Why Sri Lanka is the Next Big Wildlife Destination
When thinking of a wildlife destination, an African safari is most likely the first image that springs to mind. World-renowned parks and reserves such as the Serengeti in Tanzania or Kruger National Park in South Africa boast the famous ‘Big Five’ amongst many other iconic animals.
When thinking of a wildlife destination, an African safari is most likely the first image that springs to mind. World-renowned parks and reserves such as the Serengeti in Tanzania or Kruger National Park in South Africa boast the famous ‘Big Five’ amongst many other iconic animals. However, with its own host of big game mammals and epic marine life, it’s clear Sri Lanka is the next big wildlife destination. Here we take a look at the reasons why.
It offers the best big game safaris outside of Africa
If you’re looking to do a wildlife safari, then Sri Lanka should be on your radar. Yala National Park is home to the highest concentration of leopards in the world, making Sri Lanka one of the best places in the world to see these elusive big cats.
Considered the most celebrated of Sri Lanka’s wildlife, elephants can also be found in herds of up to 100 or more in Udawalawe National Park. But whilst this is one of the best places in the world to see wild elephants, ‘The Gathering’ takes place in Minneriya National Park. This annual spectacle sees over 300 elephants come to the park’s reservoir in a unique natural phenomenon only witnessed in Minneriya.
The final member of Sri Lanka’s ‘Big Three’ land mammals is the sloth bear. In May and June these shaggy-coated creatures take to the trees to feast on their sweet fruits. And alongside these, you can also spot Sambar deer, mongoose, toque macaques, owls, lorises and much more.
