The Sri Lankan government is committed to protecting numerous parks and areas of remarkable biodiversity throughout the country. Countless jungles and forests are subject to laws designed to prevent their destruction and to preserve their ecological sensitivity. That said, certain areas remain open to visitors and tourism, revealing themselves to be wonderful environments for observing local fauna and flora. English-speaking local agencies such as ours can moreover offer guided safaris in many parks, notably two of the most renowned on the island: Yala and Udawalawe.

Safari excursions are among the favorite activities for photography enthusiasts! They allow you to capture unique moments in the wildlife of a region, and Sri Lanka boasts numerous protected areas devoted entirely to fauna and flora, far removed from industrialization. Two of these stand out clearly from the rest due to their expanse and the diverse habitats they shelter. The most obvious distinction between Yala and Udawalawe is that the former is renowned for its wild leopards, while the latter is home to a greater number of Asian elephants. Of course, there are many similarities between the two parks, but also more subtle differences.

The diversity of Yala

Yala National Park is one of, if not the favorite destination for travelers seeking natural imagery in Sri Lanka, which presents both advantages and disadvantages. It boasts a great variety of ecosystems ranging from coastal shores to freshwater lakes, passing through humid forests and hills. This diversity allows the park to harbor heterogeneous wildlife that never fails to captivate. The park is renowned as one of the best places to discover the lives of wild leopards, as it has the highest density of this species in the world. Beyond that, some 44 families of mammals inhabit the park, among which are found Asian elephants, sloth bears, and fishing cats. More than 210 bird species have also been recorded at Yala.

Located on the south-east coast of the country, the park was one of the areas most severely affected by the December 2004 tsunami, which claimed 250 lives and naturally diminished its popularity. Created in 1938, it regained its appeal from 2009 onwards when a sense of security returned to the minds of tour operators and tourists. Today, Yala is popular with tourist groups, and visiting can prove challenging if you arrive at the wrong time... You might even find yourself in your jeep, stuck in traffic jams within the park itself. If you absolutely want to see leopards in Sri Lanka, you can also opt for the country's largest national park: Wilpattu.

The tranquility of Udawalawe

If you wish to experience a wilder atmosphere, especially one less crowded, you can choose to head towards Udawalawe National Park for your safari instead. Located further west than Yala, it is even three times smaller in area, with 300 km² compared to 900 km² for Yala. Opened in 1972, Udawalawe National Park has always delighted its visitors with its peaceful setting and species diversity. Here you will find in abundance water buffalo, snakes, butterflies, deer, and especially Asian elephants. You will have no difficulty finding yourself just meters away from these gigantic pachyderms.

These creatures, which can reach up to three meters in height, are highly prevalent at Udawalawe. They can live up to 60 years within the park itself, as everything is in place to meet their needs. You will notably see them enjoying fruits produced by the various trees in the surrounding forests.