Sri Lanka's National Parks
From the North to the South Sri Lanka has a vast number of national parks where an array of animals can be found. Sri Lanka has pioneered the way in which countries protect its indigenous wildlife, with it being said that the first wildlife sanctuary was opened in the 3rd century BC.
The most famous of Sri Lanka’s national parks is Yala located on the South East coast of the island. Yala is home to a variety of animals from the elusive sloth bear to an abundance of birdlife and hard to forget is the almighty Leopard. In the Northwest of the island sits one of the oldest national parks, Wilpattu which offers the opportunity to see just as much wildlife as Yala without the crowds. The list goes on with regards to wildlife here and you would be hard pressed not to see elephants, sambar deer and water buffalo. To further escape the crowds head to the east side of the island to Gal Oya National Park where aside from the animals you can experience traditional village life with the local tribe known as the Veddhas. The people of Veddhas although slowly being closed in by the realities of the 21st century continue to live in mud huts and use a bow and arrow for hunting.
Where to go in Sri Lanka's National Parks
Gal Oya Lodge
Gal Oya National Park, Sri Lanka's National Parks, Sri Lanka
Gal Oya Lodge is set on the outskirts of Gal Oya National Park towards Sri Lanka's east coast. Built from locally-sourced natural materials with furniture made by local craftsmen, the nine-bedroom lodge really gives guests a sense of its surroundings.
Wild Coast Tented Lodge
Yala National Park, Sri Lanka
Recently opened, Wild Coast Tented Lodge is Resplendent Ceylon's latest addition. Close to Yala National Park on Sri Lanka's South Coast, this luxury lodge will be made up of 36 luxury cocoon tents surrounded by incredible wildlife.
Chena Huts
Yala National Park, Sri Lanka
Surrounded by unspoiled wilderness, Chena Huts is nestled amongst dunes and trees at the ocean's edge, lying within a few minutes from the entrance to Yala National Park. It is an ideal place to observe the magnificent profusion of wildlife and nature.
Cinnamon Wild Yala
Yala National Park, Sri Lanka's National Parks, Sri Lanka
Cinnamon Wild, formerly known as Yala Village, has a rustic chic, contemporary ambience that blends seamlessly with the surrounding wilderness – a commendable transformation achieved by Sri Lankan architect Channa Daswatte.
Leopard Trails - Wilpattu National Park
Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka's National Parks, Sri Lanka
Enjoy an authentic safari experience with Leopard Trails in Wilpattu National Park. Stay in a luxury tent, enjoy some story-telling by the fire and learn about many different species that inhabit the park on spectacular sightings with your expert guide.
Leopard Trails - Yala National Park
Yala National Park, Sri Lanka's National Parks, Sri Lanka
Leopard Trails is a fantastic experience to get close to all the action in Yala National Park. Here see the best of Sri Lanka’s wildlife such as elephants, leopards and crocodile. Enjoy a stay in one of the tents, all designed with comfort in mind.