Three lesser-known national parks to visit in Sri Lanka
We recently recommended two national parks for safari in Sri Lanka: Yala and Udawalawe.
We recently recommended two national parks for safari in Sri Lanka: Yala and Udawalawe. These are undoubtedly essential when visiting the country, yet they can be somewhat overwhelming given how quickly and easily tourist crowds can descend upon them. With its 26 national parks and reserves, Sri Lanka has much to offer travelers seeking natural discoveries while maintaining peace and tranquility, without unnecessary hustle and bustle. Here are some ideas to help you make your choice far from these two behemoth parks.
Wilpattu and its 106 willus
Wilpattu Reserve is located in the northwest of the island, about thirty kilometers west of the sacred city of Anuradhapura. What makes this park unique is the existence of willus, large natural bodies of water—sandy or muddy—that fill exclusively through rainfall. There are 106 of them within the 1,300 square kilometers of this reserve. The park, relatively flat, rises to heights of up to 150 meters, a paradise for adventurers in search of endless plains. Photography is particularly easy here, especially if weather permits. Established in 1905, it is one of the country's oldest national parks.
Wilpattu rivals Yala National Park in terms of Sri Lankan leopard density. You will see plenty of them and can get close with the help of a guide. It ranks among the world's most renowned parks for leopard viewing. You may also encounter Sri Lankan elephants, reptiles, and a host of birds darting across the vast stretches of land and above the willus.
Bundala's migrations
If you wish to focus on birds rather than mammals, Bundala National Park is perfect for you. Located at the southern tip of the island, on the Indian Ocean coast, it was the country's first area designated as a Ramsar site, a designation affirming that this habitat is suitable for water birds in particular. It is an important wintering zone for numerous bird species in the region and witnesses countless migrations during annual cycles. The park is home to 197 different bird species and sometimes harbors more than 20,000 individuals within its boundaries.
The reserve's most emblematic bird is the flamingo, drawing both Sri Lankans and international tourists keen to see this species in its natural habitat. With some luck, you might encounter extremely rare species at Bundala such as the Asian jabiru, the marabou stork, or the common coot. Photographing them would be a true achievement for any adventurer!
Horton Plains
For lovers of altitude and vegetation, Horton Plains National Park seems ideal. It rises to an average elevation of over 2,000 meters and consequently offers captivating views of the valleys below. These lunar and desert-like landscapes can astonish and inspire you to capture the moment. You can only traverse it on foot, accompanied by a guide. He will lead you near World's End—the end of the world. These precipices are vertiginous, offering unparalleled sensations throughout the country. Perfect for taking magnificent photographs and spending an extraordinary moment with friends or family.
Frequently asked questions
The 3 lesser-known national parks to discover in Sri Lanka are Wilpattu (in the northwest, renowned for its leopards and 106 willus), Bundala (in the south, a paradise for migratory birds with 197 species), and Horton Plains (at an altitude of over 2,000 meters, ideal for hiking).
Yes, Wilpattu National Park is one of the world's best places to observe Sri Lankan leopards. The leopard density there is comparable to that of the famous Yala Park, with the advantage of far fewer tourists.
A willu is a large natural body of water—sandy or muddy—that fills exclusively through rainfall. Wilpattu Park contains 106 willus spread across its 1,300 square kilometers, and these water bodies constitute major attractions for local wildlife.
Bundala National Park was Sri Lanka's first area designated as a Ramsar site, an international recognition attesting to its importance for water birds. It is home to 197 different bird species and can accommodate over 20,000 individuals, including flamingos and rare species such as the Asian jabiru.
No, Horton Plains National Park can only be visited on foot, accompanied by a guide. Situated at an average elevation of over 2,000 meters, it offers spectacular landscapes and leads notably to World's End, a vertiginous precipice with exceptional views.
