Best safaris in Sri Lanka: our top picks

With many of Sri Lanka’s best safari spots framed by ancient ruins, tea-clad hills and palm-fringed coasts, it’s clear why this jewel island nation is one of the best places on earth to get back to nature and watch wildlife across a rich diversity of landscapes and ecosystems. From the leopard-speckled plains of Yala National Park, to the elephant gatherings of Minneriya and Kaudulla, here we present the best safaris in Sri Lanka, designed to support wildlife lovers who are in the process of crafting their perfect Sri Lanka itinerary.

What are the best safaris in Sri Lanka? 

Before going into detail on the best Sri Lanka safaris, here’s a brief overview to spark inspiration.

First up, Yala National Park is Sr Lanka’s premier safari destination, largely as a result of it being home to the one of the world’s highest leopard densities. 

Meanwhile, Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka’s largest national park, is known for its lakes as well as its leopard and sloth bear populations.

Elephants are a big deal around these parts, with Udawalawe National Park renowned for exactly that, and for being one of the best safaris in Sri Lanka to reach from the capital, Colombo. 

Then there’s Minneriya National Park, which hosts the “Gathering” of hundreds of elephants, best seen July–October. 

Into birds in a big way? You’ll want to consider visiting Kumana National Park and Bundala National Park, the latter of which is a RAMSAR wetland, famed for its flamingos and migratory birds.

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1. Yala National Park 

Famed for having one of the world’s highest leopard densities and diverse ecosystems — including dry monsoon forests, scrub, grasslands, wetlands and coastal lagoons — Yala National Park is home to the best Sri Lanka safaris.

Covering nearly 979 square kilometers, Yala is divided into five blocks, with Block 1 being especially renowned for leopard sightings. Note that early morning and late afternoon safaris increase your chances of spotting these elusive beasts.

The park is also home to elephants, sloth bears, spotted deer, sambar, water buffalo, crocodiles, and mongoose, while birdwatchers will have the chance to spot 200+ species.

Apart from wildlife safaris, you can also visit the Sithulpawwa Rock Temple within the park.

How to get to Yala National Park 

Yala is located in south-eastern Sri Lanka, around 300 km from Colombo.

The most common access point is via Tissamaharama, which you can reach via a  6-hour drive from Colombo or by taking a domestic flight to Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, followed by a 45-minute drive. 

From Tissamaharama, it's a 45-minute drive to the park’s Palatupana entrance.

While public transport options are available (bus from Colombo to Tissamaharama), hiring a car or private transfer is recommended.

When to visit Yala National Park 

The best time to visit Yala is from February to June, when water levels recede, and animals gather at waterholes, increasing sighting opportunities. 

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2. Wilpattu National Park 

Covering over 1300 square km in the northwest, Wilpattu National Park is Sri Lanka’s largest national park, and best known for its unique willus — sand-rimmed water basins that attract wildlife during the dry season, including leopards, sloth bears and elephants.

More tranquil and less-crowded than Yala, here you’ll also get to spot spotted deer, sambar and water buffalo, while crocodiles can be often seen sunning themselves along the willus. 

The park is also a haven for birdlife, with over 150 species recorded.

How to get to Wilpattu National Park 

Wilpattu is located about 180 km from Colombo, and accessible via a 4–5-hour drive. 

The closest town is Anuradhapura. From here, it’s a 45-minute drive to the Hunuwilgama entrance of the park.

When to visit Wilpattu National Park 

The best time to visit Wilpattu is from May to early October, when wildlife gathers around the willus.

Want wider weather context? Read up on when to visit Sri Lanka.

3. Udawalawe National Park

Located in southern Sri Lanka, Udawalawe National Park is one of the best places in Asia to see wild Asian elephants in their natural habitat, with a population of around 600 within its 308 square kilometers. 

Here, herds are often seen bathing, grazing, and moving across open plains, offering exceptional close-up viewing and photography opportunities. 

Besides elephants, the park is home to water buffalo, sambar deer, spotted deer, jackals, mongooses, crocodiles, wild boar and over 180 species of birds.

Safari drives here typically last 3–4 hours and can be done in the morning or afternoon.

How to get to Udawalawe National Park

Udawalawe is located about 160 km from Colombo, and takes 4–5 hours to reach by car. 

The nearest town is Embilipitiya, about 11 km away, which offers budget and mid-range accommodation, while the area near the entrance also has eco-lodges and safari camps.

While public buses run from Colombo and Kandy to Embilipitiya, joining a guided safari tour is recommended.

Want wider transport context? Wise up on getting around Sri Lanka, and getting to Sri Lanka.

We also suggest checking out the best train rides in Sri Lanka.

When to visit Udawalawe National Park

The best time to visit Udawalawe is from December to March when wildlife congregates around the reservoir.

4. Minneriya National Park 

Located in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, Minneriya National Park, is world-famous for hosting “The Gathering,” which sees hundreds of elephants congregate around the Minneriya Tank from July to October.

During this period, visitors can witness herds of 200–300 elephant gathering near the tank to drink, bathe and socialize. 

Elephants aside, Minneriya is home to sambar deer, spotted deer, macaques, purple-faced langurs and sloth bears, with occasional sightings of leopards.

Birdwatching is excellent, with over 160 species including painted storks, Asian openbills, and endemic Sri Lanka grey hornbills. 

Editor’s tip: pair your Minneriya safari with a visit to Sigiriya Rock Fortress which happens to be one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka.

How to get to Minneriya National Park

Minneriya is located about 180 km from Colombo, requiring a 4–5-hour drive via Dambulla. 

The park itself is near the town of Habarana, which you can reach by bus or train from Colombo or Kandy.

When to visit Minneriya National Park

To witness The Gathering, visit from July to October.

5. Kaudulla National Park

Located in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province, Kaudulla National Park is part of the elephant corridor connecting Minneriya and Wasgamuwa, and a critical conservation area for Sri Lanka’s elephants. 

Established in 2002, it spans 6,900 hectares, including a large reservoir that attracts wildlife, especially during the dry season, when the park offers spectacular sightings of herds of 100–200 elephants. 

Apart from elephants, Kaudulla is home to sambar deer, axis deer, wild boar, Sri Lankan leopards (rarely seen) and sloth bears, while its wetlands attract numerous water birds.

How to get to Kaudulla National Park

Kaudulla is located 190 km from Colombo and can be reached within 4–5 hours by car via Dambulla and Habarana. 

When to visit Kaudulla National Park

The best time to visit Kaudulla is August to December, aligning with the dry season and elephant migration period.

New to the island? Read our Sri Lanka travel tips for first-timers. 

6. Kumana National Park 

Located on the southeast coast of Sri Lanka, Kumana National Park is a renowned bird sanctuary.

Home to over 200 species, during the nesting season (May to July), visitors can witness thousands of birds around the Kumana Villu lagoon.

Apart from birds, Kumana offers the chance to spot elephants, fishing cats, jackals, wild boars and crocodiles. Note that while leopards are present, sightings are rare and require patience. 

In addition, the park’s landscape of lagoons and forested dunes offers unique photography opportunities.

How to get to Kumana National Park

From Colombo, it takes 7–8 hours to reach Kumana by car.

The nearest town is Arugam Bay, located 30 km away. It’s advisable to join a guided safari from here — book through your Sri Lanka accommodation. 

When to visit Kumana National Park

The best time to visit Kumana is April to July, aligning with the bird nesting and migration season.

Keen to cover the coast? Read up on the best beaches in Sri Lanka. Arugam Bay is among them, and also one of the best places to surf in Sri Lanka.

7. Wasgamuwa National Park

Wasgamuwa National Park, located in Sri Lanka’s Central Province, is a less-visited but richly biodiverse safari destination spanning almost 40k hectares. 

An excellent place to see wild elephants in a quieter setting compared to Yala or Udawalawe, here you can also see sloth bears, spotted deer, sambar, water buffalo, purple-faced langurs and toque macaques. 

Birdwatchers will find Wasgamuwa immensely rewarding, with over 143 bird species including endemic species such as the Sri Lanka junglefowl, Sri Lanka spurfowl and red-faced malkoha. 

With archaeological sites like the ancient Buduruwayaya ruins within the park, Wasgamuwa is one of the best safaris in Sri Lanka if you’re seeking wildlife and culture, and a more off-the-beaten-track experience.

It's also a great place to come if you're visiting Sri Lanka with kids.

How to get to Wasgamuwa National Park

Wasgamuwa can be reached within 5–6 hours by car from Colombo.

The nearest towns are Polonnaruwa and Matale, the former of which can be reached by train or bus from Colombo.

When to visit Wasgamuwa National Park

The best time to visit Wasgamuwa is May to September, when elephants gather near rivers and waterholes.

That said, the park is open year-round, with birdwatching being rewarding around the seasons. 

Want a more upscale experience? Check out the best boutique hotels in Sri Lanka.

8. Gal Oya National Park

Located in the eastern area of Sri Lanka, Gal Oya National Park offers one of the country’s most unique safari experiences.

Famous for its swimming elephants, here you can join a boat safari that’ll glide you across the reservoir’s islands and inlets. 

In addition to the elephants, the park also shelters leopards (rarely seen), sloth bears, water buffalo, sambar deer, axis deer, toque macaques, and over 150 species of bird.

Meanwhile, visiting Henebedde cave's ancient Vedda paintings will keep culture vultures very happy.

How to get to Gal Oya National Park

Gal Oya is located around 300 km from Colombo, which involves a 6–7-hour drive. 

The nearest town is Ampara, about 20 km away, while the village of Inginiyagala is often used as a base for visiting the park. 

There’s no direct public transport to Gal Oya, so you’ll want to join an organized safari from your accommodation.

When to visit

The best time to visit Gal Oya is during the April to September dry season.

9. Bundala National Park 

Bundala National Park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and RAMSAR wetland renowned for its diverse birdlife and sublimely serene coastal beauty. 

Boasting five lagoons, salt pans, scrub forests and sand dunes, Bundala National Park is a birdwatching paradise, with over 200 bird species recorded, including greater flamingos (seasonal), painted storks, Eurasian spoonbills, black-headed ibis, and rare species like the curlew sandpiper. 

During peak migratory months, flocks of flamingos and waders create a spectacular scene against the blue lagoons.

While best known for birds, Bundala is also home to elephants, spotted deer, wild boar, crocodiles and monitor lizards. 

How to get to Bundala National Park

Bundala is located approximately 250 km from Colombo, requiring a 5-hour drive via the Southern Expressway. 

The nearest town is Hambantota (15 km away), and many visitors also base themselves in Tissamaharama, which offers a range of accommodation and access to Yala and Bundala.

When to visit Bundala National Park

The best time to visit Bundala is November to March, aligning with the arrival of migratory birds, including flamingos. 

10. Sinharaja Forest Reserve 

Sinharaja Forest Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is Sri Lanka’s last significant stretch of lowland tropical rainforest.

Spanning some 11,187 hectares across the southwestern wet zone, it’s home to over 50% of Sri Lanka’s endemic species.

Key species include the Sri Lanka blue magpie, Sri Lanka spurfowl, green-billed coucal, and red-faced malkoha. 

While large mammals are elusive, visitors may encounter purple-faced langurs, toque macaques, giant squirrels, and the occasional leopard.

Guided treks (half-day or full-day) are the primary way to explore Sinharaja, and popular routes include the Moulawella and Sinhagala trails, which also offer wonderful waterfall views.

How to get to Sinharaja Forest Reserve

Sinharaja has multiple access points, with Kudawa (near Deniyaya) and Pitadeniya entrances being the most used. 

The forest reserve is about 150 km from Colombo, requiring a 4–5-hour drive.

As there’s no public transport directly to the entrances, hiring a private vehicle or arranging transfers through eco-lodges is recommended.

When to visit Sinharaja Forest Reserve

The best times to visit Sinharaja are from January to April, and August to September.

Excited to enjoy some of the best Sri Lanka safaris? While planning your trip, wise up with our Sri Lanka travel advice, and our Sri Lanka travel health tips.

Not keen on planning? Check out our customisable Sri Lanka itineraries, and contact our local Sri Lanka travel experts, who can plan and book every detail of your trip.