Arugam Bay

Yala National Park, located in southeast Sri Lanka, is the country's most famous protected area, spanning approximately 979 square kilometers; the shortest road connection from Colombo is about 270 kilometers. It is considered one of the areas with the highest leopard density in the world and is therefore the main destination for safaris in the south.The area was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1900 and a national park in 1938. It is divided into blocks, with Blocks 1 and 2 being the most visited. Besides leopards, Sri Lanka elephants and sloth bears live here, and on the coast, the park borders the Indian Ocean.Within the park, there are also ancient Buddhist sites such as the rock monastery Sithulpawwa and the Magul Maha Viharaya. The nearest town is Kataragama.

Ella is a small town on the southeastern edge of the highlands and the region's most popular hiking base. From here, you can reach the Nine Arches Bridge, Little Adam's Peak, and Ella Rock on foot; the railway line from Nanu Oya ends here for many travelers.Life revolves around the main street between the train station and bus stop, where cafés, restaurants, and bars line up. East of the town lies the area around the Nine Arches Bridge near Demodara, while to the south, the road leads down to the Ravana Falls towards Wellawaya.Since June 20, 2026, trains have been stopping in Ella again, after the Nanu Oya to Badulla section was closed for about seven months due to cyclone damage.

Haputale is a mountain town on the southern edge of the Highlands, west of Ella, situated on a narrow ridge above tea slopes. You come for Lipton's Seat, the Dambatenne tea factory, and Adisham Monastery, all reachable on day trips.The small town center, with its train station, bus stand, and simple eateries, stretches along the ridge. To the east, the road leads through the Dambatenne plantations up to Lipton's Seat; to the west, Adisham Monastery lies in the forests.Haputale is located on the Highland Line, where trains have been running again between Nanu Oya and Badulla since June 2026.

Udawalawe National Park is situated on the border of Uva and Sabaragamuwa provinces, approximately 165 kilometers from Colombo and north of the South Coast. It is renowned for excellent year-round elephant sightings and makes for a perfect day trip from the coast.The park was established on June 30, 1972, partly to protect animals that lost their habitat due to the construction of the Udawalawe Reservoir on the Walawe River. It covers approximately 308 square kilometers; a herd of an estimated 250 elephants lives here permanently, though tour guides often cite significantly higher total numbers.With 184 documented bird species, including 33 migratory birds, the park is also appealing to birdwatchers. Located at its edge is the Elephant Transit Home, where orphaned elephant calves are raised. The nearest town is Embilipitiya.

Horton Plains National Park is a high plateau at around 2,000 meters, approximately 20 kilometers south of Nuwara Eliya and 20 kilometers west of Haputale. It is known for its circular trail to World's End cliff and Baker's Falls, the only national park trail in Sri Lanka you are allowed to hike without a guide.The 3,160-hectare park lies between Kirigalpotta and Totapola, the island's second and third highest peaks. Highland forest and wet grassland characterize the landscape, with an average temperature of about 16 degrees. Sambar deer are most frequently encountered, but wild boars and leopards also live here.It’s worth setting off early: From late morning onwards, clouds often roll in and obscure the view from World’s End.