According to wild life experts both local and foreign is ‘Best for Big Game Safaris outside Africa. Though difficult to imagine, this tiny island being the next to the gigantic African continent, when the likelihood and cost of seeing and photographing four or five charismatic animals( elephant, leopard, sloth bear, sperm whale and blue whale) in a two week safari, Sri Lanka is the best destination.
Is famous for its elephant population. seen in small and large heads. Spotted deer, Sāmbhar, Barking deer, monkey, Wild Buffalo, wild Boer, Sloth Bear, and innumerable varieties of birds, endemic and migratory. Peacock is the most famous of the birds at Yala.
In addition 39 species of mammals and 183 species of birds have been recorded.A center for Rehabilitation and Re-integration of orphaned wild elephant has been established at Udawalawe National park by the department of wildlife Conservation.
Close to Anuradhapura is unique in its topography having several inland ‘Villus’ (lakes) that attract thousands of water birds. It is the domain of the elusive leopard. Bear and herds of deer and Sāmbhar are common.
Circling the beautiful Minneriya Tank(3C A.D.), the green surroundings are strikingly different to the arid landscape.Being part of the elephant corridor which joins up with kaudulla and Wasgomuwa you are sure to sight elephant, especially during the dry season June-September when the water filled tank attracts them.
In the Deep South on the way to Yala is Sri Lanka’s first recognizing Ramsar site (i.e. a wetland of International importance). Popular with both local and migratory birds. Around 167 species have been sighted.
Situated in the north central province closer to the ancient cities especially polonnaruwa, at Wasgamuwa wild elephants could be easily sighted.it is also rich in other large mammals.