Sri Lanka TOURS
A Guide to the Wildlife of Sri Lanka
As an island nation, Sri Lanka is home to an extraordinary array of endemic species – rare creatures and plants found nowhere else on the planet. Recognized among the world’s top five biodiversity hotspots, this teardrop-shaped island bursts with incredible wildlife. Explore its magnificent national parks to encounter these remarkable species in their natural habitats.
Yala National Park
The most famous national park in Sri Lanka, Yala is home to 215 bird species and 44 mammal species. Expect to see roaming elephants, herds of sambar deer, crocodiles and buffalo. What’s more, the park has the highest concentration of leopards in the world.
Sinharaja Forest
World Heritage-listed Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a biodiversity hotspot. Containing Sri Lanka’s last area of primary tropical rainforest, it’s home to over 50% of the country’s endemic species of mammals and butterflies, as well as many types of reptile, insect and rare amphibians.
Minneriya National Park
As part of Sri Lanka’s elephant corridor, large numbers of elephants migrate across the country to Minneriya every year. Known as ‘The Gathering’, as many as 300 come to the park’s reservoir in the largest meeting of Asian elephants anywhere in the world.
Horton Plains National Park
Set over 2,000 metres above sea level, the Horton Plains feel a world apart from the rest of Sri Lanka. Large areas of the park are covered in pristine cloud forest, with dramatically plunging cliffs at its southern boundary. Home to a variety of endemic species, it’s one of the best places for bird watching.
Udawalawe National Park
Framed by the soaring Central Highlands, Udawalawe is one of the best places in the world to see wild elephants. Herds are often seen roaming in numbers of up to 100, with other mammals in the park including water buffalo, wild boar, sloth bears, spotted deer and the endemic toque macaque.
Wilpattu National Park
Translating to ‘natural lakes’ in Sinhala, Wilpattu’s most prominent feature is its wetlands. Known as ‘Villu’, the park has over 50 lakes surrounded by grassy plains. Despite being Sri Lanka’s largest national park, visitor numbers remain low and give the park a true sense of wilderness.
Beaches of Sri Lanka
With over 1,300km of sun-drenched shores, Sri Lanka offers beaches for every traveler – from lively southwest coasts perfect for snorkeling to secluded eastern bays where tranquility reigns. Swim with dolphins in Mirissa, witness ancient stilt fishermen at work, or help baby turtles begin their ocean journey at conservation sites. Whether you seek whale watching adventures, vibrant coral reefs, or simply the golden glow of sunset over the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka’s coastline promises unforgettable moments by the sea.
Arugambay Beach
A surfer’s paradise hosting international competitions, fringed by wildlife-rich Kumana bird sanctuaries and Lahugala’s elephant herds. Discover ancient Kudumbigala ruins and budget-friendly Panama beaches in Sri Lanka’s adventurous southeast.
Bentota Beach
A quick 45-minute drive from Colombo, Bentota offers golden beaches, luxury resorts, and thrilling water sports from jet skiing to banana boat rides. Discover Geoffrey Bawa’s Lunuganga estate and tropical art gardens for a perfect blend of adventure and culture.
Galle Beach
This ancient port, mentioned in biblical times as “Tarshish,” flourished as a Dutch spice trade hub. Today, its UNESCO-listed 17th-century fort stands as Asia’s best-preserved colonial fortress. Just 2km away, Unawatuna’s reef offers snorkeling with whale sharks and turtle sightings in shark-free waters.
Hikkaduwa Beach
Declared protected in 1940, Hikkaduwa’s coral gardens and Telwatte Bird Sanctuary now form a national park. Marvel at vibrant reefs via glass-bottom boats or snorkel among tropical fish in these crystal waters, just 98km from Colombo. A marine wonderland preserved for generations.
Mirissa Beach
Featured in BBC’s Ocean Giants, Mirissa offers world-class whale watching with record sightings of 30 blue whales in one day. Spot resident blue whale colonies and playful dolphins off Sri Lanka’s south coast – a marine spectacle unlike any other.
Nilaveli Beach
16km north of Trincomalee, discover Nilaveli’s kilometer-long white sands and gentle waves. Snorkel at Pigeon Island’s vibrant reef, spot sacred cattle grazing coconut groves, and see the striking Red Rock Beach. Hindu traditions blend with coastal beauty in this untouched paradise.
Historical Places in Sri Lanka
A country with as rich a history as Sri Lanka, it has ensured that its legacy is captured through various modes – be it natural phenomenas such as the Sigiriya Rock or Adam’s Peak, or man-made monuments and temples. The history of the country is preserved with the utmost precision and enthusiasm in these historical places in Sri Lanka. It is necessary for anyone visiting Sri Lanka to pay a visit to at least a few of these places to get closer to the rich culture and history of the country!
Sigiriya
This iconic UNESCO site showcases 5th-century urban mastery, from its legendary Lion Rock fortress to pioneering hydraulic systems. A crown jewel of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, Sigiriya’s frescoed galleries and water gardens reveal an advanced civilization frozen in stone.
Temple of the Tooth
This UNESCO-listed temple in Kandy safeguards Buddha’s sacred tooth within its golden chamber. As the world’s most revered Buddhist shrine, it symbolizes spiritual power and national heritage, where ancient rituals and royal legacy intertwine.
Polonnaruwa
This exquisitely preserved circular shrine in Polonnaruwa’s sacred quadrangle showcases Sri Lanka’s finest stone carvings. As one of only ten surviving vatadages, its ornate pillars and ruined dome whisper tales of Buddhist devotion and royal patronage from the island’s golden age.
Anuradhapura
Founded in 377 BC as Sri Lanka’s first capital, this ancient city dazzles with colossal dagobas, royal reservoirs, and sacred temples. A UNESCO site where spirituality and power intertwined, showcasing the island’s golden age through remarkably preserved monasteries and hydraulic wonders.
Dambulla Cave Temple
This UNESCO-listed marvel is Sri Lanka’s largest cave temple complex, featuring five sacred chambers adorned with golden Buddha statues, ancient royal figures, and Hindu deities. A breathtaking fusion of art, faith, and history preserved for over two millennia.
Adam's Peak
This sacred 7,359-foot mountain unites four religions under one mystical footprint – venerated as Buddha’s, Shiva’s, Adam’s, or St. Thomas’ mark. Pilgrims climb 5,000+ steps at night to witness a sunrise that paints the clouds gold, transforming the challenging hike into a spiritual awakening.
Cultural Events in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s rich cultural tapestry is reflected in its diverse annual festivals. In mid-April, Sinhalese and Tamil communities unite for the New Year, while Muslims observe Ramadan and celebrate Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Christians honor Easter and Christmas. The Esala Perahera in Kandy—held each July or August—is the island’s most iconic Buddhist pageant, featuring fire dances, whip dances, and Kandyan performances alongside elaborately costumed elephants parading the sacred Tooth Relic’s casket through the city, culminating in the traditional water-cutting ritual.
Kandy Esala Poya Perahera
Esala Perahera, Sri Lanka’s 10-day Festival of the Tooth in July/August, begins with Kap Situveema and features three processions: the five-day Kumbal Perahera to ward off evil, the five-day Randoli Perahera of the Sacred Tooth, and the grand Maha Randoli finale.
Kataragama Festival
Kataragama Festival in southern Sri Lanka spans over two weeks, drawing large crowds. Participants seek atonement through piercings and firewalking. Celebrations feature processions of musicians, elaborately adorned elephants, dancers, acrobats, and fire-eaters. Devotees offer red-flower garlands to Skanda, son of Shiva.
Duruthu Perahera
Duruthu Perahera, Sri Lanka’s vibrant New Year festival, commemorates Buddha’s first visit 2,500 years ago and launches the three-month pilgrimage to Adam’s Peak. Over three days, the Uda Maluwe Perahera opens with a small procession, building to the grand Randoli finale of drummers, dancers, elephants, and acrobats.
Poson Festival
Poson Poya, Sri Lanka’s second most important Buddhist holiday, marks the arrival of Buddhism. Celebrated annually, it features lantern lighting, thorana decorations, and food stalls. Devotees dress in white, engage in religious observances, and climb the steps of Mihintale Rock to honor Buddhist heritage.
Sinhala and Tamil New Year
Aluth Avurudda, Sri Lanka’s vibrant mid-April New Year festival, celebrates the end of the harvest and welcomes Indradeva, the Prince of Peace. Families cleanse homes, don new clothes, and prepare traditional sweets like kiribath, kavum, and kokis. Women play the raban drum, children receive herbal oil blessings, and communities unite with firecrackers, games, and shared rituals across ethnic and religious lines.
Nallur Festival
Nallur Festival is a spectacular 25-day homage to Lord Murugan at the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil. The silver-throne deity is paraded through the town in a grand chariot as devotees chant “Aro Hara,” while daily poojas and rituals draw pilgrims from across Sri Lanka in vibrant celebration.
Mountain Hills and Water Falls in Sri Lanka
Know for its serene beauty, Sri Lanka is home for many majestic mountains. Mountains in Sri Lanka not only offers breathtaking views but is also a paradise for adventure seekers. Also, these mountains have well-maintained forest area.
Ella
Ella is commonly the last stop that visitors make in the Central Highlands. It’s a tiny town, but there are a lot of nearby trails; you can take a short hike to Nine Arch Bridge or Little Adam’s Peak. There is also an ancient cave temple just a few kilometers down the road. Most tourists stop in Ella to set out for Adam’s Peak, located an hour or so west of town.
Nuwaraeliya
Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka’s “Little England,” is a cool hill station with colonial charm, lush tea estates, vegetable farms, and attractions like Victoria Park, Lake Gregory, and Horton Plains. Its April festival season features motor races, horse races, and vibrant cultural celebrations.
Ramboda Water Falls,
Ramboda Falls, nestled in Sri Lanka’s central highlands near Pussellawa, is a stunning 109-meter waterfall surrounded by lush greenery and cool climate. It’s a popular, easily accessible spot for nature lovers, offering scenic viewpoints, pathways, and relaxing cafes for visitors.
Kirindi Ella
Kirindi Ella, near Pelmadulla in Sri Lanka’s Ratnapura District, is a 116-meter waterfall surrounded by lush forest. Accessible via a scenic trek, it offers a serene pool, fresh mountain air, rich biodiversity, and birdwatching—perfect for nature lovers seeking relaxation and adventure.
St Clair's Falls
St. Clair’s Falls, near Talawakele in Sri Lanka’s tea country, is known as the “Little Niagara” with two cascades, lush plantations, and scenic hills. Easily accessible, it offers stunning views, short hikes, and picnic spots, remaining a beloved natural landmark despite reduced water flow.
Bambarakanda Ella
Bambarakanda Ella, Sri Lanka’s tallest waterfall at 263 m, is a stunning horsetail fall in Kalupahana’s pine forests. Fed by Kuda Oya, it’s perfect for photography, picnics, and bathing. A moderate 1.6 km hiking trail leads to its scenic crest with breathtaking views.