Wild

For wildlife lovers, Sri Lanka is a dream compressed into a single island. Despite its modest size, it boasts one of the highest rates of biodiversity in the world, making it a top global hotspot for both endemic and endangered […]

For wildlife lovers, Sri Lanka is a dream compressed into a single island. Despite its modest size, it boasts one of the highest rates of biodiversity in the world, making it a top global hotspot for both endemic and endangered species.

Step into one of the island’s national parks, and you might find yourself face-to-face with a majestic Asian elephant wandering through the tall grass, a stealthy leopard basking in the sun, or a sloth bear foraging in the shade. Birdsong fills the air — no surprise, as Sri Lanka is home to 433 bird species, including 20 found nowhere else on Earth.

Offshore, the island’s waters are alive with giants. The surrounding Indian Ocean hosts 26 species of cetaceans, from playful pods of dolphins to the awe-inspiring blue whale — the largest creature ever to have lived. Few places on Earth offer such easy access to both land and marine wildlife on the same trip.

For the keen-eyed explorer, the rare red slender loris, purple-faced langur, and Toque macaque can be found in certain forests, their survival stories reminding us of the importance of conservation. Amphibian enthusiasts will marvel at Sri Lanka’s remarkable diversity — over 106 species, most of them found only here.

From the Sinharaja rainforest’s dense canopy to the open savannahs of Yala and the highland plains of Horton, every ecosystem offers a new adventure. In Sri Lanka, nature doesn’t just surround you — it surprises, delights, and invites you to become part of its living story.