NATIONAL PARKS

Bundala

Bundala is internationally important wintering ground for migratory water birds in Sri Lanka. Bundala National Park is a fantastic maze of waterways, lagoons and dunes that glitter like gold in the dying evening sun. This wonderland provides a home to thousands of colourful birds ranging from diminutive little bee-eaters to memorably ugly open-billed storks. Bundala harbors 197 species of Birds, the highlight being the Greater Flamingo, which migrate in large flocks. Spread an area of 6216 that consists of mainly of dry thorny scrublands, marshes and four brackish lagoons. The terrain is generally flat with sand dunes bordering the coastline.

Minneriya

Located between Habarana and POLONNARUWA, the 8890 hectares of MINNERIYA NATIONAL PARK is an ideal eco- tourism location in Sri Lanka. This national park is one of the best places in the country to see wild elephants, which are often present in huge numbers, and wading birds. Dominated by the ancient Minneriya Tank, the park has plenty of scrub, forest and wetlands in its 88.9 sq km to also provide shelter for toque macaques, sambar deer, buffalo, crocodiles and leopards.

Yala

Yala National Park is the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka. The park consists of five blocks. It is situated in the southeast region of the country, and lies in Southern Province and Uva Province. The park covers 979 square kilometers (378 sq mi) and is located about 24km northeast of Tissamaharama and 300 km (190 mi) from Colombo. You can witness the wonder of Sri Lankan Wildlife at the in Park, a sprawling paradise of birds, reptiles, leopards and more.

Wilpaththu

Wilpaththu is situated in the northwest of the island, close to Puttalam, Kalpitiya and Anuradhapura. It is one of Sri Lanka’s largest and oldest parks and arguably one of the most spectacular. Dense scrub jungle and dry zone forest opens onto villus, small lakes, surrounded by grassy plains. The park also borders the coast where you can see the remains of Queen Kuweni’s palace, which is thought to date from ancient times. The biggest draws in Wilpaththu are Leopards and Sloth bears. Alongside these, it is possible to see Asian Elephants, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Wild Pig, Asiatic Buffalo and Mugger Crocodiles.

Udawalawe

Udawalawe National Park lies on the boundary of Sabaragamuwa and Uva Provinces, in Sri Lanka. Udawalawe National Park is located approximately 200 km south-east of Colombo city and is a major eco-tourism destination in Sri Lanka. Its surrounding community offers a regally splendid experience for each visitor. Apart from the primary attraction, that is the Udawalawe National Park teeming with an abundance of exalting wildlife, the area includes several other attractions such as mesmerizing ruins, bungalows, and posthumously significant modern establishments such as the reservoir and hydroelectric power plant.

Horton Plains

This is a protected area in the central highlands of Sri Lanka and is covered by montage grassland and cloud forest. This plateau at an altitude of 2,100–2,300 meters (6,900–7,500 ft) is rich in biodiversity and many species found here are endemic to the region. Large Savannah plains, Waterfalls, High pure water, Forests and several natural and high eco diversity areas are available to visit at Horton Plains. In this case real meaning of this name is a Large Plain. This area is high more than 2300m above from sea level. A lot of rivers of Sri Lanka are started from Horton plains. Water of this place is very cold and very pure. Every day we can see many foreigners come to this place and search animals.