Leopards in Sri Lanka

Authentic and unblemished, Sri Lanka is a great destination for beach bums and wildlife lovers alike. Sri Lanka is closely associated with the elephant, as these majestic creatures are guaranteed to be spotted at least once on your journey there. However in recent years, spotting leopards in Sri Lanka has become the top thing on people’s itineraries. More than a quarter of its land is under conservation, and it is home to 25 national parks and a staggering 60 wildlife sanctuaries. Read up about leopards in Sri Lanka, and how to go about spotting the elusive spotted cat.  

A wildlife safari at Wilpattu National Park.

Yala National Park

Yala National Park is the most famous place to spot leopards in Sri Lanka. The park has existed since 1938, and is supposed to have the highest density of leopards in the world. However, don’t let this fool you, as leopards are extremely elusive cats and luck plays a big part in spotting them. It stretches across over 900 square kilometers and is a stunning example of a thriving ecosystem and a range of biodiversity. 

Yala National Park is divided into 5 blocks, out of which you can visit 4 on a safari organised by the park. Apart from leopards, keep an eye out for all the other animals that share this space, like deer, crocodiles, monkeys, mongooses, monitor lizards, sloth bears and of course, the mighty elephants. The park is also home to over 200 species of birds, so bird-lovers will definitely spot a handful. 

We recommend opting for the early morning safaris in Yala National Park, as this is when wildlife is at its most active. You also have additional options of full-day tours, and naturalist guides can lead you on nighttime walks. 

Spotting the majestic leopard, out in the open at Yala National Park

Wilpattu National Park

Wilpattu National Park is Sri Lanka’s biggest national park, and one of the oldest in the country. While Yala National Park offers a higher concentration of wildlife and thus increased chances of spotting them, it also is marred with a higher number of jeeps and tourists. Due to being lesser known than Yala and it’s slightly remote location, Wilpattu sees lesser crowds than Yala does. At the same time, it bears the same promise of a high number of leopards and other wildlife living within its forests. 

Several tour operators offer safaris within the park, alongside the Park management itself. You can choose from half-day, full-day and even overnight safaris. However, there aren’t as many jeeps available, so make sure you book everything well in advance. 

A rare sight of a leopard resting out in the open at Wilpattu National park.

Leopard safaris in Sri Lanka

Going on animal safaris always brings to mind a question of ethics and exploitation. As with most other safaris, you are bound to see several jeeps roaring off into the tranquil forests. You may get caught in a traffic jam when all the vehicles converge and crowd around a spot where a leopard has been spotted. This is naturally concerning, especially to those who are trying to be as eco-friendly and non-invasive towards the animals as possible. 

However, unlike certain safaris in Africa where the lions and cheetahs actually interact and walk amongst the vehicles, the leopards in Sri Lanka remain true to their elusive nature. When on the rare occasion they are actually seen, they seem unbothered by the rouse of the tourists and jeeps. The park is spread out over a vast area, ensuring the wildlife has enough space to move about. Additionally, the safaris ensure that poachers remain at bay – the risk of being seen and caught is too high with people constantly patrolling. 

A half day safari at Udawalawe National Park.

When Is The Best Time To See Leopards In Sri Lanka

The leopards in Sri Lanka, along with all the other creatures in the parks, are at their busiest in the rain. This makes the months of February to June the best time to see leopards in Sri Lanka. However, each region of Sri Lanka has its own climatic conditions, so make sure you check with the park in advance. They will know best when the chance of seeing a leopard is at its highest. Additionally, each of the parks may have their own rules; Yala National Park for instance closes several blocks from early September for around 8 weeks. This is to give the wildlife some rest and peace from the tourists. Make sure you have these details in place, and always book in advance. 

Elephants are present at in large numbers at the various national parks dotted across the country. It is one animal that is easiest to spot.

We can help you book accommodation around the parks in Sri Lanka, and help you arrange for other facilities like travel as well. Leopards in Sri Lanka aren’t the only reason this island is worth a visit: an unbeatable culture, gorgeous beaches, delicious food and colonial history add to its charm. Plan your ideal Sri Lanka itinerary with us to experience the Pearl of the Indian Ocean your way.