Explore the magical wildlife of Sri Lanka

Unique species that reside here include the elusive Sri Lankan leopard, the majestic Sri Lankan elephant, and the vibrant, purple-faced langur. Meanwhile, blue whales and dolphins grace its waters. If you’re looking to go beyond the traditional safari experience, we’ve shared some of our favourite wildlife-spotting locations that are worth exploring.

Yala National Park

Sri Lanka’s most popular national park is best known for its leopard sightings, but it’s also where you can expect some of the best big mammal sightings in Asia. Let’s start with the leopards – they are elusive, but the chances of seeing one are reasonable if you go on a safari with an experienced guide. The best part is Block 5, which merges with Lunugamvehera National Park on the western side – remote, less-visited, and a bit otherworldly, it’s roamed by leopards and sloth bears.

Minneriya National Park

This is one of the best places in Sri Lanka for seeing wild elephants. The best time to come on a Jeep safari here is April to October, when water in the ancient reservoir of the Minneriya Wewa has dried up, exposing grasses and shoots that animals come to munch on in ‘the Gathering’. You’ll also see flocks of birds, including cormorants, painted storks, herons, and pelicans fishing in the shallow waters. With lots of scrub, forest, and wetlands, the park also provides a home for many other animals, from sambar deer and buffalo to crocodiles and (very rarely spotted) leopards.

Gal Oya National Park

This is the top spot for boat safaris in search of crocodiles, turtles, and swimming elephants in the park’s vast, island-filled Senanayake Samudraya reservoir which is surrounded by mountains and ancient woodlands (the elephants often swim from one island to another). Very untouristy and serene, it has a gorgeous population of butterflies, geckos, monkeys, golden orioles, and paradise flycatchers in its forests, which you can take guided tours of with a member of the native Veddah community.

Kumana National Park

Uncrowded and very accessible from the east coast, this area of swampy grasslands and villus (large salty lakes) is home to wading elephants, storks, ibis, hornbills, langurs, and macaques. It’s also thought to be home to around 40 leopards, so you might well spot one without being surrounded by other Jeeps. Other reasons to head here are the meditation caves in rocky outcrops, ancient stupas (some with inscriptions and statues), and the 9th-century reclining Buddha statue.

Mirissa

This beach town on the south coast is one of the world’s very best locations for spotting blue whales and sperm whales on the same boat trip. Because the shoreline here is close to the continental shelf, it doesn’t take very long to reach the deep waters where the large marine life resides. Between November and April, you’re likely to see dolphins, sperm whales, and blue whales during their annual migration

If you would like more information on the best ways to view wildlife responsibly, read our guide here.

To book your holiday in Sri Lanka with all its incredible wildlife, call your Travel Counsellor today.

Discover the magic of the Pacific with Regent’s 2028 World Cruise

23 April 2025

If you’re someone who dreams about oceans stretching to the horizon, exotic ports of call, and the kind of luxury that feels effortless, Regent’s ‘Legends of the Pacific’ 2028 World Cruise might be for you. Setting sail on 5th January 2028, this incredible 133-night voyage aboard the Seven Seas Splendor weaves together an itinerary of jaw-dropping destinations and onboard comforts. With prices starting at £70,000 per person, this all-inclusive adventure offers unparalleled value for world travellers seeking once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Here’s a closer look at what makes this voyage more than just another cruise across the Pacific.

A Greek island-hopping holiday you'll never forget

22 April 2025

There’s a reason Greece is one of the most sought-after holiday destinations, and this itinerary offers the perfect mix of relaxation and the opportunity to explore. Whether you’re soaking up the ancient wonders of Athens, enjoying the peaceful charm of Paros, or capturing iconic snapshots in Santorini, this holiday will refresh your soul and provide memories to last a lifetime.

Why Scenic’s European river cruises are unlike any other

21 April 2025

Few travel experiences allow you to immerse yourself in the heart of Europe like a river cruise. Gliding along shimmering waterways, you’ll pass rolling vineyards, medieval castles, and bustling cities brimming with culture. Whether you’re dreaming of tasting wines in Bordeaux, uncovering the history of the Rhine Valley, or indulging in the tranquillity of winter sun on the Douro River, Scenic offers you a world of discovery in unrivalled elegance.