Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
link between Yala and Uda Walawa National Parks, allowing elephants to pass between
the two) as an alternative to Yala, and Wasgomuwa instead of Gal Oya or Minneriya.
Sri Lanka is a signatory to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, which currently recog-
nises three coastal zones. These include Bundala National Park and the 915-hectare Madu
Ganga Estuary near Balapitiya, which is 80km south of Colombo on the A2, and site of
one of the last pristine mangrove forests in Sri Lanka. There's also the Annaivilundawa
Tanks Wildlife Sanctuary, just west of the A3 about 100km north of Colombo, a cluster of
ancient, manmade, freshwater reservoirs that are now a safe haven for awesome wetland
biodiversity.
For further listings of out-of-the-way green escapes, contact the government conserva-
tion departments or consult LOCALternative Sri Lanka ( www.localternative.com ).
When to Go
Sri Lanka is a year-round wildlife-watching destination but generally the best times corres-
pond with the main November-to-April tourist season. At this time of year all the big parks
are open and the dry conditions mean that animals start to gather around water holes, mak-
ing them easier to spot (this is especially so between February and early April). If you
come in the May-to-October southwest monsoon season, head to the parks around the An-
cient Cities and in the east of the island.
How to Book
For all the major national parks and other protected areas, organising a safari couldn't be
easier. Groups of safari jeep drivers can normally be found in the nearest town or gathered
outside the gates, and hotels can also organise safaris. It's normally just a case of turning
up the evening before and discussing a price and your needs. Entry fees to all parks are
paid directly at entrance gates.
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