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A leopard turns to face the camera deep in undergrowth next to a tree trunk in Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's National Park Holidays


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Sri Lanka is home a number of national parks and biodiverse regions, and is the ideal destination for nature lovers.

Yala National Park is one of the largest (and busiest) national parks in Sri Lanka and boasts a varied terrain of dry woodland and grassy plains which supports an abundance of wildlife. It is home to a large number of elephants, spotted deer, sambar deer, wild buffalo, jackals, mongoose and crocodiles. The park also boasts one of the highest densities of leopards in the world, but they are elusive creatures so any sighting is sure to be a highlight.

This ecologically diverse country is bursting with exotic wildlife, and an animal encounter is high on many visitors’ lists. For those looking to experience Sri Lanka's superb wildlife with less crowds, why not include a stay in the national parks of Udawalawe, Sinharaja, or Wilpattu? Udawalawe is home to a large population of elephants with the Elephant Transit Home close by - a well run sanctuary for orphaned elephants, whereas Sinharaja has the only extensive area of primary rainforest in Sri Lanka with diverse flora and fauna and is brilliant for trekking to spot birdlife. Wilpattu offers a good variety of wildlife including elephant, sloth bear, spotted deer & leopard.

A stay at one of our lodges or camps, experiencing the exhilaration of game drives - never knowing what may be just around the corner, or taking part in exciting wildlife activities makes for an unforgettable experience. Choose from luxurious secluded hideaways, rustic retreats or charming tented accommodated, all surrounded by glorious landscapes.
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OUR HOLIDAYS TO SRI LANKA'S NATIONAL PARKS

Nobody offers more ways to explore Sri Lanka's National Park than Trailfinders.

Here's a snapshot of some of our most popular holidays to Sri Lanka's National Park. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, click on the link below them to see our complete range of holidays and tours in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka's Natural Wonders
Private Tour
17 days / 16 nights

This extensive private tour showcases the stunning natural beauty of Sri Lanka, its abundant wildlife and cultural highlights.

Guide Price: €3,529 pp

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Sri Lanka's Undiscovered North
Private Tour
13 days / 12 nights

This fascinating tour explores the highlights of northern Sri Lanka, an area quite unlike the rest of the country.

Guide Price: €3,129 pp

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Premium Sri Lanka in Depth
Guided Small Group Adventure Tour
14 days / 13 nights

Discover a country that radiates warmth – from its glorious sunshine and scorching cuisine to the incredibly kind people, this is Sri Lanka.

Guide Price: €3,476 pp

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Journeys: Discover Sri Lanka
Guided Small Group Adventure Tour
12 days / 11 nights

Sri Lanka was known by early Arab traders as “Serendib,” a name which gave rise to the English word “serendipity.

Guide Price: €2,047 pp

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Hidden Sri Lanka
Private Tour
15 days / 14 nights

Venture off the beaten path on this leisurely itinerary, staying in unique properties in stunning locations, from the central hills to the less visited Gal Oya National Park.

Guide Price: €5,099 pp

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Sri Lanka Family Explorer
Family Holiday
8 days / 7 nights

Stunning Sri Lanka is an Instagrammer’s paradise! Fill your stories with a variety of wacky and wonderful images from elephants to tea plantations, cobbled streets to golden sand beaches.

Guide Price: €1,475 pp

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WHERE TO GO ON A SRI LANKA NATIONAL PARK HOLIDAY

Our great range of Sri Lanka national park accommodation ensures you can find your perfect getaway. Home to 91 species of mammals, including the leopard and Asiatic elephant, a visit to Sri Lanka's national parks are a great addition to any Sri Lanka itinerary.

For ideas on where to visit, check out our guide to the best safari experiences in Sri Lanka.

Choose from the below destinations to explore our range of Sri Lanka national park hotels in your desired location. Alternatively, if you are looking for some inspiration, give us a call and speak to one of our expert travel consultants.
Wilpattu National Park
Wilpattu is Sri Lanka’s largest (but relatively undiscovered) national park, covering a vast area of land on the northwest coast. The park is dotted with scenic lakes and swathes of dense dry woodland which supports an array of birdlife and wildlife including crocodiles, elephants, sloth bears and leopards.

Due to the dense forest and the unfamiliarity of the animals to visitors, wildlife sightings can be less certain than in other parks.
Gal Oya & Minneriya National Parks
Gal Oya National Park is a remote oasis, visitors can embark on boat safaris, head out on scenic treks, and visit a forest-dwelling community. There are also opportunities to see a variety of birdlife and many mammal species including sloth bears and water buffalo.

In Minneriya National Park, look out for herds of majestic elephant on exciting game drives.
Sinharaja Forest Reserve & Bundala National Park
Sinharaja Forest Reserve & Bundala National Park
Sinharaja Forest Reserve boasts a pristine ecosystem, home to a variety of species such as purple-faced langur monkeys, and rare, endemic bird species like the Sri Lankan blue magpie.

Bundala National Park stretches along the south coast, protecting an important area of coastal wetland renowned for its abundant birdlife. Much less visited than nearby Yala National Park, elephants, deer and crocodiles can also be spotted.
Udawalawe National Park
Renowned as one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see elephants, the park also hosts other species such as water buffalo, sambar deer and monkeys and is superb for birdwatching.

Adjacent to the park is the Elephant Transit Home, where orphaned elephants are cared for until they are ready to be released into the wild.
Yala National Park
Yala boasts one of the highest population densities of leopards in the world, but they are elusive creatures so any sighting is sure to be a highlight. Yala is divided into 5 blocks. Block 1 is the busiest, however it has the best chance of leopard sightings. On our private tours, we aim to use Block 1 wherever possible.

In September and October, Block 1 closes to allow for regeneration. During this time, we offer games drives in Block 5, which although has fewer leopard sightings, a host of other wildlife is present.

OUR RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN SRI LANKA'S NATIONAL PARK

We feature a great range of accommodation in Sri Lanka's National Park, with something to suit all budgets.

Maybe you’re looking for an intimate camp nestled amongst the forest, or a lodge style property near the ocean? Perhaps it’s a luxury tented camp or charming cabins with private plunge pools.

What you won’t find here are thousands of hotels to wade through. We have done the hard work for you and selected the best places to stay and our travel consultants are on hand to help, often with first-hand experience.
Uga Chena Huts
5 star

Yala National Park

Nestled amid sand dunes and tropical jungle at the ocean’s edge, this distinctive property boasts 18 luxurious cabins and truly has the wow factor.
Ceylon Wild Safaris
3 plus star

Yala National Park

This intimate camp is nestled amongst the forest on the outskirts of Yala National Park and provides guests with a wonderful opportunity to get closer to the wild surroundings.
Gal Oya Lodge
3 star

Gal Oya National Park

Spread across 20 acres of private forest and constructed from natural materials, this simple lodge is the ideal place to get back to nature.
Cinnamon Wild Yala
4 star

Yala National Park

This charming lodge style property boasts a wonderful position amidst scrub jungle between a large watering hole and the ocean.
Leopard Trails Yala
4 star

Yala National Park

Set amid scrub forest bordering the national park and close to the quieter Katagamuwa gate, Leopard Trails tented camp allows guests to experience the wilderness in rustic comfort.
Kalu's Hideaway, Udawalawe National Park
3 plus star

Udawalawe National Park

Nestled in 5 acres of gardens bordering a reservoir, this rustic retreat is just 15 minutes by road from Udawalawe National Park.

WHAT TO DO IN SRI LANKA'S NATIONAL PARK

Many properties in or around Sri Lanka's most visited national parks include game drives, however it may be possible to add extra game drives or visit different locations depending on your chosen property.

We can also offer additional unmissable experiences which will really help bring your holiday to life.
Bird Watching in Bundala National Park
3 hours
Departs: Yala

Enjoy a morning trip to Bundala National Park, a UNESCO designated biosphere reserve and an ...

Wilpattu National Park Safari
3 hours
Departs: Cultural Triangle

Located in the remote northwest, Wilpattu is Sri Lanka’s largest national park but relatively ...


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