Gal Oya National Park

GAL OYA NATIONAL PARK

Lies in the southeast of Sri Lanka and to the west of Ampara. It was established in 1954 by the Gal Oya Development Board mainly to protect the catchment area of the 'Senanayake Samudra' Reservoir, and then handed over to the department of Wildlife Conservation in 1965.

Considered as a major eco tourism venue, the national park is rich in flora and fauna. About 45% of the park is covered by evergreen forest and a further 33% is taken up by savanna areas. The 25,900 hectare park has about 32 species of mammals including common langur, endemic toque macaque, leopard, sloth bear, elephant, wild boar, water buffalo and 3 species of deer.

For birding enthusiasts, approximately 150 of Sri Lanka 's 430 species of birds have been observed in this region

Kumana National Wildlife Park

Kumana National Wildlife Park


Located in the southeast corner of Sri Lanka, the 18,149 hectare KUMANA (YALA EAST) NATIONAL PARK is a well-known eco tourism attraction and bird sanctuary where a multitude of birds breed and roost. One of the most significant features of the park is the 'Kumana Villu' - a 200 hectare natural swamp lake, fed by the 'Kumbukkan Oya' through a half mile long narrow channel. It is at this mangrove swamp that many water birds nest in May and June. Regular sightings include such species of bird as pelicans, painted storks, spoonbills, white ibis, herons, egrets and little cormorants. The very rare black-necked stork has also been spotted at the swamp. Besides the prolific birdlife, Kumana is also home to some of the mammals found in the larger YALA NATIONAL PARK (west) park, such as elephants and leopards.

The vegetation in Kumana consists mainly of mangrove trees, kumbuk trees and the karan fern, as well as the open marsh area. For bird watching enthusiasts, the park is an 'absolute must'.

Kaudulla National Wildlife Park

Kaudulla National Wildlife Park

Opened in 2002 just before the massive Wilpattu reopened, KAUDULLA NATIONAL PARK is Sri Lanka's newest national park, wildlife reserve and eco tourism attraction. Situated around the ancient Kaudulla tank, the national park provides a 6656 hectare elephant corridor, only 6 km from off the main Habarana - Trincomalee road.

With fantastic opportunities to see many elephants at close range, the park has become a popular destination for wildlife safaris that also take in leopards, sambar deer and the occasional sloth bear! As an additional novelty, you can go for cataraman rides on the tank.

Sri Lanka Through My Eye

Wild Attractions

 Wild Attractions  in Sri Lanka

Elephant: Sri Lanka has an elephant population about 2,500 - 3,000, which is quite large considering the area of the island. As such, the chances of sighting this enormous herbivore is quite high. Elephants are best seen in the Yala National Park, 309 kms south of Colombo; Uda Walawe, 170 kms from Colombo and Gal Oya National Park at Inginiyagala, 314 kms from Colombo. Besides, there is also an orphanage for elephants at Pinnawela, 90 kms from Colombo.

Leopard: It is the largest of the four species of wild cats found in Sri Lanka. Poachers are always on the run for their skins, teeth and meat. The best places for sighting leopards is the Wilpattu National Park, 176 kms north of Colombo and Yala ( Ruhuna) National Park.



Sloth Bear: The sloth bear is the only species of bear found in Sri Lanka, further research is needed to find out more about its ecology, distribution and status. Wilpattu National Park is the abode of this elusive mammal.

Deer: Altogether, five species of deer are found in Sri Lanka. Among these, the spotted deer and the sambar have the largest distribution. Poaching goes on unabated and studies to ascertain their ecology, distribution and status are yet to be done. Deers are mostly spotted in the Uda Walawe National Park, 170 kms southeast of Colombo.

Aves: Sri Lanka has more than 400 species of birds out of which 26 species are endemic to the island. Large and small scale clearing of jungles and forests, causes local extinctions of the more specialized species, and threatens the survival of others. Sinharaja Natural World Heritage, Horton Plains National Park and the coastal wetlands of Bundala and Yala National Park are home to a large number of aves.

Pisceans: The inland waters of Sri Lanka is home to than 60 species of fresh water fish of which over 24 species are only found in Sri Lanka. Around 1,000 species of fish are found in the coastal waters surrounding the island.

Marine Life: Five species of sea turtles and 25 species of whales and dolphins can be seen in the territorial waters of the Indian Ocean. These mostly seen around the southwestern and the southeastern coast.

Reptiles: Out of more than 90 species of snakes found in Sri Lanka, the cobra is the most well known. In addition, many species of lizards, two species of crocodiles and monitors also inhabit the island.

Invertebrates: Over 240 species of butterflies can be seen in Sri Lanka out of which 14 species are endemic.

Flora: A rich variety of plant life are found in Sri Lanka of which a majority are endemic to the island. Many species of colorful and rare orchids, ferns, ayurvedic herbs and plants, large trees, bromeliads and epiphytes adds to the wealth of the island's plant kingdom.

Wasgamuwa National 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.

 

Uda Walawe National Park

Uda Walawe National Park

Situated 170 km. South East of Colombo the Uda Walawe National Park is approximately 30,821 hectares in extent. This Park which lies within the Ratnapura and Monaragala Districts acts as the catchment to the Uda Walawe Reservoir and is located in the Dry Zone. This Park comprises grasslands and thorn scrubs and many valuable species of trees are found within it. Large herds of Elephants and Deer species such as spotted Deer, Sambhur, Barking deer and Langur, Wild Boar, Water Buffalo, Jackal are some of the prominent wild animals found in this Park and a variety of avifauna is seen.

Maduru Oya National Park

 Maduru Oya National Park

The Maduru Oya National Park is located in the Dry Zone and is 300 k.m. 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 is some endemic avifauna also found within this Park.

Wilpattu National Park

Wilpattu National Park 

  Situated 176 km. north of Colombo, Wilpattu is approximately 1,908 sq.km. in extent. It has a dense jungle cover which makes it a more exciting park where animals have to be tracked. There are numerous delightful little lakes - known as villus - and the leopard and sloth bear are the specialty rather than elephants.

Horton Plains National Park

Horton Plains National Park

This is the only park located at an highest plateau of Sri Lanka.

The natural reserve is highly looked at by the eco-friendly tourist in Sri Lanka. The rolling hills, steeps of grassland spreads over 10, 000 hectares and is home to a great variety of flora and fauna. Giant Squirrel, Wild Hare, Leopard and Porcupine are some common species in the jungle. Some other places of interest within the park area are Chimmini Pool, Bakers Falls and the fantastic World's End.

Udawalawe National Park

Udawalawe National Park:

Situated 100 miles south-east of Colombo, the park is greatly known for herbal plant species. It sprawls over an area of 70, 000 acres and is home to diverse variety of flora and fauna. Wildlife enthusiasts here receives the chance to encounter herds of Asian Elephant, loitering in open air across the Uda Walawe rainwater reservoir. The park is also an abode to Jungle Cat, Langur, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Crocodile, Macaque etc.

Bird watchers can enjoy the twitters and actions of a number birds like Magam, Kiri Ibban, Indian darters, Kingfishers, Pulgaswewa, black-winged kites, hawk and lot more.

Bundala & Tissa Wetlands

Snapshot

Bundala & Tissa wetlands combine 20km of beach, lagoons and scrub hosting more than 150 bird species. It’s also the first Ramsar wetland site in Sri Lanka. These wetlands are home to winter migratory birds and large flocks of flamingos. The lagoons are also popular with crocodiles. From October to January the park also receives visits from the endangered marine turtles that lay their eggs on the shore.

Stats in Brief Stratification: Thorn forest, lagoons & sand dunes Size: 6,216ha Status: National Park & Ramsar wetland Altitude: 0-10m Temperature: 27 (degree c) Annual Rainfall: 900mm to 1300mm Best time of year to visit: October to April Optimum duration of stay: 1 to 3 nights Accommodation Options: Yala,Tissa Highlights: Over 15,000 migratory shore birds during the Northern hemisphere winter.

Overview The first Ramsar site in Sri Lanka, Bundala National Park is a mix of scrub jungle and sand dunes bordering the sea. The park falls within the South-eastern Arid Zone of Sri Lanka, with a general climate that can be classified as hot and dry. The park consists of mainly dry thorny scabland and lagoons. The shallow brackish water lagoons located within the park are Koholankala, Maala, Embilikala and Bundala form a complex wetland system that harbours the rich bird life including several species of migratory birds. This is unmissable park for any bird watcher visits the island.

Flora & fauna of Bundala & Tissa Wetlands The vegetation in the park can be categorized as terrestrial vegetation types and wetlands. The first type includes dry thorny scrubland, arid zone forests, sand dune vegetation, gentle seashore vegetation, maritime grasslands and Riverine forests. The wetlands consist of Salt marsh, Mangrove, Brackish water lagoons, water holes and tanks, seashore, streams and Salterns. A total of 383 species of plants have been recorded in Bundala. These consist of six endemic species and seven nationally threatened. The dominant large tree species are Weera, Neem, Palu, Kohomba and Divul. Andara is the dominant scrub.

Mammals Viewing big game is not the best thing to do in Bundala. If one is very luck you will see an Elephant or two. Other smaller mammals in this area include Spotted Deer, Wild buffalo, the endemic Toque Macaque, Hanuman Langer, Jackal, Fishing cat, Rusty-spotted cat, Smabar, Porcupine, Indian Pangolin, Black-naped Hare and Wild Pig.

Birds Endemic species include the Brown-capped Babbler, Sri Lanka Jungle Fowl and Sri Lanka Woodshirke. The large number of migrant birds comprises mainly of Golden Plovers, Kentish Plovers, Lesser and Large Sand Plovers, Marsh and Curlew Sandpipers, Common Greenshank, Common Redshank, Little Stints which are the common ones and the rarities include the Broad-billed Sandpiper, Ruff and the Bundala specialist Red-necked Phalarope. Bundala has long been popular for its frequent flock of Greater Flamingos seen during the migrant season. They were also recorded for a number of years to be resident and seen through out the year. Lately however, due to changes in the water quality of the lagoons and salterns, the Greater Flamingos have not been seen for a few years in their original numbers. Many thousands of waterfowl like the Pintal, Gargany and Northern Shovelller ducks are also found in Bundala. Many species of forest birds that are seen in Yala are found here. Yellow-wattled Lapwing, Sirkeer Malkoha, Blue-faced Malkoha and Indian Silver-bill are some of them. Many species of water birds are also now seen in Bundala and adjoining wetlands. Spot-billed Pelicans, all species of Egrets, Cormorants, Whistling Teal, Painted Storks, Asian Open-bills, Grey Heron and many other birds can be observed in large numbers. Bundala is also good for birds of prey.

Amphibians & Reptiles Noteworthy amphibians include the endemic frog Bufo Athukoralei. The park is famous for its crocodiles also, including very large specimens of the Mugger Crocodile and the rare Estuarine Crocodile. Four species of Marine Turtles also come ashore to nest in the beaches of Bundala. The Hawksbill and Green turtle are the common species while the Olive Ridley and Leather-back Turtles are rare.

Accommodation Options Yala Village Hotel, Kirinda:  Yala Village boarders the Yala National Park and close to the Bundala and Tissa Wetlands.  Situated on 10 acres of scrub jungle, Yala Village is immersed in nature.  Animals may wander through the village unhindered as the management pursues a policy of existing in harmony with nature. The nearby beach is remote and attractive, although swimming is not recommended here, although a large swimming pool is good compensation. The view from the top deck of the bar-restaurant over the pool and to the lake beyond, where animals and birds come to drink and bathe, will tempt some to stay for hours. Elephant Reach Hotel, Yala:  A new mid-range hotel option for those wishing to visit Yala and Bundala, Elephant Reach is built on a four-acre site and made up of chalets built under the shade of tropical trees laden with ripe mangoes and cashew. Initial feedback is promising with guests commenting on the property's relaxing natural feel and the friendly, courteous staff. Tissamaharama Resort, Tissa:  This Ceylon Hotels Corporation guesthouse occupies a scenic position on the banks of the ancient Tissa Wewa (reservoir) that dates back almost 2,300 years. Located minutes from Tissamaharama town, this guesthouse is a sound base from which to explore the jungle shrine of Kataragama, and Bundala and Yala National Parks.  Different categories of accommodation are on offer here.  Red Dot recommends the New Wing Superior rooms or the Family Suites that are clean, comfortable and have better lake views.  Nature lovers will enjoy spotting the numerous species of birds that inhabit the small island in the reservoir, just in front of the guesthouse. Priyankara Hotel, Tissa:  This three-star hotel is situated in Tissamarahama and is in close proximity to the jungle shrine of Kataragama, Yala National Park and Bundala.  Wildlife enthusiasts will be particularly taken by Priyankara, which has a restful location close to the Tissmaharama tank. From your private balcony, relax on colonial-style cane chairs and watch an array of birds in the nearby rice fields, as well as the timeless rituals of paddy farming.  Priyankara’s facilities will ensure that nature lovers will find no longer have to forego home comforts. Mahoora Camping in Bundala: Mahoora Safari Camps, managed by Eco Team, one of the premier wildlife companies in the island, offers camping inside a range of national parks including Bundala.  Mahoora offer two grades of camping: luxury and standard and unlike the other competitors, Mahoora offers one-night stays in the parks which are useful when trying to keep down costs. But a two-day stay inside the parks is still recommended.

Access From the A2 at the Weligatha junction, near the 251Km post, take the turn to the Bundala Village. The park office and entrance is on this road and there is a very good visitor centre here.

Sinharaja Rain Forest

 Sinharaja Rain Forest

Snapshot

Moist and muggy, murky and mysterious; an experience of Sinharaja is like nothing else in Sri Lanka. Trekking through this magnificent jungle, the last surviving stretch of virgin rainforest on the island is a treat; through a bewildering land of exotic colours and wonderful sounds is an truly enriching experience. From top to bottom the forest is teeming with life, colour and sound; gushing waterfalls, gurgling streams, ants marching, leaves rustling, leeches waiting, crickets creaking and fluttering butterflies combine to stir the senses. Sinharaja is a UNESCO International Man and Biosphere Reserve.

Stats in Brief Stratification: Tropical Lowland Forest or Wet Evergreen Forest Size: 11187 hectares Status: World Heritage Site, 1988. Altitude: 90m – 1170m (Hinipitigala Peak) Temperature: 19 – 34 (degrees C) Annual Rainfall: 3500mm – 5500mm Best time of year to visit: December - April; August and September. Optimum duration of stay: 3 - 4 days. Accommodation Options: Martin’s Place, Blue Magpie, Boulder Gardens, Rainforest Edge Strengths: Birds, Butterflies, Dragonflies, Jungle treks.

Overview Located in the southwest corner of Sri Lanka, 40km inland from the historic city of Galle, the Sinharaja rain forest straddles a series of mountains and ridges in the country’s wet zone, containing a number of streams, waterfalls and fresh-water springs which flow into the Gin Ganga (‘Ganga’ means ‘River’) on the southern boundary and Kalu Ganga to the north. The Sinharaja region has long played an important role in the cultural heritage of Sri Lanka. For folklorists, the name of the forest, which literally means ‘lion king’, suggests its significance as the primary home of the legendary lion of Sri Lanka. Other less romantic historians believe that the name refers to Sinharaja’s role as the ‘king-sized’ or ‘royal’ forest of the Sinhalese people, at a time when over 100,000 hectares of wet evergreen jungle covered the South Western hills and lowlands of Sri Lanka. Since that time, with much of the land having been cultivated by both colonial settlers and local inhabitants for tea estates and other forms of enterprise, the thin sliver of forest (21km long and 3.7km wide) that remains, is but a glimpse of its former glory. Only relatively recently was the urgency of conserving this precious segment of land was seriously recognised when it was declared a Biosphere Reserve in 1976. In 1989 UNESCO seconded this move and made it a World Heritage Site in 1989. The forest not only offers a window into in Sri Lanka’s distant past but is also houses an incredible array of flora and fauna (including a sum total of 73 endemic species of birds, butterflies, fish, mammals, reptiles and amphibians) making a world famous hotspot for biodiversity.

Yala (Ruhuna) National Park

 Yala (Ruhuna) National Park

 

Snapshot

Yala (Ruhuna) National Park, situated in the south east corner of the island, is home to the greatest variety of Sri Lanka’s wildlife. Its varying habitats, consisting of scrub plains, jungles, rocky outcrops, fresh water lakes, rivers and beaches, provides home to many species of animals including sloth bear, herds of elephants, buffalo, monkeys, sambar, deer, crocodiles and the endangered leopard sub-species, Panthera pardus kotiya, which found only in Sri Lanka.

Stats in Brief Stratification: Dry Monsoon Forest, Shrub jungle, Grass lands Size: 47,053ha Status: National Park & Strict Natural Reserve Altitude: 0m to 1,200m Temperature: Mean annual temperature 27 (degree c) Annual Rainfall: Mean annual rainfall varies between 900mm in the south to 1300mm in the North with the annual drought from May to September. Best time of year to visit: Year around park – November to January can be rainy period. The park is usually closed from September 01 to 15 October yearly but this is subject to change. Optimum duration of stay: 1 night up to 7/14 nights depending on interest Accommodation Options: Yala Village, Elephant Reach, Tissamaharama Resort, Priyankara Hotel, Mandara Rosen Kataragama, Galapita Eco Lodge Highlights: Yala Block 1 is known have the highest density of Leopards in the world Over 230 species of birds recorded. All species of big game known from Sri Lanka are found here.

Overview Yala (Ruhuna) National Park is situated in the Arid Zone of Sri Lanka’s South East region.  Comprising of five blocks, this National Park covers an area of 151,778 hectares. Currently only Block I, covering 14,100 hectares, is open to the public. Yala’s historical significance dates back to 500 B.C and evidence shows that the park was inhabited in the past.  The area remained a free hunting area for sport until the 1900s, when it was declared a Game Reserve. In 1938 a section of the park was declared a National Park. Being in the Arid Zone Yala receives an annual rainfall of less than 1,000 mm from the North East monsoon from about November to January. The rest of the year remains dry with the period from July to September showing severe drought conditions.  Mean temperature is around 27 c.  Yala National Park comprises of several major habitat types including dunes, scrub forest, riverine forests, rocky out-crops, secondary forests and coastal lagoons with mangrove forests.  This diverse collection of vegetation has resulted in many species of animals and birds being recorded in Yala National Park. The dry months from May to September is the best time for viewing big game including Leopards and Sloth Bear. From October to April during the Northern Hemisphere winters, Yala becomes home to many species of migratory birds and is a hot spot for bird watching. The first few months of the year are also good for observing Leopard cubs.

Climate and Seasons in Sri Lanka

Climate and Seasons in Sri Lanka Sri Lanka Lies between 6 - 10 of North Latitude and Between 80 - 82 of East Longitude. It has a Maximum Length of 432 km (Devundara to Point Peduru) and Maximum Breadth 224 km (Colombo - Sangamankanda) . The Land Area is 65,525 Sq. km. The Area Excluding the Inland Water 62,336 Sq. km. The hills appear in the center and the south of Center. Sri Lanka is generally a warm country.Sri Lanka has no marked seasons. A special feature is that the hot and humid lowlands and the salubrious hill country are separated by a few hours motoring. Average mean temperature along the coast is 26.7 C (80 F) and 19.7 C (66.50 F) in the hill country. In Colombo, the commercial capital, situated on the west coast, the temperature varies from 26.4 C (79.5 F) to 27.8 C (82.12 F). Relative Humidity varies from 70% during the day to 90% at night. In the lowlands the                    climate is typically tropical with an average temperature of 27OC in Colombo. In the higher elevations it can be quite cool with temperatures going down to 16OC at an altitude of nearly 2,000 meters. Bright, sunny warm days are the rule and are common even during the height of the monsoon - climatically Sri Lanka has no off season. The south west monsoon brings rain mainly from May to July to the western, southern and central regions of the island, while the north-east monsoon rains occur in the northern and eastern regions in December and January.

Map of Sri Lanka Annual 2540 mm to over 5080 mm in south  west of the Island. Less than 1250 mm in the  north west and south east of the Inland. Rainy Seasons South West Monsoon- May to August North East Monsoon- November to February

Nature, a heritage in Sri Lanka

Nature, a heritage in Sri Lanka

In Sri Lanka nature is considered as sacred heritage. It's a fact as the world's first Wild Life Centaury was established by King Devanam Piyatissa ( 307 B.C.) honoring the request made by  the Arahath Mahinda Thero (the sun of Great King Dharmashoka who introduced Buddhism to Sri Lanka).

The Arahath Mahinda thero advised the King who was on a deer hunt when they meet at Ambastala Forest.

"Dear King ..
The animal who live in this land,
the birds fly in the sky,
and the fish swim in the rivers
have a right to their life like you and me.
As the King, you are not their owner,
but the protector and the ruler"

The King declared the Ambasthala (Currently Mihintale Forest) a wild life sanctuary and ordered his men and countrymen not to kill any animals in the forest any more.

An Introduction

An Introduction

Though Sri Lanka is very small in land area, the great diversity in habitats harbours are a rich and diverse fauna and flora, with many species endemic to the island. Sri Lanka has strived to provide sanctuary and protection to it's beautiful wildlife. There are many wild life reserves, nature parks and sanctuaries established throughout Sri Lanka and extremely popular with local and overseas visitors.

Wildlife Safari based Accommodation Options

Wildlife Safari based Accommodation Options
	River Garden Resort & Camp Site - Belihuloya - Belihuloya,
	Tree Tops - Buttala - Buttala,
	Gal Oya Luxury Safari Camp - Gal Oya National Park,
	Minneriya Safari Camp - Minneriya National Park,
	Kaudulla Luxury Safari Camp - Kaudulla National Park,
	Kumana Bird Watching Camp - Kumana National Park,
	Udawalawe Luxury Safari Camp - Udawalawe National Park,
	Wasgamuwa Luxury Safari Camp - Wasgamuwa National Park,
	Wilpattu Luxury Safari Camp - Wilpattu National Park,
	Yala Luxury Safari Camp - Inside the Yala National Park - Yala National Park,
	Lighthouse Beach Hotel Sri Lanka - Galle - Galle,
	Elephant Corridor Luxury Boutique Hotel - Sigiriya - Sigiriya,
	Vil Uyana Luxury Boutique Hotel - Sigiriya - Sigiriya,
	Kudarama-Puttalam - Puttalam,
	Kamatha Adventure Lodge - Habarana - Habarana,
	Hotel Giritale, Polonnaruwa - Polonnaruwa,
	Willys Safari Hotel-Wasgamuwa - Wasgamuwa National Park,
	Governors Camp - Yala National Park,
	Elephant Reach Hotel -Yala - Yala National Park,
	Bundala Safari Camp - Bundala National park,
	Thippola - Yala - Kirinda,Yala National Park,
	Panthera Lodge Yala - Kirinda,Yala National Park,
	Heritance Kandalama - Dambulla,
	Ella Adventure Park - Ella City,
	Hotel Chandrika - Tissamaharama - Thissamaharama,
	De Olifant holiday bungalow - Udawalawe - Udawalawe National Park,
	Kumbuk River - An Eco Adventure Lodge in Buttala - Buttala,
	The Mudhouse - Anamaduwa - Anamaduwa,
	Governors Camp - Udawalawe National Park,
	Boulder Range Resort - Dambulla - Dambulla,
	Tasks Safari-"Making your wildest dreams come true"-Udawalawe - Udawalawe National Park,
	Canora Holiday Bungalow-Sigiriya - Sigiriya,
	Wasgamuwa Safari Holiday Bungalow - Wasgamuwa National Park,
	Randiya - Anuradhapura,
	Safari Hideaway-Udawalawe - Udawalawe National Park,
	Yala Eco Lodge - Yala National Park,
	Katagamuwa Safari Bungalow - Yala - Katharagama,Yala National Park,

Wild safari Map - Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Wild Safari Locations Map