From misty highlands to sun-kissed shores, Sri Lanka’s national parks burst with life. Spot leopards stalking through scrub.

Elephants bathing in lakes, and turtles nesting on beaches—all framed by landscapes that shift from lush forests to golden savannahs. Ready to explore? Here’s your guide to 10 parks where adventure roams free.

Leopard Kingdom

Yala National Park reigns supreme for leopard sightings. Entry costs $15 per person, with safari jeep rentals starting at $50–$80. Visit from February to July during dry season for optimal wildlife activity.

Stay in Tissamaharama, where budget guesthouses like Lake View Inn offer stays from $20/night. Avoid crowded Block 1—opt for Block 5 with Tree Tops Jungle Lodge for quieter trails.

Birdwatcher’s Paradise

In the remote Chundikulam National Park, migratory flamingos and painted storks flock to lagoons. Entry is $10, and guided tours via Explore Yarl cost $60. Visit November–March for peak bird activity.

Base yourself in Jaffna (2 hours away), where homestays like Nallur Inn charge $25/night. Rent a tuk-tuk ($15/day) to navigate the park’s rugged paths.

Elephant Haven

Uda Walawe National Park hosts 500+ Asian elephants. Entry is $15, and safaris run $40–$60. Don’t miss the Elephant Transit Home, where orphaned calves are fed at 10 AM, 12 PM, 2 PM, and 4 PM (free entry). Stay at Grand Uda Walawe ($80/night) or day-trip from Mirissa (1.5-hour drive).

Hiker’s Dream

Horton Plains offers misty trails to World’s End, a 880m cliff. Entry is $25, and gates open at 6 AM.

Arrive early—clouds obscure views by 10 AM. From Nuwara Eliya, take a tuk-tuk ($15 round-trip). Spot sambar deer and endemic birds like the yellow-eared bulbul. Stay cozy at Blackpool Cabins ($50/night).

Turtle Treasures

At Bundala National Park, watch sea turtles nest (November–March). Entry is $10, and tours with Bundala Safari cost $40.

Post-safari, head to Rekawa Beach (30 minutes away) to see hatchlings (free). Sleep at Rakwana Resort ($45/night) or combine with a Yala trip (1-hour drive).

Elephant Gathering

Minneriya National Park dazzles with 300+ elephants gathering at its reservoir (August–October). Entry is $15, with safaris at $50. Book through Minneriya Wild Tours for expert guides. Stay in Sigiriya at Water Garden Resort ($70/night). Pair with a visit to Kaudulla (20 minutes away) for extended elephant sightings.

Island Escape

Snorkel with blacktip sharks at Pigeon Island, a marine park off Nilaveli. Boat trips cost $20, plus $8 entry. Rent gear ($5) to explore vibrant reefs. Stay at Nilaveli Beach Hotel ($55/night) or visit from Trincomalee (30-minute drive). Avoid monsoon season (November–January) for calmer seas.

Secret Savannah

Skip crowds at Kumana National Park, where 40 leopards roam freely. Entry is $10, and safaris cost $50. Track big cats via Kumana Leopards’ expert guides. Base at Arugam Bay surf camps like Hideaway ($30/night). Explore ancient Kudumbigala Monastery en route—no extra fee!

Final Roar

Sri Lanka’s parks are wild, diverse, and waiting. Whether chasing leopards at dawn or snorkeling coral reefs, each park offers a unique slice of paradise. Pack binoculars, grab a jeep, and let the island’s untamed heart steal yours.

Top 5 National Parks in Sri Lanka

Video by Aegle Creations