Wherever you go, you will find the traditional welcome -"Ayubowan"-
may you live long

The jungles of Sri Lanka abound in a variety of wildlife, which is surprising for an island of its size in the tropics. From ancient days the elephants and peacock from the Sri Lankan jungles were prize exports to the Kingdoms of East and West. But apart from these well known examples of the fauna, a visit to the Sri Lankan jungles is to enter a whole new world where nature has largely stayed still.There are four majour national parks. These are the best known is Ruhunu National Park, at Yala, in the deep South of the island. The other well known national park,at Wilpattu,is at present closed due to the prevailing conditions in the North of the island. There are also two other national parks at Inginiyagala and Udawalawe.

Animal Sanctuaries, The animals to be seen in Sri Lanka's national parks include elephant, leopard, sloth bear, sambhur, deer and monkeys, wild buffalo, wild boar (pig), porcupine, ant-eater, civet cat, jackal, mongoose, loris (unique to sri Lanka) several varieties of lizards, squirrels, reptiles and amphibians. Each park however has its own specialities.

Yala (Ruhuna) National Park
While the elephant is undoubtedly the best known attraction at Yala, Seen in small and large herds,what is the most appealing here is the overall mood of the undisturbed jungle. Large herds of spoted Deer are seen all over the Park, as are many Sambhur, and for those who are sharp eyed to observe,  many of the endemoc Muntjac or Barking Deer. Monkeys-the pinkish Rhesus and the grey faced Langur Monkey, live and play on the tree-tops and the ground below. Wild Buffalo and Wild Boar could give you a good surprise and a great picture,while sight of a leopard sunning itself or drinking at a water hole could be a memorable experience, As dusk gathers, there is every chance of seeing the Ceylon Sloth Bear scampering with its young on it back. the progress of your vehicle could be held up by a Python across the track, and near the many waterholes will bee found whole colonies of Crocodiles.

The Peacock is easily the most famous of the birds at Yala. The mating dance of the male, with its colourful plumes fully spread, is a photographer's delight. While the Peacock has its fame,there are also many other species which attract those who are interested in bird life, and add to the mood and feel of nature. The Painted stork, many verities of heron,the poonbill,the bee-eater, many colourful parrots and parakeets,the hornbill, kingfisher and wood-pecker and hoopoe are all birds that can be seen by the observant in the jungles of Sri Lanka.

There is accomodation in the national parks of Sri Lanka in special bungalows maintained by the Department of Wild Life Conservation. Dry rations are taken by the visitors and they are made for you by caretakers who are expert at turning quick, tasty meals. Travel inside the parks only by a vehicle. Four- wheel drive is recomended. Entry to the parks is by special permit. It's best to hire a jeep and driver in tissamaharama. Nearby is a Bundala National Park is Srilanka's best spot for birdwatching.

Wilpattu National Park

Gal Oya National Park, Situated at Inginiyagala, the Gal Oya National Park is 314 km. from Colombo and is most renowned for its elephant population

Maduru Oya National Park
The Maduru Oya National Park is located in the Dry Zone and is 300 km. away from Colombo and 58,849 hectares in extent. A wide variety of wildlife including some endemic birds species and reptiles are found here. Maduru Oya is rich in ancient ruins found in different places and its southern parts provide veddhas, indigenous people their living environment. Endemic purple monkey is among the important animal species that can be seen in addition to Sambhur, a member of the cat family etc. There are some endemic avifauna also found within this Park.

Wasgamuwa National Park
Situated approximately 200 km. away from Colombo, the Wasgamuwa National Park lies within the Polonnaruwa and Matale Districts and have the Mahaweli river and Amban river as its eastern and western boundaries. Tropical intermediate dry mixed evergreen forest predominates its environment.

Horton Plains National Park
The Horton Plains National Park is the only National Park situated in the Hill Country and falls within the Nuwara Eliya district and is 200 km. away from Colombo. Panoramic scenic beauty of the Hill Country could be witnessed within the Park. The famous `Worlds End' is a major attraction within the Park. Endemic slender loris and endemic purple monkey are among the important animal species that could be seen in addition to sambhur, a member of the cat family etc. There are some endemic avifauna also found within this Park.

Bird Sanctuaries

Beautiful Botanic Gardens
Sri Lanka has three beautiful Botanic Gardens - Peradeniya at an elevation of 488 metres, Hakgala at an elevation of 1,680 metres and Henarathgoda in the low country.