SINHARAJA FOREST RESERVE

The Sinharaja forest is is considered one of the biodiversity hotspots of the world. It has been designated both a Biosphere Reserve as well as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It houses an unbelievable wealth of endemic species such as trees, birds, insects, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. Of all the trees in Sinharaja 60% are endemic and most of these are considered rare. If you are a nature enthusiast then no Sri Lanka holiday would be complete without a visit here. 

POLLONARUWA

The second most successful capital Sri Lanka is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Pollonnaruwa of today still stands as one of the best preserved archeological sites in the country and as an exhibit of the greatness that Sri Lanka once held. Gal Vihara is a must see, which consists of four images if the Buddha and three of these are truly spectacular. Apart from its historical significance, Pollonnaruwa is also known for its salubrious environment and its gentle people. 

YALA NATIONAL PARK

The second largest and by far the most visited of all the national parks in Sri Lanka, Yala is divided into five blocks and will delight both the knowledgeable and the novice when it comes to nature. Spanning over an area of 979 square kilometers Yala houses some 215 species of bird (6 of which are endemic to Sri Lanka) 44 species of mammals and has one of the highest densities of leopard in the world. 

HORTON PLAINS

This protected national park is situated in the central highlands of Sri Lanka amidst layers of cloud forest. It is a popular tourist destination situated a short drive away from Nuwaraeliya and is one that is rich in biodiversity with many species of plant, bird and animal life being specific not only to Sri Lanka but also endemic to this particular region. Among the tourist hot spots in this region are Baker’s Falls and a sheer precipice known as World’s End, where on a clear day the eye can see as far as the Indian Ocean. 

Wasgamuwa National Park

Wasgamuwa National Park is a natural park in Sri Lanka. It was declared to protect and to make a refuge for the displaced wild animals during the Mahaweli Development Project in 1984 and is one of the four National Parks designated under the Project.Originally it was designated as a nature reserve in 1938, and then in the early 1970's the area was regraded as a strict nature reserve.Wasgamuwa is one of protected areas where Sri Lankan Elephants can be seen in large herds. It is also one of theImportant Bird Areas in Sri Lanka. The name of the Wasgamuwa has derived through the words "Walas Gamuwa". "Walasa" is Sinhala for Sloth bear and "Gamuwa" means a wood. The park is situated 225 km away from Colombo