Nature & Wildlife

Sri Lanka is a haven for nature enthusiasts: from whale watching on the country's most southern point, Dondra Head, to an elephant encounter in Minneriya National Park, or an expedition through Sinharaja's rainforest, the biodiversity of the island is breathtaking. Furthermore, 13% of Sri Lanka is protected as national parks, reserves, sanctuaries, and jungle corridors. Some of Sri Lanka's 91 mammals - 16 of which are endemic - can be seen on a safari in one of the country's 14 national parks. These include the elephant, leopard, sloth bear, sambhur, spotted and barking deer, wild boar, porcupine, ant-eater, civet cat, loris, giant squirrel, and monkeys like the macaque, purple-faced leaf monkey, and grey langur.

The island is also a paradise for ornithologists, with over 233 resident species (33 of which are indigenous) and an incredible 482 species during migration. There are 171 lizards (101 endemics including two crocodile species). Keep reading to discover more reasons to visit Sri Lanka.