Sri Lanka is a special island nation outside of Africa that has its own amazing Big Five mammals. This means that people who love animals can have a time watching wildlife in Sri Lanka. The country has tropical jungles and deep oceanic trenches, which is perfect for animals like the Asian elephant Sri Lankan leopard, sloth bear, blue whale and sperm whale.

For a country about sixty-five thousand square kilometers Sri Lanka has a lot of big animals. Usually people visit Sri Lanka to see its temples and beautiful beaches.. Going on a safari to see the Big Five is the best way to have a natural adventure.

The Gentle Giants of the Lowland Plains

The Asian elephant is an important animal in Sri Lanka. It is a part of the countrys history and culture. Not all male Asian elephants in Sri Lanka have tusks, which’s different from their African cousins. To see these animals people go to Udawalawe National Park. The elephants roam freely in the grasslands and scrub forests. If you go to Minneriya National Park between June and September you can see something cool called The Gathering. This is when hundreds of elephants come together to eat grass and socialize.

Lords of the Jungle and Elusive Foragers

The Sri Lankan leopard is the predator in the jungle. It is an animal that is very bold. Because there are no lions or tigers in Sri Lanka the leopards are not afraid of anything. Yala National Park is one of the places in the world to see leopards. If you go on a safari in Yala or Wilpattu National Park you might be lucky enough to see a leopard. It is a thrilling experience to see a leopard moving quietly through the undergrowth or lying on a rock.

The Sri Lankan sloth bear is another animal that lives in the area. It is a bit strange and unpredictable. The sloth bear has a black coat and a special mark on its chest. It likes to eat termites and fruits. Sloth bears are shy. If you go to Yala or Wilpattu National Park between May and July you might see one. This is the time when the bears are looking for food and are more active.

Monarchs of the Deep Ocean Canyons

What makes Sri Lanka really special is that you can see animals on land and in the ocean. The blue whale is the animal in the world and you can see it in the ocean off the southern coast of Mirissa. The ocean is very deep in this area. It is full of food for the whales. If you go on a boat tour between December and April you can see the whales. They are creatures that can grow up to hundred feet long.

The sperm whale is another animal that lives in the ocean. It is the toothed predator in the world. Sperm whales are very social. Can dive very deep into the ocean. You can see them in the ocean off Mirissa. Also in other areas like Kalpitiya and Trincomalee. Seeing a group of sperm whales in the ocean is a cool experience.

Essential Tips for Your Wildlife Expedition

If you want to see the Big Five in Sri Lanka you need to plan your trip. The weather in Sri Lanka is special with two monsoons that affect parts of the country. The best time to see the animals is, between December and April when the weather’s dry. When you go on a safari make sure to wear clothes that blend in with the environment and bring binoculars and a camera. It is also important to respect the animals and choose an operator that cares about their welfare.