Yala, Udawalawe & the Deep South
Leopard safaris, elephant herds, pilgrim towns and the island’s last great rainforest.
Inland from the south coast the land turns dry and wild. Yala National Park has one of the highest leopard densities in the world, Udawalawe is the most reliable place to see wild elephants, and Bundala's lagoons are a magnet for migratory birds. Kataragama is one of the island's holiest pilgrimage towns for Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims alike. To the west, Sinharaja Forest Reserve — a UNESCO World Heritage rainforest — is a different world of endemic birds, giant trees and leeches.
Highlights
- Dawn leopard safari in Yala
- Elephants at Udawalawe
- The evening puja at Kataragama
- Birding in Sinharaja rainforest
Places to visit in Yala, Udawalawe & the Deep South
natureYala, Udawalawe & the Deep South
Sinharaja Forest Reserve
A UNESCO World Heritage lowland rainforest and the country's richest site for endemic birds, frogs and plants. Walks are guided; wear leech socks and start early for mixed-species bird flocks.
Best: January to April, August to September
wildlifeYala, Udawalawe & the Deep South
Udawalawe National Park
The most reliable park in Sri Lanka for wild elephants, with herds grazing around the reservoir year-round. The nearby Elephant Transit Home rehabilitates orphaned calves and releases them back into the park.
Best: Year-round
wildlifeYala, Udawalawe & the Deep South
Yala National Park
Sri Lanka's most famous national park and one of the best places in the world to see leopards, along with elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles and abundant birdlife. Block 1 usually closes for around six weeks between September and October.
Best: February to July
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Ratnapura & Gem Country
Sri Lanka's 'City of Gems', where sapphires and other stones are mined from riverbed gravel. Visit a traditional pit and the gem museum — and only buy from certified dealers.
Best: January to April
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Kataragama
A sacred town revered by Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and the indigenous Vedda people. The evening puja at the Maha Devale is unforgettable, and the July–August festival draws pilgrims from across the island.
Best: Year-round; festival in July/August
religiousYala, Udawalawe & the Deep South
Kirinda Beach & Temple
A small temple on a boulder above a wild beach near Yala, linked to the legend of Queen Viharamahadevi. A peaceful stop before or after a safari; the sea here is not safe for swimming.
Best: February to July
wildlifeYala, Udawalawe & the Deep South
Bundala National Park
A Ramsar-listed wetland of lagoons and dunes, among the island's best birding sites, with flamingos in some years plus crocodiles and elephants. Far less crowded than neighbouring Yala.
Best: September to March (migratory birds)
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Hambantota
A dry-zone port town with salt pans and big new infrastructure. It is mainly a gateway: Bundala, Yala and Udawalawe national parks are all within easy driving distance.
Best: February to July