YALA
Situated in the deep south of Sri Lanka, Yala is synonymous with the Yala National Park which attracts many visitors. This is because the park is teeming with wildlife and lays claim to a rich biodiversity.
It is located in the deep south of Sri Lanka and spans both the Southern and Uva Provinces. This is a wildlife enthusiast`s form of heaven on earth and even if you are not an enthusiast it will convert you.The Yala National Park is a no hunting zone and so the animals roam around their habitats freely. The park offers different types of habitats from mangrove lagoons near coastal forests, to scrub forests, secondary forests and dunes. It is for this very reason that there is such a diversity of wildlife from mammals to reptiles, to birds and amphibians. People visit the park with the intent of catching a glimpse of a leopard, a sloth bear or spotted deer or getting up close and personal with the majestic elephants. There are many hotels in Yala along with many camping options in and around Yala itself. Stay in Yala and enjoy a safari holiday as well as the amazing attractions in and around the Yala are
PINNAWALA
Pinnawela as an area is really all about the elephants. Home to the famous Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, it is usually a stopover for people traveling between Colombo and Kandy as it enjoys a halfway location.
Things to do in Pinnawela mostly comprise of visiting the Orphanage and feeding the baby elephants. It is an experience that is guaranteed to make you feel good. You can follow the herd of elephants as they make their way down to the river for their bath. It is a heartwarming experience to see the young and the old frolic in the river water. Take back souvenirs in the form of products made from elephant dung, such as paper and envelopes. Do not worry, they are completely clean and make unique and thoughtful gifts
WASGAMUWA
Wasgamuwa as a destination is mostly popular owing to the National Park located there. Initially set up as a refuge for the wild animals that were displaced owing to the Mahaweli Development Project back in 1984, the Wasgamuwa National Park is home to many animal species such as elephants, monkeys, wild boar, spotted deer, the elusive leopards and of course the sloth bear.
In fact the name Wasgamuwa originates from the Sinhala name `walas gamuwa` which when loosely translated means sloth bear wood. It was once home to a thriving popular of sloth bear though unfortunately this population has diminished. Wasgamuwa also has a Bird Park with some 143 species of birds recorded. There are other attractions to see such as small scale ancient tanks, ruins and ancient religious sites. For visitors who love to explore the Sudu Kanda mountain range is a good option. There are many good accommodation options in and around the Wasgamuwa Park.
UDAWALAWA
Wilpattu is a must visit for wildlife enthusiasts, especially those looking to catch sight of a leopard. This national park in Sri Lanka is filled with endemic birds, sloth bears, deer and elephants to mention a few.
The park gets its name as the thick jungle surrounding the park has a network of natural lakes or water basins that fill with rainwater, referred to as Willus. These basins are very popular with birds and important for the biodiversity. As a park it is larger than the Yala National Park. Wilpattu is about 30 km west of Anuradhapura
HABARANA
Habarana is a very popular destination with travellers as it offers a complete mix of activities that will keep everyone occupied. For the culture lover Habarana is centrally located to the famous Dambulla Cave Temple, to the magnificent Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the less known but equally interesting known Ritigala ruins.
Not too far from Habarana is the Minneriya National Park where visitors can enjoy a safari to see large gatherings of wild elephants. Travel further up to visit the ancient capital cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. These cities will transport you to a time when ancient Sri Lanka was a thriving cultural hub, showcased to perfection by the ruins. Habarana itself is a peaceful location blessed by natural beauty that will instantly calm your mind and soul. For a holiday that includes everything from activities, to wildlife, to relaxation Habarana Sri Lanka is your destination.
National Parks nearby
Minneriya National Park, Ritigala Forest Monestary, Hurulu Eco Park,Kaudulla National Park
HORTON PLANES
The vegetation of Horton Plains areas is partly of Upper Montane Rain Forests or a Cloud Forests and Wet Patana Grasslands. There are narrow transition zones called Ecotones in between the two, comprising of shrubs and herbs. The lower elevations of Horton Plains comprises with areas of Grasslands and hills of upper elevation with Cloud Forests.
The most frequent site of wildlife at Horton Plains are herds of Sambar Deer. Among the other mammals in the park are Strip-necked Mongoose, Long-tailed Giant Squirrel Wild Boar, the endemic Bear Monkey and Toque Monkey, Fishing cat, Otter .