Sri Lanka Wildlife

Sri Lanka’s biodiversity makes it a secret haven for a vast variety of flora and fauna, and its relative isolation from India has engendered an environment of unique and contained wildlife. Sri Lanka’s geography consists of a long sweeping coastline and rolling hill country with large tracts of forest and grassy plains in the south central regions. This makes this magical island the ideal habitat for leopards, elephants, stunning birdlife and some of the healthiest populations of marine life left on our planet.

Sri Lankan Elephant

Sri Lankan elephants generally have small ears and most have no tusks, which sets them apart from their larger African counterparts. These features give them characterful faces and make them somewhat less intimidating than the bulls and matriarchs of the African plains.Towards the north of the inland circuit, Minneriya is the setting for the gathering of elephants that occurs between July and October each year. This can be a remarkable sight, as you witness herds of up to 150 elephants and their sheer collective might as they wash and feed and care for their young.

Leopards

Sri Lankan leopards are one of the largest subspecies of leopards anywhere in the world. They have rich, golden pelts with large rosettes and are often seen on the prowl at dawn and dusk seeking out their prey. Yala National Park in Sri Lanka boasts the highest density of leopards worldwide and Wilpattu National Park also offers good opportunities for sightings.

Whales

Head out on a whale-watching tour in Sri Lanka, and it is extremely likely you’ll be rewarded with sightings of a wide variety of whale species. From sperm, blue, humpback and Bryde’s whales, Sri Lanka ranks in the top three countries in the world to spot whales. Aside from the tonnes of krill filling the waters, there is an annual migration of blue and sperm whales between the Bay of the Bengal and the Arabian Sea, via the coast of Sri Lanka.

Sloth Bears

Sloth bears are nocturnal mammals found within the Indian Subcontinent namely India and Sri Lanka. These insectivorous bears are the inspiration for The Jungle Book’s Baloo and can be seen eating termites and fruit in the forest just like him! Sloth bears are considered vulnerable due to habitat loss and poaching. Unlike grizzlies and brown bears, sloth bears have longer limbs and shaggy fur around their faces.

Safaris & Planning

Minneriya National Park

Set in the heart of the popular cultural triangle of Sri Lanka, Minneriya National Park is mostly known for its incredible elephant migration, which is one of Asia’s finest wildlife experiences. During the drier months of June to September, as many as 300 elephants congregate in the Minneriya National Park around the ancient Minneriya water tank (which dates back to 3rd Century AD), taking advantage of the receding waters that provide an important water source. As it is so close to some of the other cultural attractions of Sri Lanka, it can be a great alternative to Yala and some of the other parks in the south.

Sri Lanka and the Maldives Safari

Experience fantastic wildlife encounters and camp in the jungles of Sri Lanka before relaxing on the pristine beaches of the Maldives on this adventurous safari.

From 13500 per person

Sri Lanka Classic Explorer Safari

This safari combines wildlife, culture and beaches to provide you with a fantastic overview of Sri Lanka. From the ancient city of Polonnaruwa to the leopards of Wilpattu, the imposing Sigiriya Rock Fortress to the palm-fringed beaches of Galle, there is something for everyone on this beautiful isle.

From 11000 per person

St Sri Lanka Leopard Shutterstock Michael Sanca

Sri Lanka Ultimate Wildlife Safari

An adventurous safari exploring Sri Lanka's best wildlife havens. Seek out leopards, elephants, sloth bears, diverse bird species and more with visits to Wilpattu, Yala, Gal Oya and Udawalawe National Parks and the Sinharaja Rainforest, while also experiencing some of the islands cultural sights.

From 13000 per person

Birds of Sri Lanka

The national bird of Sri Lanka is the Junglefowl, found in forested areas and known for its striking plumage, with the male having vibrant colors. The striking, vibrant Blue Magpie is found in the hill and rainforest regions of Sri Lanka and is known for its long tail and loud calls. A small, green parrot found in the wet zone of Sri Lanka, the Hanging Parrot is easily recognizable by its bright colors and its habit of hanging upside down from branches. Recognizable by its large bill, the Grey Hornbill is commonly found in lowland rainforests and is known for its distinctive call. The endemic wood pigeon species with a subtle and beautiful plumage, often found in the central and hill regions of Sri Lanka.

Grizzled Giant Squirrel

The national animal of Sri Lanka, the unique giant squirrel can be found throughout the central region of the island. Measuring around 70cm form tip to tail, these curious mammals are entirely arboreal and are most active at dawn and dusk. There are three different subspecies found in the highlands of Sri Lanka and the southern Indian states of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, which can be easily distinguised by their differing colour patterns.