Fondly known by many epithets such as the Resplendent Isle, the island nation of Sri Lanka nestled in the heart of the Indian Ocean is a haven for tropical and exotic birdlife and panoramic sceneries. Sri Lanka is home to around four hundred species of birds of which only around twenty are endemic to the island. The remainder is predominantly made up of migratory birds that travel to in search of a tropical climate, away from the harsh Scandinavian, European and Indian winters.
While a number of parks such as the Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary, the Biodhinala Sanctuary and Kumana National Park have been designated as official bird sanctuaries, other national parks such as the Wilpattu National Park, Wasgamua and Yala National Parks are also rich with flourishing bird communities. Visiting the Yala National Park is a must-do when in Sri Lanka and while a rich variety of Yala hotels are available, the national park can be accessed with ease from Cinnamon Wild Yala.
Also known as the Ruhunu National Park, Yala is a famous safari and wildlife destination for tourists and locals alike. Initially established 1938, Yala is home to an amazing variety of bird species as well as other animals. Visitors to Yala will be able to view the Black Necked Stork, the Malabar Pied, the Ceylon Grey Hornbill, the European Bea Eater, the Blue Faced Malkoha, the Yellow Fronted Pied, the Brown Capped Pygmy Woodpeckers, the Lesser Whistling Teal and the Green Bee Eater whose feathers create a camouflage effect as it fades into the greenish and brownish background of the park.
In addition to bird watching, when at the Yala Natoinal Park, visitors can also watch elephants in the wild, beautiful and colourful butterfly species as well as crocodiles and, if they are lucky, leopards. The Park is a wonderful natural getaway, both relaxing and awe-inspiring for any intrepid traveller.
Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.
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