Wild Parks in Sri Lanka

Wild parks in Sri lanka

Sri Lanka has a rich and exotic variety of wildlife and a
long tradition of conservation rooted in its 2,230 year old
Buddhist civilization. The following are the most important
sanctuaries in terms of attractions, accessibility and
availability of facilities.





Animal Sanctuaries

The animals to be seen in Sri Lanka's national parks
include elephant, leopard, sloth bear, sambhur, deer and monkeys, wild buffalo, wild boar (pig), porcupine, ant-eater, civet cat, jackal, mongoose,
loris (unique to sri Lanka) several varieties of lizards, squirrels, reptiles and amphibians.
Each park however has its own specialties.


Yala (Ruhuna) National Park

Situated 309 km. south of Colombo,
Yala is approximately 1,259 sq.km. in extent and is located in the southeastern corner of the island. Its northern boundaries border on the Lahugala Elephant Sanctuary and
it has the added bonus of a scenic ocean frontage. The terrain is varied flat plains alternating with rocky outcrops. The vegetation ranges from open parkland to dense jungle.
Water holes, small lakes, lagoons and streams provide water for the animals and birds. The specialty here is the large numbers of elephants.