National Zoological Gardens – Dehiwala

Wilpattu National Park

Yala National Park

Yala National Park in southeastern Sri Lanka is renowned for its diverse wildlife and picturesque landscapes across 979 square kilometers. It is the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka, bordering the Indian Ocean. It’s famous for its high density of leopards and offers safari tours to explore jungles, scrublands, and coastal lagoons. Rich in biodiversity, it’s a top destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, with the dry season (February to June) ideal for wildlife viewing.

Udawalawe National Park

Udawalawe National Park is a national park situated on the boundary of Sabaragamuwa and Uva Provinces in Sri Lanka. The park, which covers more than 30,000 hectares, is surrounded by grasslands and bush forests that surround the Udawalawe reservoir. It is well-known for its large elephant population and also provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, including buffalo, deer, and a variety of bird species.  It is well-known for its large elephant population and also provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, including buffalo, deer, and a variety of bird species. Safari tours offer close interactions with animals in their natural environment, making it a popular destination for both nature lovers and photographers.

Sinharaja Rainforest

Sinharaja Rainforest, located in southwestern Sri Lanka, is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its biodiversity and pristine natural beauty. It covers approximately 11,000 hectares and is one of Sri Lanka’s last remaining primary rainforests. Sinharaja is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, including many endemic species found nowhere else in the world. The forest is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 20 species of endemic birds, as well as numerous reptiles, amphibians, and butterflies. Visitors to the Sinharaja Rainforest can take guided tours through its thick forest and winding trails. It provides an exceptional opportunity to observe a flourishing tropical environment and learn about its preservation importance.

Horton Plains

Horton Plains, located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka at over 2,000 meters (6,600 feet) altitude, is a breathtaking national park known for its diverse ecosystems and stunning landscapes. The park’s rolling grasslands, misty cloud forests, and high cliffs combine to provide a special habitat that is home to a wide range of indigenous creatures and plants. Key attractions include World’s End, a high cliff with an 870-meter (2,854-foot) drop offering panoramic views, and Baker’s Falls, a picturesque waterfall named after British explorer Sir Samuel Baker. Horton Plains is a significant watershed area in Sri Lanka that provides water to numerous major rivers. The park is well-known for its biodiversity and natural beauty, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hikers, birdwatchers, and nature lovers often visit the park to take in its serene and captivating landscapes.

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, located in Pinnawala, is a renowned sanctuary established in 1975 to care for orphaned and injured elephants. Situated on the banks of the Maha Oya River, the orphanage provides a safe haven for elephants who have been displaced or abandoned. Visitors to Pinnawala can observe the daily routines of the elephants, including feeding and bathing in the river. The orphanage also focuses on breeding and conservation efforts, contributing to the preservation of the Sri Lankan elephant population. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a popular tourist attraction and an important organisation for elephant conservation because to its up-close experiences with elephants and educational programmes.