Sri Lanka Safari Holidays

Spanning 30,000 hectares, Udawalawe National Park is filled with forest, grassland and a variety of animals. On an Udawalawe safari, you can expect to see sloth bears, buffalo, sambar deer, mongoose, crocodiles and all kinds of birds. But the park’s elephants are the star of the show. More than 500 gentle giants call Udawalawe home, so you’re bound to see some on your safari.

If you fancy a closer look at these magnificent creatures, visit the nearby Elephant Transit Home. Rescued elephants are brought here to be rehabilitated and returned to the wild. And the orphanage is supported by the Born Free Foundation, so you can rest assured that the elephants receive the very best care and medical attention.

Want to round off your Sri Lanka safari with some beach time? The island’s sun-soaked south coast is within easy reach of Udawalawe National Park. Scenic Hambantota is just a 60-minute drive away, while the golden sands of Tangalle are 90 minutes away.

In the southeast corner of Sri Lanka, famous Yala National Park covers nearly 400 square miles. The rich landscape is a patchwork of grassland, jungle and lagoons, creating a real haven for wildlife. If you want to see a leopard in Sri Lanka, this is the place to come – the park boasts the highest density of leopards in the world.

As well as big cats, you’ll have the chance to see jackals, sloth bears, wild boar and elephants on your game drive through Yala. The park is also home to more than 200 types of bird, and your knowledgeable guide will be able to point out a range of exotic species, including hornbills, bee-eaters and peacocks. Ibis, flamingos and pelicans flock to the lagoons, while the coastal stretch is visited by leatherback and loggerhead turtles. After a busy few days on safari in Yala National Park, why not head west and relax on the beaches of Hambantota?

When you’re looking at Sri Lanka safari holidays, Minneriya National Park will crop up time and time again. This place is famous for ‘The Gathering’ – the largest get-together of elephants in the world, which takes place between August and October. But don’t worry if you’re visiting at a different time of year – you’ll still see plenty of wildlife on your safari. On an early-morning game drive, you’ll spot a range of bids, including owls, eagles, parrots, parakeets and hornbills. And in the evenings you’ll see Minneriya’s larger residents like deer, monkeys, buffalo, crocodiles and – of course – elephants.

Plus, when you opt for a safari at Minneriya National Park, you’ll be within easy reach of some of Sri Lanka’s most famous cultural attractions. Iconic Sigiriya Rock and the beautiful Dambulla Cave Temple are both just a 30-minute drive away. Alternatively, head 90 minutes northeast and you’ll reach the sweeping beaches of Trincomalee.

If you’re planning a safari holiday in Sri Lanka, why not time it to coincide with whale-watching season? December to April is the best time to go, as humpback, blue and sperm whales all migrate to the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. 

On the east coast, Trincomalee is one of Sri Lanka’s whale-watching capitals. Enormous blue whales visit here between February and April, while sperm whales make an appearance in autumn. Head out on a boat trip during whale season, and you’re pretty much guaranteed to see them. Or, if you’d prefer to keep your feet on dry land, you can climb to the top of Swami Rock and watch them from the shore – you’ll often see pods of dolphins splashing about, too.

Alternatively, if you’re planning a post-safari beach break on the south coast – check out Tangalle or Galle – your nearest whale-watching spot will be Mirissa. There are lots of boat trips available from here, as blue whales and sperm whales visit these waters between November and April.