Birding Hotspots....

The jungles of Sri Lanka abound in a variety of wildlife,which is surprising for an island

of its size in the tropics.A visit to the Sri Lankan jungles is to enter a whole new world

where nature has largely stayed still.There are four majour national parks.Of these the best

known is Ruhunu National Park,at Yala,in the deep South of the island.The other 3 well known

national parks are Wilpattu,Inginiyagala and Udawalawe.
Sri Lanka has a rich and exotic variety of wildlife and a long tradition of conservation

rooted in its 2,230 year old Buddhist civilisation. The following are the most important

sanctuaries in terms of attractions, accessibility and availability of facilities.


Yala (Ruhuna) National Park

Yala National Park Situated 309 km. south of Colombo, Yala is approximately 1,259 sq.km. in extent and is located in the south eastern corner of the island. Its northern

boundaries border on the Lahugala Elephant Sanctuary and it has the added bonus of a scenic

ocean frontage. The terrain is varied flat plains alternating with rocky outcrops. The

vegetation ranges from open parkland to dense jungle. Water holes, small lakes, lagoons and

streams provide water for the animals and birds. The speciality here is the large numbers of

elephants.


The Peacock is easily the most famous of the birds at Yala.The mating dance of the male,with

its colourful plumes fully spread,is a photographer's delight.While the Peacock has its

fame,there are also many other species which attract those who are interested in bird

life,and add to the mood and feel of nature.The Painted stork,many varities of heron,the

spoonbill,the bee-eater,many colourful parakeets,the Malabar Pied & Grey

Hornbills,kingfishers, wood-peckers and hoopoe are a few birds that can be seen by the

observant in the jungles of Sri Lanka. There is accomodation in the national parks of Sri

Lanka in special bungalows maintained by the Department of Wild Life Conservation.


Dry rations are taken by the visitors and they are made for you by caretakers who are expert at

turning quick,tasty meals.Travel inside the parks only by a vhicle.Four- wheel drive is

recomended.



While the elephant is undoubtedly the best known attraction at Yala,Seen in small and large

herds,what is the most appealing here is the overall mood of the undisturbed jungle.Large

herds of spoted Deer are seen all over the Park,as are many Sambhur,and for those who are

sharp eyed to observe,many of the endemoc Muntjac or Barking Deer.Monkeys-the pinkish Rhesus and the grey faced Langur Monkey,live and play on the tree-tops and the ground below. Wild Buffalo and Wild Boar could give you a good surprise and a great picture,while sight of a

leopard sunning itself or drinking at a water hole could be a memorable experience,As dusk

gathers,there is every chance of seeing the Ceylon Sloth Bear scampering with its young on

it back.the progress of your vehicle could be held up by a Python across the track,and near

the many waterholes will be found whole colonies of Crocodiles.



Wilpattu National Park

Situated 176 km. north of Colombo, Wilpattu is approximately 1,908 sq.km. in extent.

It has a dense jungle cover which makes it a more exciting park where animals have to be

tracked. There are numerous delightful little lakes - known as villus - and the leopard and

sloth bear are the speciality rather than elephants.
The bird diversity in this park is extremely high due to the presence of different

types of habitat. Its one of the best sites to observe the migrating waders which land there

by mid August.Many species of resident storks, three types of cormorant and darter, jacana

and swamphen are a few examples of water birds easily noticed. Many forest dwelling

resident and migrant species are frequently come across.