Wild Life of Sri Lanka

Wilpattu National Park

Located on the northwest coast dry zone in Sri Lanka is the islands largest national park Wilpattu. It’s landscape comprising of several small naturally formed lakes or “Willus” is where it’s name Wilpattu has derived from. With an estimated size of 131,973 hectares, Wilpattu is home to over 31 species of mammals including leopard, elephant water buffalo. Wild boar, spotted deer, Sambar deer and many species of birds and reptiles. Here the main attraction like at Yala national park ( located on the south end of the island) would be leopard sightings – Sri Lanka’s largest cat species. 

The park could be explored using 4*4 safari jeeps which will be organized by us in advance upon your tour confirmation. 

Minneriya National Park

Named after the ancient tank built by a great king by the name of Mahasen in the 3^rd century AD, Minneriya national park located on the nort centrals province is mainly famed for elephant watching. With several other species of mammals, birds and reptiles Minneriya has a land extent of  8,889 ha. The park also has two other national parks namely Kaudulla and Eco park which are situated in close proximity to each other. Jeep safaris done at Minneriya will depend on the location of Elephant heard as they tend to move from one park to the other throughout the year with accordance to the change in weather and availability of food.

Travel during the month of August Minneriya to witness the Great Gathering of Elephants where herds of over 200 Elephant could be witnessed in one location.

Wasgamuwa National Park

Named after the Sloth bear which is the only species of bear found in the island, Wasgamuwa with an extent of 39,322 ha is located in the north central province of Sri Lanka. With large herds of Elephants and other mammals and many species of birds, Wasgamuwa would be a worthwhile visit during your stay.

The park itself is less crowded compared to parks like Yala and Minneriya and one could enjoy the true beauty of Mother Nature while exploring the areas wildlife onboard a safari jeep.

Gal Oya National Park

Situated in the Uva and Eastern province of the island, with as area of 25,900 ha lies Gal Oya national park famed for it’s swimming Elephants. The park has a variety of mammals, reptiles and birds where one could enjoy a boat safari to witness many species of birds and large herds of Elephants. Unlike most other national parks, Gal Oya has the option for visitors to experience the park by both road and water in order to witness and beautiful landscape and animal species found here.

Horton Plains National Park

Located on the central highland of Sri Lanka amidst the breathtaking mountains with an elevation of over 6000 ft above sea level, Horton plains peak wilderness sanctuary is a worthwhile visit if you happen to be in the vicinity. With an area of 3,160ha Horton plains is made up of grasslands and mountain forest, one could drip up to Horton Plains entrance to a hike to famous world’s end – a high mountain peak with a breath taking view. The entire loop is 9kms and on returning back from Worlds end one could also visit Baker’s falls, it is advised to reach Horton plains as early as possible.

Witness the large herds of Sambar deer as you hike along the narrow footpath along with many species of birds which could be spotted on route. Even though Leopards are found, sighting are rare, and have been spotted in the early hours on the drive to reach Horton plains. 

Sinharaja rain forrest

Yet another priceless treasure which is home to many species of animals including a variety of birds is the great Sinharaja rain forest. The evergreen forest is the only one of its kind found in the island and among the few virgin forests found in the whole world.

If you are looking for some excitement to explore the great wild by foot, Sinharaja is the place to visit. With a variety of fauna found in the forest, one could easily witness a variety of birds that mimic their own beautiful calls that brings pleasantness to your ears and life to the forest. The most common deer species is the Sambhur The Monk deer and Barking deer are also found within the reserve. Leopards are very seldom sighted, but their frequent presence has been confirmed by tracks and other signs. Badger Mongoose and the Golden Palm Civet have been occasionally sighted. The most commonly seen primate is the Purple - faced Leaf Monkey. Although the elephants said to be common in the past, there have not been reports of sightings during the last 15 years.

Best locations to witness the large animals such as Elephants, Deer, Leopards, wild Buffalo's, Sloth Bears, Crocodiles and also birds are at national parks like – Yala, Udawalawe,Bundala, Minneriya, Kaudulla, Vilpattu. Safari jeep rides inside the parks are the best means of exploring this wild heritage

Udawalawe National Park

Arrive at Udawalawe to enjoy a jeep safari to witness mainly elephants and other species of mammals and birds with an occasional sighting of crocodiles, en route  one could also visit the Udawalawe transit home to witness the feeding of baby elephant who have been rescued from the wild. The ongoing human – elephant conflict and illegal poaching have resulted in many abandoned baby Elephants who are rescued and looked after and released to the wild in herds to roam freely once again to ensure the existence of our giant Jumbo’s. 

Witness the milk feeding sessions at the transit home as baby jumbo’s are fed and cared for by wildlife personal. As the young elephants in transit are been cared for with a aim to of being released in small herds when they reach a suitable age, no visitors are permitted to approach or feed them. 

Yala National Park

Situate at the south end of Sri Lanka like Yala national park, famed for its Leopard sighting, would be the most visited national park by travelers. With an area of  97,900 ha, the park consist of five blocks, where three are open to visitors. With a variety of ecosystems found at Yala ranging from moist monsoon forest to freshwater and marine wetlands, the possibility of seeing a variety of species is high. Species that could be spotted include; Elephant, leopard, spotted deer, sambar deer, monkey, wild boar, crocodile and many birds. Yala consist of 215 bird species with six endemic birds recorded and 44 species of mammals including the highest density of leopards recorded in the whole world.

There are also two other national park adjoining the area, Kumana national park and Lunugamvehera national park where Kumana national park is famed for it’s bird life including many species of migrating water birds. 

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Mammals of the island – There are around 113 species of mammals  recorded in the island and out of which Elephants, Leopards, Deer, Buffalo, Wild Boar are a few that could be sighted in national parks. Wlid Elephants are also found crossing some of the main roads that are situated close to national parks and jungles. In such situations travelers are advised to stay put inside the vehicle and observer

Elephants

Commonly known as Aliya or Etha  are found in most national parks and are hard to miss graceful creatures. The largest heard’s found at Udawalawe and Minneriya National parks. Travelers to Sri Lanka enjoy watching and Photographing these graceful creatures.

Leopard

Out of the four species of wild cats found in the island the leopard is the largest, it is also the largest predator and have successfully managed to survive with a promising populations since ancients time. The very reason for it’s existence is its ability of stealth and niche which makes it challenging  to locate and spot. Yala national park is the best place to try your luck, as many tourists have experienced the chance of seeing leopards.

Deer

Out of several species found like spotted and barking deer, Axis deer the Sambhur and Spotted deer is the most common species found and mainly recorded in national parks like Wasgamuwa ( central and north central province) and Wilpattu (Central and north western province) , Yala ( South province). The Sambar deer can be located at Horton Plains peak wilderness sanctuary and is commonly sighted to many visitors who hike to ‘Worlds End’ – the famous high peak elevation which has a magnificent view.

Sloth Bear 

Generally found in national parks like Yala, Udawalawe,Minneriya Wasgamuwa, Vilpattu is the only species of bears to be found. Mainly know as an omnivores (both veg & non veg ) it’s main diet consist of buries, shrubs, honey, insects.

 

Wild Boar

Found in most jungles and national parks is the ancestor of the domestic pig. However the male boars have tusk and are know to be aggressive if approached, hence viewing them from inside a safari jeep would be the best option. Wild boars are also shy creatures and live in groups or families

 

Birds (Avis) – know as a paradise for bird lovers all over the world the island houses around 435 species, out of which 26 are endemic. Most of the 26 are found in wet zones and the best locations to observe birds are at sanctuaries such as Bundala, Kalamitiya which is situated in the south coast, Kumana situated in the east coast and Sinharaja Rain Forest, Udawatta Kale, Bellanwila, Muthurajawela, Minneriya, Kitulgala are other important Bird watching locations.

Sri lankan Jungle foul 

The national bird of the island is a endemic species found in most jungles of the island including Sinharaja rain forest, Yala National park. This ground nesting bird feeds on various forest fruits, small insects and seeds.

Peacock

Found in national parks like Yala, Minneriya is a somewhat large bird which has a beautiful array of colored feathers which the male foul uses to attract the female. This species are mainly found on the ground and open forest and feed on berries and various grains, they also feed on snakes, lizards and small rodents. They are easily detected with their loud call which also is used to give a warning of a nearby predator nearby.

Flemingos

During the migrating season of birds September to June, Flamingos could be witnessed in large flocks at parks like  Yala and Bundala lagoons. Off season they fly back off shores to their breeding grounds. Their main diet consist of fish and is know to feed on both fresh and salt waters.

Sri Lankan blue magpie – Yet another endemic species found in the wet zones and central hills and dense forest is a member of the crow family. It’s diet consist small animals such as frogs, lizards and small insects and fruits. This species is know to have a variety of calls.

 

Reptiles – With a recorded 184 species found in the island which comprises of Crocodiles, Snakes, Turtles, Tortoises & Lizards which include the common house Gecko. Out of these species the Crocks are the most commonly found species in National Parks like Yala, Udawalawe.

Crocodiles 

With a record of two species Found in the island, they generally inhabit marshy lands and can be found in parks such as Yala, Wasgamuwa , Udawalawe and many of the in-lands man made tanks. They have also been know to wonder great distances and reports of Crock sightings in populated areas have been recorded.

Snakes

Out of all other reptiles, snakes take a lead in interest due to their uniqueness and historic myths all over the world.  With a record of 104 species found, only five are highly venomous. Most of the species are non venomous and are found throughout the country. The most common snake found close to human habitation is the common Rat snake, which is non venomous and shy.  

 

Tortoise & Turtles

With several recorded species that inhabit the island and some that dock at sea shores to lay their eggs have become a keen tourist interest. Out of the two main species the turtles have been given a boost in conservation where locals have opened up turtle hatcheries along the south coast which is a major tourist attraction (two birds with one stone).

Fishes

The coral reefs that surround the island are home to hundreds of species of marine life which brings a paradise of its own to any traveler. As the Tsunami bought devastation to both in land and off shore areas of the island which also had an impact on the corrals, life has slowly recovered. Best know locations for ‘close show coral reef’s are at the famous tourist village Hikkaduwa, where even for those who do not like the idea wearing a snorkel has the option of viewing the corrals and it’s inhabited marine life in a glass bottom boat.

Many species of fish brightly colored and dressed up for the day such as Parrot fish, Surgeon fish, Anemone fish, Angle fish,  lobsters, sea cucumbers  could be seen living their daily lives within the protected reef of Hikkaduwa.

With an open ear to your needs we at Breva Ceylon want you to have your dream holiday come true! We don’t just offer travel advise and give you what you want! We always go the extra distance to make sure that you have a wondrous stay.

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