Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is not part of the traditional safari experience. I t is a unique sanctuary dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of abandoned and orphaned elephants. Located in Pinnawala, about 90 km northeast of Colombo, it has become a popular attraction for both locals and tourists. Location Situated in Pinnawala. Distance from Colombo Approximately 90 km. Travel Time About 2-2.5 hours by car. Activities Visitors can observe the daily feeding and bathing r

The area is a crucial wetland for conservation and offers a unique ecosystem of both freshwater and saltwater. Location Western Sri Lanka, near Puttalam. Distance from Colombo Approximately 130 km. Travel Time About 2-3 hours by car. Area About 1,800 hectares. Wildlife Home to various bird species, including flamingos and other aquatic animals. Activities Bird watching, nature walks. Best Time to Visit November to March. This period coincides with the arrival of many migrator

Kumana is an important bird conservation area with many wetlands. Location Eastern Sri Lanka, near Kumana Lagoon. Distance from Colombo Approximately 320 km. Travel Time About 5-6 hours by car. Area Around 38,000 hectares. Wildlife Known for its bird populations, including migratory species and crocodiles. Activities Bird watching, jeep safaris. Best Time to Visit April to September. This is the migratory season for many birds, making it the best time for bird watching.

Wasgamuwa is less known, making it a great place for solitude and archaeological finds. Location Central Sri Lanka, between Hettipola and Polonnaruwa. Distance from Colombo Approximately 215 km. Travel Time About 4-5 hours by car. Area Around 36,900 hectares. Wildlife Large elephant populations, sambar deer, and crocodiles. Activities Jeep safaris, bird watching. Best Time to Visit July to October. These months are typically drier, making it easier to spot animals around wate

Gal Oya is the only national park in Sri Lanka where you can take a boat safari. Location Eastern Sri Lanka, near Ampara. Distance from Colombo Approximately 300 km. Travel Time About 5-6 hours by car. Area Around 25,000 hectares. Wildlife Elephants and various bird species. Activities Boat safaris, jeep safaris. Best Time to Visit January to May. During these months, wildlife is more active as they come to the water sources for drinking.

Bundala is crucial for the conservation of endangered bird species. Location Southern coast, near Hambantota. Distance from Colombo Approximately 250 km. Travel Time About 4-5 hours by car. Area Approximately 6,216 hectares. Wildlife Over 200 bird species, including flamingos. Activities Bird watching, jeep safaris. Best Time to Visit November to April. This period coincides with the migratory season for many birds, making it ideal for bird watching.

Horton Plains is a critical water source for several rivers in Sri Lanka. Location Central highlands, near Nuwara Eliya. Distance from Colombo Approximately 200 km. Travel Time About 3-4 hours by car. Area Around 31,600 hectares. Wildlife Sambar deer and endemic plant species. Activities Hiking, bird watching. Best Time to Visit December to March. This is the dry season with clearer skies, offering better visibility for hiking and bird watching.

Wilpattu features unique natural lakes ("villus") that attract wildlife. Location Northwestern Sri Lanka, near Mannar. Distance from Colombo Approximately 180 km. Travel Time About 3.5-4 hours by car. Area Approximately 131,693 hectares. Wildlife Known for leopards, elephants, and diverse bird life. Activities Jeep safaris, bird watching. Best Time to Visit January to April. These months are typically drier, making it easier to spot animals as they come out to drink.

Kaudulla is known for its open landscapes, making it easy to observe wildlife. Location: Near Minneriya. Distance from Colombo: Approximately 200 km. Travel Time: About 4-5 hours by car. Area: Around 66 square kilometers. Wildlife: Focuses on elephants and many bird species. Activities: Jeep safaris, bird watching. Best Time to Visit: August to December. This period allows visitors to see large elephant herds as they migrate to the park's water sources.

Minneriya is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, important for elephant conservation. Location Central Sri Lanka, near Minneriya. Distance from Colombo Approximately 182 km. Travel Time About 3.5-4 hours by car. Area Approximately 89 square kilometers. Wildlife Known for its large elephant gatherings, as well as deer, leopards, and various bird species. Activities Jeep safaris, bird watching. Best Time to Visit July to September. This is the time of the "Gathering," when hundreds of

The park surrounds the Udawalawe Reservoir, a crucial water source for the animals. Location Southern Sri Lanka, between Colombo and Hambantota. Distance from Colombo Approximately 165 km. Travel Time About 2.5-3 hours by car. Area About 308 square kilometers. Wildlife Large elephant herds, sambar deer, and a rich variety of bird life. Activities Jeep safaris, bird watching. Best Time to Visit July to September. uring these months, the elephants are more visible as they come

Yala has several different ecosystems, making it one of the most biologically diverse parks in Sri Lanka. Location Southeastern coast of Sri Lanka, near Tissamaharama. Distance from Colombo Approximately 300 km. Travel Time About 4-5 hours by car. Area Approximately 979 square kilometers. Wildlife Known for its large leopard population, elephants, crocodiles, and over 200 bird species. Activities Jeep safaris, bird watching, night safaris. Best Time to Visit February to July.

Hikkaduwa is another popular beach destination located on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka, about 20 kilometers north of Galle. Known for its vibrant beach culture, coral reefs, and exciting water activities, Hikkaduwa attracts both local and international tourists. Hikkaduwa Beach Hikkaduwa Beach is the main beach in the area, stretching for several kilometers along the coastline. The beach is known for its golden sands, clear blue waters, and picturesque sunsets. Hikkadu

Nilaveli is another beautiful beach destination in Sri Lanka, located on the northeastern coast of the island. Nilaveli is renowned for its stunning beaches with soft white sands and clear azure waters. The main beach in Nilaveli stretches for kilometers and is known for its pristine beauty. The calm and shallow waters make it ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities. Pigeon Island National Park Just off the coast of Nilaveli lies Pigeon Island, a protected

Tangalle is a popular beach destination located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. It is known for its pristine beaches, scenic beauty, and tranquil atmosphere. Medaketiya Beach This is one of the most popular beaches in Tangalle. It features golden sands, clear turquoise waters, and coconut palm trees swaying in the breeze. The beach is relatively secluded, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and sunbathing. Goyambokka Beach Goyambokka Beach is another stunning beach in

Arugam Bay is a renowned beach town situated on the eastern coast of Sri Lanka, approximately 320 kilometers east of Colombo. It is widely regarded as one of the best surfing destinations in the country and attracts surfers from around the world. Arugam Bay Beach The main beach in Arugam Bay, aptly named Arugam Bay Beach, is a long stretch of golden sand that curves along the coastline. The beach offers excellent surfing conditions, particularly from April to October when the