The tiny island of Sri Lanka is studded with national parks which are mainly located in the dry zone of the country. As one flies in to the tropical island of Sri Lanka they will be able to witness the endless greenery in the form of trees, shrubs and lawns that are to be seen beneath them on all sides, except where the seashores are spotted. Hence, it comes as no surprise to find that Sri Lanka has well over a dozen forest reserves and national parks.
Yala, Wasgamuwa, Kumana, Kaudulla, Wilpattu, Udawalawe, Minneriya and Pigeon Island are all sanctuaries in their own right which are scattered throughout the country ensuring that the fauna and flora are shared equally among the country. Both endemic and ubiquitous species are seen in the wilderness. The national bird; the jungle fowl, elephants, leopards, peacocks, deer, hornbills, sloth bears and monkeys are seen in abundance at these numerous locations. Yala’s speciality is the large number of leopards in the given land mass, Udawalawe is famous for the elephant population and Kumana is well known for local and migrant birds.
The large winsome trees such as Ebony, Kumbuk, Milla, Palu and Mana grow in most of these national parks and they provide the necessary shade, particularly near the lakes and brooks where animals come to rest. Safari jeeps are available at these parks for expeditions which can go on for an entire day as there is so much to see. Usually groups of six to eight people can be accommodated on each modified jeep that grants the rider a 360 degree view of the surroundings, clouds of dust every now and then and lots of fresh air coupled with uninterrupted flows of the music created by the animal kingdom.
Travel Sri Lanka is a tumultuous and endless course of discovery and exploration. Sri Lanka tours are designed to allow as many of these activities as possible whilst keeping in mind the vast number of sites and venues that need to be visited. Elegant Travels is a suitable partner for the purpose and that way you are bound to get your money’s worth.
Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+
