Sri Lanka’s “Big Five”

Sri Lanka’s wildlife is unlike that of any other country in the world. With this island nation being so compact, it is quite incredible that so many different species inhabit this small space. But if you really want to narrow it down to the best animals that can be seen here, in the shortest amount of time, then these Big Five are what will give you the most interesting Sri Lankan holiday experience possible.

Sri Lankan Leopards The Yala National Park is the best place on the planet for spotting and photographing leopards in the wild. In certain parts of Yala, the average density is as high as one leopard per square kilometre. Early morning and dusk are generally the best times to see these incredible creatures as they roam freely through the Park. Estimates state that there are between 500 – 650 leopards living in Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan Leopard is a recognized subspecies of the Indian Leopard and is the largest leopard living in Asia making this wildlife safari experience one that is not easily forgotten.
Sri Lankan Elephants There are many places and many different ways in which you can observe Sri Lankan Elephants. A wildlife safari in the Udawalawe National Park is highly recommended as this is the only National Park in Sri Lanka where an elephant sighting is guaranteed on each and every game drive. Alternatively you could also go to the Minneriya National Park where ‘The Gathering’ takes place. The gathering of elephants in the Minneriya National Park is the largest annually recurring concentration of wild elephants in the world. It is rated at 6th place in Lonely Planet’s Top Ten Wildlife spectacles with over 300 elephants being regularly witnessed. This natural phenomenon occurs during the months of August through to end October. You could also pay a visit to the Gal Oya National Park which is the only place where you can go on a boat safari and witness The Crossing. The Crossing occurs when Sri Lankan Elephants swim from one island to another at the Gal Oya National Park.
Sri Lankan Sloth Bears Wilpattuand Yala are the best sites in the world for observing the slow-moving Sri Lankan Sloth Bear, which is a threatened species.  The Sri Lankan Sloth Bear is a recognized subspecies of the sloth bear and can only be found here. With the distinctive fingerprint of a yellow V shape on their chests, sloth bears can be heard from 300 yards away as they suck up insects to eat. Quite elusive, the sloth bear is every photographer’s dream to capture one out in the open on film, and one that just might become a reality on a wildlife safari holiday by Mahoora.
Blue Whales in Sri Lanka Mirissain the south of Sri Lanka and Trincomalee on the east coast are the two best locations in the world to see Blue Whales. These gigantic beasts follow their annual migratory route, during the months of November to July, from the Horn of Africa to the Bay of Bengal often accompanied by large pods of dolphins. Blue Whales are true creatures of magic and will add theirs to any Sri Lanka holiday experience.
Sperm Whales in Sri Lanka The Kalpitiya Peninsula on Sri Lanka’s west coast is among the Top Ten sites in the world for observing these majestic giants of the ocean on their long migratory route. They are often accompanied by large pods of dolphins. A whale watching expedition is an exciting and enthralling aspect that will complete any Sri Lanka wildlife holiday.