Sri Lanka’s best safaris (and how to choose the right one)

Hi Reader,

Sri Lanka might be a tiny island just off the coast of India, but it has several National Parks, where you can spot elephants, different bird species, monkeys and in some parks the leopard.

This isn’t just ideal for wildlife spotters and bird spotters, but for anyone who is looking for a chance to see wildlife on a safari.

We are by no means wildlife enthusiasts, but we loved the safari experience, watching the animals in the wild.

BUT we have to be honest. Not all parks offer the same experience.

Some parks are better for elephants, while others are known for their large leopard population, and some are quieter and feel more natural.

So how do you choose which park is suitable for you?

From our experience, Yala National Park was the busiest, but then it's not surprising with its highest density population of leopards. We were quite lucky to see the leopard walk across the road in front of us. But we were not the only jeep there to watch. There were a good 10 other jeep or more trying to see a glimpse of the leopard.

On the other hand, Udawalawe National Park, or Minneriya National Park, is the perfect spot to see elephants and other animals roaming in the wild and it's far quieter than Yala National Park.

So rather than head to the most well-known park, assuming that it’s going to best.

We’d recommend researching the various National Parks in Sri Lanka, seeing what animals you’ll get to see, depending on the time of year, and how much value a quieter experience might be. That way, you can decide which National Park is the right choice for you.

Because the right safari makes a huge difference to how much you’ll enjoy the experience.

To help you choose which is the right safari for you, we’ve put together this guide on the best safaris in Sri Lanka.

We’ve covered everything from the different National Parks available and what they offer, what a safari experience is really like, choosing the right one based on when you’re travelling and your travel style and what to expect on a safari.

Our honest takeaway?

A safari in Sri Lanka can be an unforgettable experience, especially when you choose the one that fits your trip, rather than just following the most popular option.

Over to you.

Are you planning to do a safari while you’re in Sri Lanka? Or are you still unsure which park makes the most sense for your route?

Hit reply and let us know, we’re always happy to help with your Sri Lanka travel plans.


Happy travelling

Bev & Shams

Email: bev@bevandshams.com

Website: www.bevandshams.com

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Bev & Shams Adventures

We’re Bev & Shams, a travel-loving couple who’ve mastered the art of exploring new destinations while working full-time. We’re here to help you make the most of your time and budget, so you can travel more and stress less.