available in Sri Lanka
offering Safaris
Reserves and Wildlife
Areas
Overview
After years of uncertainty, stunning Sri Lanka is opening up, brimming with breathtaking wonders to be explored – sandy beaches lined with palm trees, rich green foliage, verdant tea plantations, impressive wildlife, rich cultural heritage.
Despite it’s small size, Sri Lanka is home to an extensive variety of flora and fauna and is among the top five biodiversity hotspots in the world. There are 433 species of bird and 91 species of mammals including elephants, leopards, sloth bears, sambar and wild buffalo as well as rare mammals like the red slender loris, toque macaque and purple-faced langur, which are endangered due to habitat loss. In the oceans are 25 cetacean species including blue whales, sperm whales and dolphins.
Located in the southeast of Sri Lanka, Yala National Park is an important area for the conservation of elephants, leopards and aquatic birds. It’s home to one of the highest densities of leopard in the world along with sloth bears, spotted sambars, deer, striped boars, ruddy mongoose, lagur, golden jackal and Indian palm civet. Leopards are shy and may remain hidden in the dark recesses of the jungle, but with a professional guide and some luck, you can catch a glimpse of these beautiful felines. Wilpattu National Park, in the lowlands of the northwest region, is the dream destination for cat lovers who want to observe leopards and other big cats up close on a guided safari.
Uda Walawe National Park, a wide stretch of grasslands and riverine forests south of the central mountains, has herds of wild Asian elephants and a myriad of bird life including migratory eagle species such as serpent eagles, hawk eagles and grey-headed fish eagles. More wildlife can be found in Horton National Park, perched high up on the highest plateaus of Sri Lanka, where endemic plants and animals survive in the cooler climate of the cloud forest such as langurs, hawks, elephants and deer. Another sanctuary known for their elephant safaris is Minnieyera National Park where over 300 elephants roam the riverbanks.
Sinharaja National Park’s lush forests harbors a valuable collection of flora and fauna found nowhere else on the planet. The birds are a primary attraction including red-faced malkoha, Sri Lankan blue magpie,and green-billed coucal. You might also come across leopards and langurs. Along the west coast the beautiful Bundala bird sanctuary has plenty of aquatic birds and wildlife; migratory flamingos, blue-jays, crocodiles and monkeys.
Sri Lanka Safari Travel Seasons
The best time to go to Sri Lanka is :
- Dec-Mar – High Season. The driest time of year in the hill country, west- and south-coast beaches, but also the busiest with accommodation in demand and prices at their peak. During the Maha monsoon season (Oct-Jan) the east, north and ancient cities are wet.
- Apr & Sep-Nov – Shoulder Season. The best time for good weather across the country.
- May – Aug – Low Season. The north and east have the best weather and prices are at their lowest. The Yala monsoon season (May-Aug) brings rain to the south and west coasts and the hill country.
General Information
- Currency – Sri Lankan rupee
- Languages – Sinhala, Tamil, English is recognised
- Size – 65,610 km2
- Population – 21.20 million (2016)
Travel Insurance
- Travel insurance is essential for all international travel. Click below to find out more:
Travel Health
- The CDC recommends the following vaccinations for Sri Lanka: hepatitis A, typhoid. Check with your doctor which other vaccinations you might need and make sure your routine vaccinations are all up-to-date.
Tourist Information
Pros
- Stunning and varied scenery
- Fantastic wildlife and birds
- Friendly, welcoming locals
- Ancient temples, colonial fortresses
- Activities such as surfing, diving, hiking
- Distances are short so you can see alot
- Affordable and still often uncrowded
Cons
- Sometimes there are intercommunal riots, but these rarely affect tourists
Arriving in Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka’s primary international airport is Bandaranaike International Airport at Katunayake, 30km north of Colombo, which is well served by major Asian carriers.
Getting Around in Sri Lanka
- Domestic flights are limited and expensive.
- New expressways mean transport times are being cut. Public transport is a choice between trains or buses.
- Cycling is a popular way to explore on the quiet roads in the north and east regions and see important historic sites such as Anuradhapura and Sigiriya. Many hotels and guesthouses have bicycles for guests to hire.
Visas
- All holiday visitors must have Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter Sri Lanka, which can be obtained here. Check general visa information – Sri Lanka visas >>
Sri Lanka Safaris
Big 5 of Sri Lanka
- 12 Days
This trip is a great way to explore the Sri Lankan wilderness. This “serendipity” country in South...
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Country:Sri Lanka,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:12 Days
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Start/end:Start/end in Colombo
22-Day Luxury Safari in Sinharaja, Udawalawe & Wilpattu
- 22 Days
This safari takes in Sri Lanka's stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, captivating cultural heritage,...
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Country:Sri Lanka,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:22 Days
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Start/end:Start in Colombo, end in Negombo
13-Day Sri Lanka Cycle Safari
- 13 Days
Enjoy an incredible cycle safari across Sri Lanka, riding along ancient trade paths and through stunning...
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Country:Sri Lanka,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:13 Days
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Start/end:Start in Sigiriya, end in Negombo
7 Days The Best of Sri Lankan Culture, Heritage, Wildlife & Beaches
- 7 Days
Experience the very best of Sri Lanka: for such a small country, the emerald isle has a lot to offer...
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Country:Sri Lanka,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:7 Days
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Start/end:Start in Colombo, end in Colombo or Negambo
5 Days Discover Two Giant Mammals
- 5 Days
This Sri Lanka safari features two of nature’s most magnificent creatures: the elephant and the blue...
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Country:Sri Lanka,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:5 Days
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Start/end:Start/end in Colombo International Airport
Ultimate Photo Safari
- 8 Days
This Sri Lanka safari takes in the very best highlights of this beautiful country including whale watching...
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Country:Sri Lanka,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:8 Days
Big Game Safari Camp Wilpattu
- 3 Days
Wilpattu National Park, the largest and one of the oldest of Sri Lanka's national parks, is widely regarded...
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Country:Sri Lanka,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:3 Days
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Start/end:Start/end in Wilpattu National Park Junction
8-Day Sri Lanka Wildlife & Village Safari
- 8 Days
Make your way to Sri Lanka to experience some of the country's magnificent scenery and stunning wildlife...
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Country:Sri Lanka,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:8 Days
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Start/end:Start in Anamaduwa, end in Negombo
36-Day Birding Sanctuary Safari in Sri Lanka
- 36 Days
Birds are the glory and splendor of Sri Lanka's wildlife: among its 433 bird species, 233 are residential...
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Country:Sri Lanka,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:36 Days
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Start/end:Start in Colombo, end in Negombo
8 Days Amazing Sri Lanka Holiday
- 8 Days
Experience Sri Lanka with its amazing UNESCO World Heritage Sites, diverse wildlife and stunning scenery....
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Country:Sri Lanka,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:8 Days
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Start/end:Start/end in Colombo International Airport
Partners offering Safaris in Sri Lanka
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