A remote, near-treeless outpost in the Palk Strait known for its herds of wild ponies, a centuries old hollow baobab tree and the ruins of a coral stone Dutch fort. Reached by a 45 to 60 minute ferry crossing, best December to April when seas are calmest.
WILDLIFE AND NATIONAL PARKS
WILDLIFE AND NATIONAL PARKS
From world-record leopard density to coral gardens shallow enough for a first snorkel.
Sri Lanka’s wildlife credentials consistently surprise first-time visitors, and these five destinations anchor the safari, reef and rainforest chapters across all three collections.
Delft Island
Wild ponies and a hollow baobab tree on a near-treeless outpost.
Where to Stay: Accessed as a day trip from Jaffna
In Our Packages: Featured in the Heritage Horizon Collection’s grand tour
Kanneliya Rainforest Reserve
One of only two significant tracts of primary lowland rainforest left in Sri Lanka.
A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and, alongside Sinharaja, one of only two significant tracts of primary lowland rainforest left in Sri Lanka, far quieter than its more famous neighbour. A guided night trek here reveals tree frogs and endemic flying squirrels by torchlight.
Where to Stay: Rainforest-edge eco lodges
In Our Packages: Featured in the Wild Frontier Collection
Pigeon Island Marine National Park
Shallow coral gardens off Trincomalee, reef sharks on a good day.
Shallow coral gardens off Nilaveli Beach near Trincomalee, in 1 to 4 metres of water among reef fish, resident turtles and, on a good day, blacktip reef sharks. Accessible enough for confident beginner snorkellers, season May to October.
Where to Stay: Trincomalee beachfront hotels
In Our Packages: Featured in the Wild Frontier Collection
Udawalawe National Park
Reliable open-grassland elephant sightings throughout the day.
Reliable wild elephant sightings in open grassland throughout the day, making it the more consistent choice for travellers who want certainty over probability. Considerably quieter than Yala, with the Elephant Transit Home nearby for those who want a second wildlife chapter.
Where to Stay: Safari lodges
In Our Packages: Featured in the Wild Frontier and Hidden Ceylon collections
Yala National Park
The highest recorded leopard density anywhere on earth.
The park most travellers picture when they think of a Sri Lanka safari, holding the highest recorded density of wild leopards per square kilometre anywhere on earth, alongside elephants, sloth bears and rich coastal lagoon birdlife. February to June is driest and generally most productive.