CAMPING AT YALA NATIONAL PARK SRI LANKA
The Yala National Park is easily one of the most visited national parks in Sri Lanka. This is due to the extreme prevalence of Sri Lankan Leopards that call it home. The population density is as high as one leopard per square kilometre in Block 1.
GETTING THE OUT MOST OF YALA NATIONAL PARK SAFARI
One of the most important aspects of a Yala National Park safari is having the right kind of guide. Though wildlife is abundant, animals like the Sri Lankan Sloth Bear, Sri Lankan Leopard and other big game require the skills of an experienced naturalist guide who knows about the movements of game throughout the Park at certain times, a facility which Driver in Sri Lanka can easily provide. Jeeps are usually the way to go on safaris, and we at Driver in Sri Lanka can cater excellent vehicles which can easily navigate the varied terrain that the Yala National Park is known for. You may want to hang on to your hats though, Yala definitely has areas which provide for some off roading situations, for which suitable safari jeeps are a must.
WILD LIFE AT YALA NATIONAL PARK SRI LANKA
The Yala National Park is among the oldest and best known of Sri Lanka’s 15 National Parks. It covers approximately 1,300 square kilometres and is home to a range of ecosystems found nowhere else in Sri Lanka. With vegetation including moist and dry monsoon forests, thorn forest, savannah grasslands and fresh and saltwater wetlands, it comes as no surprise that the Yala National Park Sri Lanka has the perfect habitats for the large number of endemic plant and animal species unique to the country, thus making it one of the chosen wildlife safari destinations that features on everyone’s tour itineraries. There are 44 species of recorded mammals in this National Park, which include the Sri Lankan Leopard, Sri Lankan Sloth Bear and Sri Lankan Elephant, 215 species of birds, 46 species of reptiles and 21 species of amphibians.
YALA NATIONAL PARK SRI LANKA SAFARI FOR LEOPARDS
Yala West, often referred to as the Ruhuna National Park Sri Lanka, is well recognized as one of the best locations in the world to observe and photograph leopards in the wild. It has been confirmed that the Yala National Park Sri Lanka has the highest density of leopards to be found anywhere in the world and is as much as one leopard per square kilometer. Though the prevalence of the Sri Lankan leopard population exceeds (300-350 leopards in total, of which 30-50 roam around Block I), it still takes a well trained eye to observe these elusive big cats in action, as well as to know when and where to look for one – and that is where the experienced guides come in and we Driver in Sri Lanka provide this facility.
Sri Lankan leopards are a distinct sub-species from their Indian neighbours, and are the largest leopards in Asia. The best times for observing these impressive animals is early in the morning and then again at dusk. This is where Driver in Sri Lanka offers, visitors to make a full day safari with tented safari camps, visitors can stay until just after dark inside the park, thus maximizing the chances of a leopard encounter. The male leopards display a sleek confidence and are often seen walking the tracks during the day. Young male leopards in particular seem to have no fear of the jeeps and this has led to some excellent photographic opportunities. There are similarities between the Yala National Park Sri Lanka and the best National Parks in India for photographing tigers, where in both cases the big cats have become used to the jeeps, thus enabling guests an up-close and privileged view of these magnificent creatures. All in all, an encounter with a leopard is a highlight in any Sri Lankan wildlife safari, and one that will not easily be forgotten.
CAMPING AND SAFARIS AT UDAWALAWA NATIONAL PARK
The Udawalawe National Park is famed for its resident elephant population and is one of the oldest national parks in Sri Lanka. It is also instrumental in the establishment of the Elephant Transit Home which is an important project that is geared towards the conservation of elephants in Sri Lanka.
GETTING THE BEST CAMPING EXPOSURE AT UDAWALAWA NATIONAL PARK SRI LANKA
This national park spans approximately 31,000 hectares and is located in the southern dry zone. The park cuts across two of the Southern Provinces and includes the Udawalawe Reservoir. The most prominent peak called Ulgala is located in the west of the park. It rises up to a height of nearly 380 metres from the lowest point in the area which is at 100 metres above sea level. The most topographical features are the Kalthota Escarpment and the spectacular Diyawinne Falls to the north.
The reservoir itself is situated inside the park, and draws its water from the Horton Plains Reserve, the Peak Wilderness Sanctuary and the Haputale area. It retains its status as an important area for aquatic birds. Udawalawe is the second most popular park after Yala and is famed for its resident Sri Lankan Elephant population which can be seen in large herds.
The Udawalawe National Park is also instrumental in the Elephant Transit Home – a project that is geared towards the conservation of the Sri Lankan Elephant (Elephas maximus maximus) which is a recognized subspecies of the Asian Elephant and is now endangered. This transit camp is an orphanage of sorts where abandoned, injured or orphaned elephants are treated and then released back into the park. It is possible to observe these elephants from a safe distance.
GETTING THE EXTREME OUT OF YOUR UDAWALAWA NATIONAL PARK SAFARI FOR ELEPHANTS
The Udawalawe National Park is the only place where an elephant sighting is guaranteed on every single safari drive. There are around 600 to 700 Sri Lankan Elephants in this wildlife park and it is not unusual to see large herds gather to drink water and feed.
In addition to the Elephants there are Spotted deer, Monitor lizards, Sambar deer, Wild boar, Common Langurs, Jackals, Toddy cats and the endemic Toque Macaque. The Sri Lankan Leopard has also been sighted here, but unlike in the Yala National Park these sightings are very rare.
A total of 183 species of birds have been recorded here, some of which are resident and the others, migrant. The endemic Sri Lanka junglefowl, Brown-capped Babbler, Malabar pied Hornbill and the Sri Lanka Spurfowl are of particular importance to birders. Of the water birds, the rare Osprey and Indian Cormorant are of note too.
Thirty species of snakes, Mugger crocodiles, Oriental garden lizards, Water monitors and Bengal Monitors also call Udawalawe home.
In terms of floral species, much of the forest canopy in Udawalawe has been destroyed through slash and burn cultivation – only savannah grasslands and thorn scrub now prevail. Trees such as Satin, Ehala, Lunumidella and Kumbuk can be found. The Mandorang tree too can be found here and is endemic to Sri Lanka.
CAMPING AND SAFARIS AT WILPATTU NATIONAL PARK SRI LANKA
The Wilpattu National Park is the largest and oldest national park in Sri Lanka. It was widely regarded as the place to spot the Sri Lankan Leopard in its natural habitat. It is also home to endangered animals such as the Sri Lankan Sloth Bear and the Sri Lankan Elephant.
GETTING THE BEST CAMPING EXPOSURE AT WILPATTU NATIONAL PARK SRI LANKA
To cut down on travel time, Driver in Sri Lanka organises tented safari camp with one of the best agents and most convenient accommodation options, especially at Wilpattu where the extensive acreage means that you have to drive a longer distance to where the animals are. Unlike staying in a traditional hotel, Driver in Sri Lanka organises tented safari camps allow you to feel that you are truly a part of the great outdoors.
Choosing this option means that you will have the privilege of being the first in and the last out of the Park when on a safari drive.However if you still feel that you would prefer hotel style accommodation then let us know and we will arrange it for you, though please note that accommodation in these parts is more of a rustic kind.
GETTING THE EXTREME OUT OF WILPATTU NATIONAL PARK
Due to the fewer number of visitors, the wildlife within the confines of the Wilpattu National Park has hardly had contact with humans. The animals are therefore often shy unlike those in Yala, making the need for an experienced guide even greater, one which Driver in Sri Lanka can provide. 4WD safari jeeps are the best way in which to explore the varied terrain.
The Sri Lankan Leopard is a recognized subspecies of the Indian Leopard and is currently the largest species of leopard living in Asia. The Wilpattu National Park is known for its numerous opportunities to film and photograph these wonderful animals which are often seen lying beside the Park’s many villus. In addition, Wilpattu is also home to Sri Lankan Sloth Bears, which are highly threatened with less than 1,000 numbers currently living in the wild. Sloth Bears are best seen during the fruiting season of the Palu Tree which is from June to July. Observing endangered animals in the wild is a privilege that this National Park has to offer and it is definitely one that you will cherish for a lifetime.
Many species of Owl, Tern, Gull, Eagle, Kite and Buzzard along with the Painted Stork, Sri Lankan Jungle fowl and the Little Cormorant can be found at the Wilpattu National Park. Wetland bird life includes the Garganey, Pintail, Whistling Teal, Spoonbill, White Ibis, Large White Egret, Cattle Egret and Purple Heron.
CAMPING AND SAFARIS AT BUNDALA NATIONAL PARK SRI LANKA
The Bundala National Park is widely noted for the various species of Sri Lankan avifauna that reside or migrate here. It is of particular interest for its water birds as every single species is said to visit here.
THE HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF BUNDALA NATIONAL PARK
Covering an area of slightly more than 6,200 hectares, the Bundala National Park is located in the southern district of Hambantota in Sri Lanka. It falls within the dry zone and its climate can be described as hot and arid. The vegetation is predominantly of a dry thorny scrubland variety which provides a natural barrier to the wind and the terrain is flat with sand dunes that border the coastline.
The Park features a series of lagoons which are an important habitat for wintering water birds. It is due to this fact that Bundala was declared Sri Lanka’s first Ramsar wetland. The best time to visit the Bundala National Park is between August and April when shore bird numbers can reach as high as 20,000.
FLORA AND FAUNA AT BUNDALA NATIONAL PARK SRI LANKA FOR BIRD WATCHING
Many different species can be observed on a wildlife safari at Bundala. There are a total of 383 species of plants, including six endemics and seven species which are considered threatened in Sri Lanka. It is also home to 32 different species of mammals, five of which are classified as threatened. These include the Sri Lankan Elephant, Sambar, Barking and Spotted Deer. Sri Lankan Leopards have been recorded in the Park too, but sightings are rare. Bundala is also the only national park where you can see both marsh and estuarine crocodiles on the same safari drive.
For keen birdwatchers, the wetland system harbours an incredibly rich bird life with approximately 197 species, including several species of migratory waterfowl. Every species of water bird found in the country is said to visit here. The rare Black-necked Stork and Great Thick-knee are particular birding highlights. The Blue-tailed Bee-eater, Red Shank, Spot-billed Pelican, Blue-faced Malkoha, Crested Hawk Eagle and Brown Shrike are easily seen. Migrants and vagrants make the journey from as far as Siberia and over 15,000 shore birds might be feeding at any one time between October and March.