Sri Lanka safari & wildlife holidays
Sri Lanka is one of the best wildlife destinations in Asia. This small island boasts no less than 26 national parks, and it’s home to elephants, leopards, whales and exotic birds making it a fantastic destination for any wildlife enthusiast. From the popular Yala National Park to the quieter Gal Oya, discover our top tips for planning a wildlife holiday in Sri Lanka.
Go off-the-beaten-path in Gal Oya
Gal Oya is a real treat for the wildlife lovers who want to venture off the beaten path. Undiscovered by most tourists, this national park will make you feel immersed by nature, with a proper feel of the untouched jungle. Take a boat trip around the lake for a chance of spotting wild elephants swimming between the islands!
Go dolphin-spotting on the Dutch Ba
Sea lover? Happy days! Sri Lanka is home to an incredibly diverse marine ecosystem, and Kalpitiya is the place to go if you want to go dolphin spotting! You’ll have an early start on our 3-day trip in Kalpitiya, as you head out by boat in search of Spinners and Bottlenoses – you might even spot a whale too (if you’re lucky!).
Go on safari in Yala National Park
Yala is the most well-known and visited National Park in Sri Lanka. No surprise really, as it’s a haven for wildlife. On our 2-day Yala National Park trip, you’ll start with a short visit first to the Elephant Transit Home, which is an elephant orphanage dedicated to caring for and rehabilitating injured or orphaned elephants. Then head to Yala to search for elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and more birds than you can shake a stick at.
Spot exotic birds of Sinharaja's rainforest
Sinharaja National Park is one of Sri Lanka’s last remaining rainforests and home to a wealth of animals, in particular, its exotic birdlife. On our 3-day Sinharaja rainforest trip you’ll follow trails through the thick undergrowth – and keep an eye out for giant centipedes, colourful lizards and screeching monkeys high up in the trees. In the evening, you’ll sleep in a simple guesthouse on the edge of the park and wake up to views of the lush vegetation. This trip is a real adventure for nature lovers and bird watchers.
See leopards at Wilpattu National Park
The largest national park in Sri Lanka, Wilpattu was closed for a long time during the civil war, but reopened to tourists in 2010. It’s the perfect place to head out on an adventurous jeep safari and our 3-day Wilpattu trip will take you in search of leopards, sloth bears and elephants hiding in the park’s dense jungle. In the evening you’ll bed down in your own atmospheric safari tent, where you can enjoy a BBQ at the campfire.
Whale watching at Mirissa
From November to April, Mirissa is one of the best spots in the world for whale watching and dolphin spotting. These mighty marine giants are drawn to the sea trench just off the coast to feed, making your chances of spotting them particularly high. Grab your binoculars and jump aboard on our 2-day Mirissa whale-watching trip, as you go in search of Humpbacks, Sperm Whales and even the largest mammal on the planet, the Blue Whale.
Build your own wildlife holiday using our bite-sized trips
Simply pick and choose your favourite bite-sized trips or ready-made itineraries, add them to your Travel Plan and request a quote. It’s easy. Our travel specialists will then put together a holiday that’s right for you. Plus you’ll have the same team for the life of your booking & support from our local partners on the ground 24/7.
