The back story
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The back story
Safaris in Sri Lanka: Yala, Udawalawe and Minneriya, the back story
Leopards in Yala, elephants in Udawalawe and the great gathering of elephants at Minneriya.
Region guide · the national parks
Safaris in Sri Lanka: Our Favourites
Yala for leopards, Udawalawe and Minneriya for elephants, and how to choose a responsible safari.
What's onThis week in Sri Lanka
What to see
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Elephants all year
Udawalawe National Park & Elephant Transit Home
Open grasslands around a reservoir, with elephants year-round.
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The elephant gathering
Minneriya National Park
A park around an ancient reservoir, famous for its dry-season gathering of elephants.
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Lakes and leopards
Wilpattu National Park
Sri Lanka’s largest national park, dotted with natural lakes (villus), with leopards, sloth bears and far fewer jeeps than Yala.
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Elephants
Kaudulla National Park and Hurulu Eco Park
Two elephant parks near Habarana, used together with Minneriya as the herds move between them during the dry season.
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For birdwatchers
Bundala National Park
A coastal wetland near Hambantota, protected as a Ramsar site, with flamingos and other waterbirds in season.
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Birds and leopards
Kumana National Park
A park on the east coast, next to Yala, known for its bird lagoon and quieter safaris, best in the east-coast season.
Where to stay
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Cocoon tents by Yala
Wild Coast Tented Lodge
Resplendent Ceylon’s tented lodge on the coast beside Yala National Park.
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On the edge of the park
Cinnamon Wild Yala
A Cinnamon hotel of chalets on the edge of Yala National Park, by the sea.
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By the park
Uga Chena Huts
A luxury safari lodge of cabins with plunge pools, on the coast near Yala.
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Between park and sea
Jetwing Yala
A large hotel on the coast near Yala, between the park and the sea.
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Under canvas
Mahoora Tented Safari Camps
A long-running operator of tented safari camps near Yala and other national parks.
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Luxury camping
Leopard Trails
Luxury tented camps near Yala and Wilpattu, with naturalist-led safaris.
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Elephant-shaped villa
KumbukRiver Eco-Lodge
An eco-lodge by the Kumbukkan Oya near Yala, famous for its villa built in the shape of an elephant.
Getting there
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Licensed only
Choosing a safari
How to choose a safari jeep and guide in Sri Lanka’s national parks.
Share your Safaris & wildlife tips
Been there? Share your experience and tips with other visitors.
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