka— Sri Lanka, thoughtfully planned.
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Wildlife safaris

Leopards in Yala, elephant herds in Minneriya and Udawalawe, and a remarkable birdlife.

Nature & wildlifeFamiliesActive & adventure
A couple watching wild elephants from their safari jeep

© Sudee Wild

Sri Lanka packs a lot of wildlife into a small island. Jeep safaris in the national parks offer good chances to see elephants, and in some parks leopards, sloth bears, crocodiles and hundreds of bird species.

We plan safaris with responsible local operators and at the right time of day, and we help you choose the park that fits the season.

Who it suits

Suitable for most ages. Safaris involve 3–4 hours in an open jeep on bumpy tracks. Very young children may find the early starts and the heat tiring.

Good to know

Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Some parks close partly for a period each year, and elephant gatherings depend on the dry season. We do not include elephant rides or shows with captive animals.

Where to experience it

  • Sigiriya rock fortress rising above green forest, with mountains on the horizonCultural Triangle

    Sigiriya

    The lion rock above the forest

    A fifth-century royal citadel on top of a 200-metre rock, with water gardens below and wide views from the summit.

    2–3 nights

  • An elephant walking across open grassland in Minneriya National ParkCultural Triangle

    Minneriya & Kaudulla

    Where the elephants gather

    National parks around ancient reservoirs where large herds of wild elephants come to graze, especially in the dry season.

    Day visit – 1 night

  • Golden grassland and a winding stream on Horton PlainsHill Country

    Horton Plains

    Highland plains and World's End

    A high plateau of grassland and cloud forest, with a loop walk to the dramatic cliff known as World's End.

    On the way

  • A Sri Lankan leopard walking through green undergrowth in YalaSouth Coast

    Yala

    Leopard country

    Sri Lanka's best-known national park, with dry forest, lagoons and rocky outcrops — and one of the world's best chances to see a wild leopard.

    1–2 nights

  • Elephant mother and calf grazing in Udawalawe National ParkSouth Coast

    Udawalawe

    Elephants in the open

    Open grassland around a large reservoir, known for frequent elephant sightings and an elephant rehabilitation centre nearby.

    1 night

  • Giant lianas hanging between tall trees in the Sinharaja rainforestSouth Coast

    Sinharaja

    The last great rainforest

    A UNESCO-listed tropical rainforest full of endemic birds, giant trees and streams, explored on foot with a local naturalist.

    1–2 nights

  • Turquoise sea, rocks and a leaning palm on the coast at MirissaSouth Coast

    Mirissa

    Palm-lined beach and whale watching

    A crescent beach with relaxed restaurants, palm-topped rocks and boat trips to look for whales and dolphins.

    2–4 nights

  • Pigeon Island near Trincomalee, with white sand and clear waterEast Coast

    Trincomalee

    Clear water on the east coast

    A natural harbour town with the clifftop Koneswaram temple, white beaches at Nilaveli and snorkelling at Pigeon Island.

    2–4 nights

  • Aerial view of the long sandy bay at Arugam BayEast Coast

    Arugam Bay

    Surf town on the east coast

    A laid-back surf village with famous point breaks, lagoons full of birdlife and a relaxed, international atmosphere.

    2–4 nights

All experiences