The Yala National Park, with a total protected area of 126,768 hectares, is home to the greatest variety of Sri Lanka’s wildlife. Its varying habitats consisting of scrub plains, jungles, rocky outcrops, fresh water lakes, rivers and beaches - is home to many species of animals including sloth bear, herds of elephants, buffalo, monkeys, sambar, deer, and crocodiles.  The ideal time for elephants is February to July and the park's other main residents.  Yala's Block 1, on the western side of the park, and the only one of five sections open to the public, boasts one of the world's densest leopard populations. But don't expect to see them prowling around like out of control locusts - there are only 35 of them. For the best viewing of this endangered subspecies, Panthera Pardus kotiya, which is only found in Sri Lanka, visit the park from February to July.

To gain the full benefit of Yala National Park, an early morning safari or at dusk is the ideal time to visit the park when the animals come out to the water holes.  An expert guide and driver will take you on an adventurous safari in a four-wheel drive.  Yala closes in the dry season, usually early in September.

• Bundala National Park - Bundala is an important and beautiful wetland sanctuary that uniquely combines 20km of beach, lagoons and scrub which host more than 150 bird species. The lagoons prove popular with fearsome crocs whilst on dry land herds of up to 60 elephants can be seen. Civets and giant squirrels are also among the more interesting native fauna to Bundala. From October to January the area, near Tissamaharama on the south coast, also receives visits from the endangered marine turtles who lay their eggs on the shore. A visit to Bundala will reward all those who’ve sought out this lesser known National Park.
  
• Tissa - Tissa, short for Tissamaharama, is located in the Hambantota district and was the capital of the ancient Ruhunu Kingdom in the 2nd century B.C.  A scenic backdrop to Tissamaharama town is provided by the sprawling Tissa Weva (lake), built by King Kavantissa 2,300 years ago.  The scenic Debarawewa Lake is also located near by.  The town’s landscape is dominated by gigantic semi-circle shaped ancient Buddhist Dagobas (temples) such as the Maha Stupa, Sandagiri dagoba and monastery complex, Yatala and the Menik Dagoba.  An Archeological Museum that provides a glimpse into the ancient Ruhunu kingdom is also located nearby.  The serene and tranquil lotus filled lakes attract many species of water birds including cormorant, purple heron, Caspian tern and the painted stork.
  
• Kataragama - Kataragama, located south east of Sri Lanka, is an ancient sacred pilgrimage site where all religions are worshipped.  Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, and Christians visit this ancient holy site. It is believed that King Dutugemunu the warrior king and Sinhala folk hero built a shrine here for the worship of the Kataragama God in the 2nd century BC. There is also a first century BC Buddhist Dagoba - `Kirivenhera’ at this site. The `Mahadewala’ – main Hindu shrine of God Skanda, the Hindu war God, and several other adjoining Hindu shrines conducts daily religious rituals (poojas).  During the month of Esala  (July & August), Kataragama becomes even more intriguing
  and full of sound and colour where a Perehara is held for two weeks in honour of God Skandha, the warrior god of Kataragama.  The perehara depicts Hindu folklore, music and dance forms, as well as fire walking in sacrifice and devotion to God Kataragama.