Sri Lanka offer a tremendous amount of wildlife with a dozen or so National parks  and going on a safari is a popular activity during a usual travel route. Kaudulla, Minneriya and Hurulu Eco National Parks are the best National Parks to spot Elephants if you are planing on spending time in Sri Lanka’s Cultural triangle in the Central Province. Read on what what you need to know to plan your wildlife safari in one of the 3 National Parks.

Safari in Kaudulla Or Minneriya Parks

When the rivers dry up, elephants are forced to travel to large reservoirs in Minneriya or Kaudulla. These reservoirs are also surrounded by jungle and dense shrubs which provide shelter for the elephants during hot days. In the afternoon the elephants begin to emerge in their herds to bathe, find drinking water and graze on fresh grass as they socialize with the rest of the herd. This Gathering is believed to be the largest gathering of  Asian elephants in the world which allows you to witness over 200 wild elephant at a time.

The gathering takes place during the dry season from June to September. But if you are not able to travel on these months chances are you might see a few number of elephants in these parks; remember this is a year round destinations.

Safari in Hurulu Eco Park

Hurulu Forest reserve represent the dry evergreen forest. Its often suggested as an alternative when Kaudulla and Minneriya reservoirs are flooded leaving no grass land available to the elephant. This makes elephants move to Hurulu Eco Park which is more difficult in searching for sight of elephants because they are, scattered among the tall grasses and shrub jungle over an area of 10000 hectares. Besides from elephants, there is so much more to see. Peacocks, crocodiles, deer, many monkeys and beautifully colored birds.

What should I know before a Safari

• The national parks are amazing destinations for wildlife photography. Bring a camera and zoom lens (75 mm-300 mm or even more zoomed in if you have one), you’re unlikely to get any good shots using your smartphone.
• Cash for the park entrance fee and Jeep – bring Sri Lankan Rupees. You’ll also need a few bills if you want to grab a roadside coconut and some rupees to tip the Jeep Driver ( If he provides a good service ).
• Bottled water (or even better, a reusable water bottle) as it does get very dry and hot in the area. Remember to take all your trash with you!
• Sunscreen and/or a hat, especially when the canvas is rolled back for an open-roof top safari experience.
• Dress light clothing in light tones, so it will be more comfortable on a hot day.
• Best time to visit Kaudulla or Minneriya parks is in the afternoon and Hurulu Eco Park in the morning or afternoon.
• If you are traveling around Sri Lanka with a Chauffeur guide or Driver, based on their experience, they might be able to help you know which park is best to spot elephants.