Kitulagala is a small area made up mostly of jungle that fringes the picturesque Kelaniya River. The 1957 film Bridge on The River Kwai was filmed here,The river has become famous for white water rafting trips for those looking for a real adventure
White water rafting is the most popular activity in Kitulgala and several businesses along the river offer rafts safety gear and a guide – Stroll along the river taking in beautiful sights and glorious birdlife.
Best time to visit: January March
Landscape:
Shrub forest, natural lakes, jungle spread across 508 sq miles Wildlife: The park has been identified as a good place to spot leopards
Best time to visit: June-September
Landscape:
an old irrigation tank, montane forests scrublands. grasslands, rocky outcrops, and wetlands spanning 34 sq miles
Wildlife:
Large numbers of elephants are attracted to the reservoir during the dry season and the park is also an excellent place to spot a diverse group of mammals from leopards, to monkeys and the sloth bear
This little island located just 1 km away from the coast of Trincomalee is home to a bio diverse coral reef Snorkeling and diving trips are made in the area
Best time to visit: May- September
Landscape: The Island itself is nothing special, but the colourful corals that surround it are amazing Wildlife: Over 300 species of coral reef fish have been recorded here, and common sightings include octopus, crabs, lobsters, and blacktip reef shark, along with a wide variety of tropical fish
After Yala, Uda Walawe is a firm favorite for tourists visiting Sri Lanka’s national parks. The parks large elephant herd is what usually draws the crowd, but the scenery in the park itself is also very striking, Jeep safaris with expert guides are on offer to help you explore the park The best time to visit is the early morning when the heat is still manageable, and the herds of elephants are usually on the move
Best time to visit: May-September
Landscape: Plains, mountainous areas wetlands, forests, grasslands a reservoir, the Walawe River and its tributaries, and marshes spanning 119 sq miles.
Wildlife: There are many elephants drawn here by the reservoir. There is also a diverse range of other mammals including everything from the golden jackal, to the sloth bear and the leopard.
This mysterious protected forest reserve sits on the edge of the highland area in the countries wet zone and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Fed by the surrounding rivers, the ancient forest is home to a vast array of wildlife and has some carefully mapped out routes to suit all levels of hikers
Best time to visit: December- April as well as August and September
Landscape: Made up of a mixture of lowland rainforest and tropical evergreen forest.
Wildlife: The wildlife found here is extremely diverse but given the size and layout, it can be particularly hard to spot the forest’s more elusive animals such as leopards. More commonly sighted animals, however include the purple-faced leaf monkey the Sambar Deer and the Mongoose
The serenely beautiful area that makes up Horton s Plains form a 2000m high plateau that comes to an abrupt stop known as World’s End. There are plenty of different hiking routes in the area, and the scenery and fresh air offered makes it a prime spot for nature lovers. If you get up early enough in the morning, the views from World’s End are simply stunning In the afternoon however, a layer of cloud usually obstructs the view
Best time to visit: January to May
Landscape: Stretching high up into the mountains Horton s Plains is made up mostly of grassland and cloud forest
Wildlife: The most commonly seen mammal in Horton Plains is the sambar deer, however it is also home to a diverse range of other animals and also an excellent place for spotting birds
This park is the most popular national park in the country, Jeep safaris with expert guides will help you seek out the eclectic wildlife here, and for those who really want to seek out adventure, there are a number of overnight luxury camping options available
Best time to visit: May-September
Landscape: the second largest national park in Sri Lanka Yala spreads over 378 sq miles and is made up of beaches, rocky outcrops grassland, wetland jungle, lagoons mangrove swamps and reservoirs
Wildlife: Yala is famous for having the highest leopard density in the world, It is also home to a large elephant population, alongside many other various mammals and birdlife to explore
Blissfully far away from the hustle and bustle of the larger hill country cities, Ella is a place of complete serenity, nestled away up in the mountains and provides a soul-soothing location perfect for nature walks and pure relaxation Enjoy simple pleasures as you take in the misty, idyllic scenery surrounding this quiet little town and go on one of the many recommended walks through the surrounding countryside. A perfect place for those who want to get away from it all
Visit Mahamevnawa Monastery for spectacular mountain views and a chance to learn about the spiritual teachings of Buddha
Visit the Ravana Falls and Caves which is a popular sightseeing attraction in Sri Lanka the falls form part of the Ravana Ella Wildlife Sanctuary
Take a hike to Ella Rock for excellent views over the surrounding scenery or explore Little Adams Peak and come down the Flying Ravana Zip line – a real adrenaline rush
Wildlife watching – explore the many varieties of different wildlife and birdlife
Adam s Peak has been the source of religious mythology for thousands of years due to the mysterious ‘footprint” which can be found at the top. Christian settlers dubbed it as the last place where Adam set foot on earth as he left Eden, but the Buddhist locals know it as Sri Pada, the last stepping place of Buddha before he made his way to paradise, When you reach the top and see the horizon bursting with colour your dreams will be realized and your sore feet forgotten
Begin your climb at around 2am in time to make it to the summit for the beautiful sunrise. The climb takes roughly 3-4 hours, once on top take a walk around the Buddhist temple as the day breaks into beautiful colours all around you
