Safari and wildlife in Sri Lanka
Leopards in Yala, elephant herds in Minneriya, blue whales off Mirissa. A small island with a lot of wildlife.
For a small island, Sri Lanka has remarkable wildlife. In one trip you can see leopards, large herds of wild elephants, sloth bears if you are lucky, crocodiles, more than 400 bird species and, at sea, blue whales.
The main parks
- Yala in the south-east is the best-known park, with one of the highest densities of leopards in the world.
- Udawalawe is the most reliable park for wild elephants, often close to the jeep.
- Minneriya and Kaudulla near Sigiriya are famous for elephants gathering at the lakes in the dry season, especially from July to September.
- Wilpattu in the north-west is large, quiet and good for leopards and sloth bears.
- Kumana in the south-east is a paradise for birdwatchers.
Read more in which national park to choose.
Whales and dolphins
Blue whales feed off the south coast. Boats leave Mirissa early in the morning from November to April, with the best chances from December to March. From May to October the whale season is off Trincomalee on the east coast. See whale watching in Sri Lanka.
Watching wildlife responsibly
We book safaris with registered jeep operators and ask drivers to keep their distance from animals. We do not sell elephant rides or visits to places where animals are kept for show.
Round trips that go here
The classic Sri Lanka round trip in 14 days
Ancient cities, the Temple of the Tooth, tea country, Ella, a leopard safari and three days by the sea. The route most first-time visitors should take.
Active Sri Lanka: rafting, hiking, safari and surf
For people who want to move: rafting, two hiking regions, cycling at Sigiriya, a leopard safari and surf lessons on the south coast.
Sri Lanka in summer: round trip with the east coast
Built for the European summer holidays: the east coast is dry and the sea is calm, while the south-west has its monsoon.
Want to see this yourself?
Tell us your dates and what you like. Ravindu or one of our team will send you a personal route and price, usually within 24 hours.
Private round trips from US$700 per person for 7 days