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.
Uga Chena Huts
Yala National Park, Sri Lanka
