Sri Lanka may not be one of Asia’s largest countries, but that’s not stopping it from being home to some of its biggest natural wonders. Stunning national parks are scattered all around this magical island, and here are five worth checking out if you’re a nature lover exploring Sri Lanka.
Yala National Park
The most visited national park in Sri Lanka, Yala will win you over with its monsoon forests, marine wetlands, and lagoons. It’s best known for its diverse wildlife, including Sri Lankan elephants and leopards.
Kaudulla National Park
Kaudulla National Park is also one of Sri Lanka’s most popular destinations for elephant sightings, but it’s also been named an Important Bird Area because 160 species of birds reside on its grounds.
Minneriya National Park
Minneriya National Park offers some of the most spectacular wildlife experiences in Sri Lanka, and its elephant gatherings during the dry season are a sight to behold.
Udawalawe National Park
Udawalawe National Park became a major tourist attraction thanks to its large population of water birds and Sri Lankan elephants, but it’s also home to many other unique species native to Sri Lanka.
Horton Plains National Park
If wildlife viewing isn’t your thing and you prefer epic hiking adventures, Horton Plains National Park is just the place you’re looking for. It will win you over with its montane grasslands, cloud forests, and such amazing attractions as World’s End and Baker’s Falls.