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Safaris at Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

Looking to spot wildlife away from restricting and often artificial zoo environments? Then plan a safari to Yala National Park in Sri Lanka and look forward to an unforgettable adventure!

Getting to the Park

The main entrance is in Palatupana which is around 305 km from the commercial capital, Colombo. While you will need a 4WD vehicle, the park does offer jeeps and guides too. When it comes to planning a Yala safari in Sri Lanka, wildlife tours are amongst the options worth considering since your transport and accommodation are taken care of.

Majestic Leopards

One of Yala’s main allures is the fact that it is home to the highest leopard density on the planet! Be it on special wildlife drives or photographic leopard safaris from tour specialists like Nature Odyssey, there are many adventures to see these majestic predators. Early morning and late afternoon are generally the best times for such safaris.

Animal Highlights

Of course, as you travel around Yala be on the look-out to spot other wildlife too; you may see a sloth bear ambling along the road, elephants socialising in a herd, spotted deer leaping through the foliage, water buffaloes basking in the sun or mugger crocodiles in search of a meal!

Amazing Avifauna

Birdwatching enthusiasts have much to look forward to since Yala is home to endemic and migratory species. Having a guide or bird guidebook will help to identify these many varieties; they include the grey heron, great stone plover, painted stork, serpent eagle, Sri Lankan Junglefowl and the Sri Lanka grey hornbill.

Reasons Why You Should Visit Sri Lanka

The tiny island nation is perfect with a tropical climate, incredible cuisines, sandy beaches and dramatic mountains. Here’s why you should be making a visit to the island sooner and not later.

Image by: eter van der Sluijs via wikimedia commons

1. Tropical Climate

The climate is warm and mild and balmy all year round and can get comfortably cold in the highlands. No matter where you are in Sri Lanka at whatever time, you will be comfortable.

2. Delicious Food

Sri Lankan cuisine is a delicious blend of spices and sweets that makes it a favourite among tourists. The distinct cuisine will be tasty no matter where you eat it; out at a street stand or in a luxurious hotel.

3. Rare Animals

The reason Sri Lanka wildlife tours are so sought after is due to the number of animals that you find on the island can’t be found elsewhere in the world. A prime example is the Sri Lankan leopard. Book a tour with a provider like Nature Odyssey.

4. Gorgeous Beaches

Sri Lanka has long been famous for pristine beaches. No matter where you are you will come across beautiful golden and white sands.

5. Whales & Dolphins

Most of Sri Lanka’s coastlines are prime sighting locations for blue whales, dolphins and other marine life.

Why You Should Visit Sri Lanka

Thanks to Sri Lanka finding itself thrust into new and upcoming lists as the place to be, resorts and tourists have taken notice and are flocking to the country in their dozen. Not that you need it, but here are a few reasons as to why you should visit Sri Lanka now.

Delicious Cuisine

Sri Lankan cuisine is on a pedestal on its own in terms of a myriad of flavours, colours and curries. The Sri Lankan way of cooking could turn you into a vegetarian for the dishes are made so well that you wouldn’t miss meat at all. Sri Lankan meat dishes are a whole new ballgame of flavours.

Rich Biodiversity

Thanks to the high degree of biodiversity Sri Lanka’s national parks are a must-visit if you are planning adventure tours in Sri Lanka. Yala National Park is the place with the highest density of Sri Lankan leopard in the world and you can also see sloth bears, deer, elephants, monkeys, mongoose, wild boar, water buffalo, peacocks and many kinds of birds both migratory and endemic to the island. Book a tour with operators such as Nature Odyssey for the full experience.

Surfing Paradise

Sri Lanka’s pristine beaches are not just postcard beautiful they also feature some of the best waves for surfing. There are world class surf schools in places like Arugam Bay where there are waves for beginners and waves for the professionals.

Cultural Heritage

With 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites scattered across the country, Sri Lanka has a lot of cultural heritage for the history buff to explore. Even if you aren’t into history, these sites are so beautiful and so unique there’s plenty for you to see.

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The Most Thrilling Wildlife Safaris in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a dream destination for those who love wildlife and this island nation is home to sanctuaries where one can see truly exotic species living wild and free.

Leopard Safaris

Yala is undoubtedly the premier spot for leopard safaris in Sri Lanka. Such safaris are organised by local adventure specialists the likes of Nature Odyssey and give one a chance to see this majestic and endemic predator along with a host of other animals; these include elephants, sloth bears and crocodiles.

Whale Safaris

When it comes to safaris in Sri Lanka, wildlife tours don’t have to be only on land! The waters off the coast of areas such as Kalpitiya, Trincomalee and Mirissa are where one can spot sperm whales, blue whales and killer whales, not forgetting countless dolphins too.

Elephant Safaris

Many of the national parks in Sri Lanka are great for elephant safaris, though the most popular is arguably the Minneriya National Park and for good reason; from late June to September the park is where one can witness “The Gathering” when hundreds of elephants can be seen in and around the reservoir.

Birdwatching Safaris

While spotting birds may not be your idea of “thrilling”, it certainly can be; just ask those who have enjoyed birdwatching at the Kumana National Park! This bird sanctuary hosts thousands of migrating birds, especially from April to July. Spoonbills, herons, pelicans, egrets and little cormorants are just some of the species that can be spotted here.\

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Thrilling Wildlife Tours & Safaris in Sri Lanka

From stealthy jungle cats and majestic marvels of the deep to gentle giants on land and feather-filled finery, Sri Lanka certainly offers some unforgettable wildlife tours & safaris!

The King of the Jungle

The Sri Lankan leopard is the island’s undisputed apex predator. Spotting this regal and elusive creature is often the highlight for those on adventure tours in Sri Lanka; the best places for leopard safaris would be the Yala and Wilpattu national parks.

The Rulers of the Sea

Sri Lanka has also become a prime destination for whale watching. Wildlife tour specialists the likes of Nature Odyssey offer safaris to Trincomalee and Mirissa where you can spot whales including the largest creature to have lived on our planet; the mighty blue whale! You also have the chance to spot sperm and killer whales along with bottlenose and spinner dolphins.

The Iconic Gentle Giants

Seeing the Sri Lankan elephant in its natural habitat is a true joy. A visit to the Minneriya National Park between June and September gives you a chance to witness “The Gathering” of elephants that can sometimes number up to 300! The Udawalawe and Wasgamuwa national parks are also prime locations for elephant safaris.

The Guardians of the Sky

Sri Lanka has over 400 recorded bird species including endemic and migratory birds some of which make their journey here from Siberia! Key sites for bird watching include the Kumana and Bundala national parks, the Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary and the Sinharaja Forest Reserve.

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Hiking in the Hills

You can experience a different side of the country that is a far cry from the sun and surf of its world-class beaches by going into the mountains. At 2,000 m above sea level, Ella Rock is 5 km from the town and one of the most picturesque stretches of rolling moorland in the hills.

Ella Rock | Image Credit : A-wiki-guest-user, Ella Rock near waterfall, CC BY-SA 4.0

The Right Path

There are several trekking trails in Ella and not all of them are clearly marked so it would be beneficial to do some thorough research on which trails you plan to use on your hike. Hiring a tour specialist such as Nature Odyssey would ensure that you get to see all the hidden treasures and be guaranteed to make it safely up and down the slope.

Railway Stations Frozen in Time

An independent hike would take approximately 3 – 4 hours beginning and ending at the Ella Railway Station which, in itself is an image from a postcard, frozen in its colonial elegance. Trekking in Sri Lanka from such locales can take you through a myriad of beautiful locations, both man-made and natural, that are usually overlooked.

Through the Tall Grass

You can walk up the tracks to the next station, Kithal Ella and turn left at the 166 ½ marker. After a while, you will come to a footbridge crossing and a fork in the road. Take the path to the left. Traversing past a tea plantation and a narrow stretch of long grass will bring you to the interim viewing point.

Bird’s Eye View

After that, it’s a straight road to the top. The whole world spills away into the distance as far as your eye can see. A bird’s eye view of paradise awaits

Filled with wanderlust that seeks to explore distant shores and captivated by the colors and vibrancy of exotic cultures, Kanya Mae writes on the beautiful, exciting, and enchanting wonders of the world. She is a writer who not only has a passion for travel, but also has a background in fashion, art and media. Google+

Encounters with Sri Lankan Leopards

Did you know that Yala National Park has the highest density of leopards in a national park in the world? That makes it the ideal location to spot the Sri Lankan Leopard while on a safari.

Yala National Park

The 950 square kilometre Yala National Park can be found on the south-eastern coast and is the preferred location for a leopard safari in Sri Lanka. You can visit this reserve on an eco-friendly adventure tour offered by the likes of Nature Odyssey. If you’re lucky, you will also spot jackals, elephants, deer, monkeys, sloth bears, water buffalos, land and water monitors and over 200 species of birds.

Sri Lankan Leopards

The Sri Lankan Leopard is a dapper russet yellow big cat with dark spots and is the largest subspecies of leopard in the world. At roughly 78 kgs, the males are 30% larger than females and are found throughout the country in various habitats. While leopards are considered nocturnal, it is common to spot them in the early mornings or late evenings.

An Endangered Beauty

However, the leopard count in Sri Lanka has fallen to 250 animals due to poaching and fragmentation of habitat. The Sri Lankan Leopard has been listed by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) as endangered.

Big Cat Conservation

The Wilderness and Wildlife Conservation Trust (WWCT) is working together with the Government of Sri Lanka and the Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation to study the leopard and aid in its conservation. It is hoped that with a concerted effort the leopard population will once again thrive in Sri Lanka

Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting. Google+

A Thrilling Safari at Wilpattu National Park

Does your idea of an exciting holiday include the chance to encounter everything from stealthy leopards to regal elephants? If so, you will love a safari at Wilpattu National Park in Sri Lanka!

Leopards in Wilpattu | Image Credit: Senthi Aathavan Senthilverl, Sri Lankan Leopard at Wilpattu national park – (Brave Beauty), CC BY-SA 4.0

Getting There

The country’s largest national park, Wilpattu can be found on the northwest coast and is one of the best places for a wildlife safari in Sri Lanka. It is around 188 km from Colombo and 30 km from the town of Puttalam. The best times for a safari are generally in the mornings (6 am to 10 am) and evenings (3 pm to 6 pm).

Two of Wilpattu’s “Stars”

While on a safari, organised by travel specialists the likes of Nature Odyssey, keep your eyes peeled to spot two of Wilpattu’s most famous residents; the somewhat ponderous Sri Lankan sloth bear and the majestic Sri Lankan leopard! Seeing these creatures in the wild is truly unforgettable.

Not Just the “Supporting Cast”

Of course, it would be wrong to say that these are the only animals of significance you can spot here. On your safari, you may see cautious spotted deer, sunbathing mugger crocodiles, playful purple-faced langurs, unhurried pond turtles, unperturbed monitor lizards and not forgetting wise-old elephants!

Feathered Friends

The Wilpattu National Park features many lakes which attract a large number of birds too. Bird lovers have the chance to see wetland species such as whistling teals, purple herons and large white egrets. Endemic birds including the Sri Lankan junglefowl, Ceylon lorikeet and the red-backed woodpecker are also a part of the colourful avifauna here.

Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting. Google+

Explore Sri Lanka’s Wildlife

As one of the world’s greatest Biodiversity hotspots, Sri Lanka, is an excellent place to witness wildlife. The island has numerous, amazing wildlife sanctuaries, here are some top spots.

Yala National Park

Being the second largest national park in Sri Lanka, the Yala National Park has been a favourite hotspot among many tourists who visit the country. If you want to spot a leopard, there will be no better place than this! Sloth bears, elephants, and many other creatures can be experienced up close. This dry zone park is just one of the rustic wildlife reserves Nature Odyssey and other leading tour operators in Sri Lanka cover.

Wilpattu National Park

Wilpattu is undoubtedly one of the, if not the most, beautiful wildlife park in the country. Situated about 30km from Sri Lanka’s ancient capital, Anuradhapura, Wilpattu is the nation’s oldest national park and its largest one. The National Park’s most prominent feature is its unique complex of more than 50 natural lakes, called ‘Villus’ which largely contribute to both its natural beauty and its lush fertility.

Minneriya National Park

A park that is always covered in most popular adventure tours in Sri Lanka, Minneriya is best known for its large population of migratory elephants. The park is also home to diverse species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and even fish. The surroundings too are quite beautiful with dense shrubberies and vast grassy plains.

Bundala National Park

This park is well-known as a wildlife hotspot for aquatic bird life! The most impressive aspect of the park is its terrain made up of sand dunes, scrub jungle, salt pans, lagoons and long stretches of coastline.

Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting. Google+

Thrilling White Water Rafting in Sri Lanka

If your idea of a perfect holiday involves lots of action-packed thrills, then white water rafting in Sri Lanka is for you! Here’s what you need to know about this activity in this tropical island paradise.

White Water Rafting| Img by: Timeworks via Pixabay

Rapids of Sri Lanka

The premier place for white water rafting is Kitulgala, a favourite stop on adventure tours in Sri Lanka. The Kelani River here offers grade two to three rapids ideal for younger participants too. Those with more experience can look to tackle the rapids at the Sitawaka (grade three to four), Mahaweli (grade two to five) or Kotmale (grade four to five) rivers.

The Kitulgala Rapids

Those enjoying white water rafting offered by adventure specialists the likes of Nature Odyssey can look forward to challenging several of the Kelani River’s distinctive rapids. The experience lasts for around 90 minutes and the rapids have uniquely named sections such as Killer Fall, Head Chopper and Butter Crunch!

The Ideal Period

The months from May to December are generally considered the best time for this activity in Kitulgala; this is mainly because the seasonal south-western monsoon makes the river swell which leads to faster rapids too.

Other Activities

The ideal complement to Kitulgala white water rafting is the many activities you can enjoy in and around the Kelani River. These include waterfall abseiling, rainforest trekking, canyoning and performing confidence jumps from varying heights to rock pools below!

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+