subject: National Parks Of Sri Lanka [print this page] Ecotourism is a widely popular trend in tourism involving attractions recognized for their value and importance in ecological, cultural and heritage aspects. And that includes visiting and exploring national parks where you can observe the diversity of fauna and flora, and feel the bliss of a pristine natural environment. Add an exciting safari to your itinerary and bag myriads of memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Sri Lanka being often called a paradise isle is an ideal place to experience nature at its best, as it nestles a number of national parks. They are namely Bundala, Horton Plains, Kaudulla, Kumana, Lunugamwehera, Maduru Oya, Minneriya, Udawalawe, Wasgamuwa, Wilpattu and Yala.
Sri Lanka boasts diverse ecosystems. If you want to see a rich biodiversity then explore the primeval rainforest, Sinharaja. Bird enthusiasts can feel the bliss of an avifauna haven in Kumana and Wilpattu national parks.
Conversely Yala ranks top among the most sought after national park in Sri Lanka. Covering more than 90,000 hectares this park rests about 300 kilometres from Colombo towards the southeast of the island. Discover an array of ecosystems like monsoon forests, secondary lowland forests, freshwater and marine wetlands, scrublands, mangroves and dunes.
Yala records one of the world"s highest populations of leopards and is one of the great places to catch the local pachyderms in action. Apart from elephants, there are wild boar, spotted deer, sambhur, sloth bear and small mammals besides more than 200 species of birds. Right around Yala you will discover three sanctuaries and six national parks and that explains why Yala is so popular.
About 200 kilometres from Colombo and near Yala is the Udawalawe Reservoir. And on its catchment sprawls the Udawalawe National Park. Spanning over 30,000 hectares this park is ideal for observing Sri Lankan elephants as it nestle about hundreds of them. You will see elephants of all ages foraging and bathing. Witness their strong bonds surpassing that of humans, as the elders huddle together to protect the youngsters of the herd, whether related by blood or not.
Udawalawe National Park is home to a big variety of mammals, less number of leopards besides 30 species of snakes. To the delight of the birders the park is frequented by water birds, native and migratory birds and birds of prey.
Wasgamuwa National Park is another favourite nature hotspot that you can reach via Kandy and sits about 225 kilometres from Colombo. This park too is over 30,000 hectares in area where the rivers Mahaweli and Amban meanders around. If greenery is the best medicine to de-stress this is one great spot to unwind as it is covered with evergreen forests and pastures of the dry zone. Dotted here and there are amazing natural tree art and you can spot huge herds of elephants up to 150 at times. The park also boasts 23 species of mammals and over 140 species of birds.
Spice up your Sri Lanka travel with an exciting safari in one or more of the above mentioned national parks and you would definitely return for more. Reserve one of the cosy hotels in Sri Lanka and leisurely arrange your tours and explore this paradise island from one corner to another. Book a hotel of John Keells Hotels Group, the leading hotelier, and enjoy many travel services and easy hotel transfers to experience the most memorable holiday in the tropics.
