Horton Plains National Park
High montane grassland ending abruptly at World’s End, an 880 metre escarpment with sweeping views over the southern lowlands on a clear morning. The early start is genuinely necessary, since cloud typically closes the view by mid-morning.
Wilpattu National Park
Sri Lanka’s largest national park, defined by its villu, natural lakes scattered through dry forest, offering a considerably quieter safari experience than the busier southern parks.
Minneriya National Park
A dry zone park known for seasonal elephant gatherings around its reservoir as the dry season lowers the water level, drawing herds from the surrounding forest in one of the island’s most significant wildlife spectacles.
Udawalawe National Park
Reliable wild elephant sightings in open grassland throughout the day, making it the more consistent choice for travellers who want certainty over probability.
Yala National Park
The park most travellers picture when they think of a Sri Lanka safari, holding the highest recorded density of wild leopards per square kilometre anywhere on earth, alongside elephants, sloth bears and rich coastal lagoon birdlife.