5 Animals You Can Spot in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is famous for the amount of wild elephants that gather in groups in the national parks. The island is also well known for Sri Lankan leopards and colorful peacocks. Keep reading to find out about some of the most amazing animals in Sri Lanka.

Animal lovers and bird watchers will have a great time spotting sambar deer and toque macaques while going on jungle safaris. Whales, dolphins and sea turtles can be spotted from boats. The friendly sambar deer will make any trek on the Horton Plains just a little more memorable. For more animals and information, visit the animal profiles on the Dilmah Conservation Center website.

* Sri Lankan elephants

The Sri Lankan elephant is one of the three types of Asian elephants. The country has the largest concentration of elephants and most visitors to the island go on an elephant watching safari or visit an elephant orphanage. Elephants are important and sacred animals in Sri Lanka and are protected. It is not recommended to ride an elephant with a wooden seat since this hurts the elephants, nor is it recommended to chase them in a jeep when encountered on the road. Elephants can be seen in most of the national parks, and the place where the big gathering takes place is in Minneriya National Park.

* Sri Lankan leopards

Not every wildlife safari tour will be lucky enough to spot a leopard. They are solitary creatures, but females do wander with their young until they are old enough to hunt. The Sri Lankan leopard is larger than other leopards and are the highest in the jungle food chain since there are no tigers and lions around. Spotting a leopard on safari will depend on your guide and their sense of respect for the wildlife.

* Peacocks

Peacocks are native to India and Sri Lanka and are considered some of the most beautiful and sacred animals. Unfortunately, since the female of the species is not as colorful as the males, they have been hunted indiscriminately for their meat. Some hotels have peacocks and peafowl in their gardens. These birds love showing off their color and being photographed!

* Sri Lankan junglefowl

The Sri Lankan junglefowl, which looks a lot like a rooster, is the national bird of Sri Lanka. It is depicted in postal stamps and cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Don’t be put off by its common looking colors, this bird is quite beautiful and a top catch for bird watchers.

* Grey hornbill

The grey hornbill is native to Sri Lanka. It is a member of the hornbill family but the fact that it doesn’t have the top part of the beak sets it apart. The reproduction process of the grey hornbill involves the male trapping the female, and its eggs, inside a hole in a tree. He brings them food through a small opening and both adults open the covering of the hole once the babies are ready to learn to fly.