Safari in North Central & Eastern Plains
Witness the famous 'Gathering' of elephants and explore ancient landscapes, vast reservoirs, and coastal wonders across Sri Lanka's historic North Central and Eastern plains.
North Central & Eastern Plains Parks Map
Explore safari parks across North Central & Eastern Plains
North Central & Eastern Plains Safari Parks
Explore safari parks in North Central & Eastern Plains
Angamedilla National Park
Angamedilla acts as a vital elephant corridor connecting Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks, making it an important area for elephant movement. It offers a quieter wildlife viewing experience, with chances to see elephants, deer, and various bird species, especially around its water bodies.
Flood Plains National Park
Horton Plains National Park (Sinhala: හෝර්ටන් තැන්න ජාතික උද්යානය, romanized: Hortan Thanna Jathika Udyanaya) is a national park in the central highlands of Sri Lanka that was designated in 1988. It encompasses an area of 31 km2 (12 sq mi) and borders Thotupalakanda Nature Reserve. It is located at an elevation of 2,100–2,300 m (6,900–7,500 ft) and encompasses montane grassland and cloud forest.
Galoya Valley National Park
Galoya Valley National Park is a protected area in Sri Lanka.
Kaudulla National Park
Located within the 'elephant corridor' of Sri Lanka, Kaudulla National Park also hosts significant elephant gatherings, particularly when water levels in Minneriya are low. It provides excellent opportunities to observe large herds of elephants, as well as sambar deer, wild boar, and a rich avian population.
Maduru Oya National Park
Maduru Oya is a significant park for its large reservoir and ancient irrigation systems, supporting a substantial elephant population. It's also home to leopards, sloth bears, and various deer species, offering a rugged and less-visited safari experience with a blend of wildlife and historical interest.
Minneriya National Park
Minneriya is globally famous for 'The Gathering,' an incredible annual phenomenon where hundreds of elephants converge around the Minneriya Tank during the dry season. This spectacular event offers unparalleled opportunities for elephant viewing, alongside other wildlife like deer, crocodiles, and various water birds.
Pigeon Island National Park
Pigeon Island National Park is a protected area in Sri Lanka.
Ralapanawa Nature Reserve
Ralapanawa Nature Reserve is a protected area in Sri Lanka.
Sellakkaoya Sanctuary
Sellakkaoya Sanctuary is a protected area in Sri Lanka.
Somawatiya Chaithya National Park
Somawatiya Chaithya National Park is a protected area in Sri Lanka.
Trincomalee Naval Headworks
Trincomalee Naval Headworks is a protected area in Sri Lanka.
Wasgamuwa National Park
Wasgamuwa is one of the oldest national parks in Sri Lanka, known for its significant elephant population and being a good place to spot sloth bears. Its dense forests and ancient ruins add a unique historical dimension to the wildlife viewing experience, which also includes deer, wild buffalo, and diverse birdlife.
Compare Parks in North Central & Eastern Plains
Side-by-side comparison of safari parks in North Central & Eastern Plains
| Park | Area | Wildlife | Lodges | Crowds | Malaria | Airport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minneriya National Park | 89 km² | 237 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | GIU (14km) |
| Kaudulla National Park | - | 237 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | HIM (16km) |
| Wasgamuwa National Park | 393 km² | 237 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | LK-0006 (32km) |
| Maduru Oya National Park | - | 193 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | ADP (52km) |
| Angamedilla National Park | - | 237 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | HIM (16km) |
| Flood Plains National Park | - | 237 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | HIM (18km) |
| Galoya Valley National Park | - | 193 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | AFK (24km) |
| Pigeon Island National Park | - | 137 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | THW (18km) |
| Ralapanawa Nature Reserve | - | 237 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | HIM (17km) |
| Sellakkaoya Sanctuary | - | 193 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | AFK (21km) |
| Somawatiya Chaithya National Park | - | 237 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | HIM (20km) |
| Trincomalee Naval Headworks | - | 157 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | TRR (15km) |
83 species recorded in North Central & Eastern Plains8 threatened
We love the raw, ancient feel of Sri Lanka's North Central and Eastern Plains. The sheer scale of the old reservoirs is breathtaking, a testament to human ingenuity that now sustains incredible wildlife. We recommend exploring the dry forests where elephants roam in astonishing numbers, especially during the famous Gathering. The air here feels thick with history and the scent of dry earth, and the sunsets over the vast tanks are simply sensational.
Terrain & Altitude
A mix of dry deciduous forests, rolling grasslands, and vast ancient man-made reservoirs.
Sea level to 200m above sea level
Vegetation
Dominated by dry monsoon forests, thorny scrublands, and grasslands that flourish after the rains.
Water Sources
The region is defined by its massive ancient irrigation tanks and reservoirs, supplemented by seasonal rivers and monsoon rains.
Unique Features
The immense man-made reservoirs, some dating back centuries, are central to the ecosystem and the famous elephant gatherings.
While Colombo's CMB is the international gateway, we often recommend flying into Anuradhapura if your focus is purely on the northern parks. For the elephant gatherings, driving from Habarana is straightforward, but chartering a small aircraft to a local airstrip can save significant time and offer a dramatic aerial perspective.
Nearest Airports
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), Colombo
200-300km / 3-5hr drive
Daily international flights from major hubs worldwide
Anuradhapura Airport (ACJ)
Varies by site, approx. 50-150km / 1-3hr drive
Limited domestic flights; charter options available
Bush Airstrips
Driving Routes
From Colombo
Direct routes via A1 and A2 highways to Habarana, then onward to specific parks. Roads are generally good, but expect local traffic.
From Anuradhapura
Relatively short drives to parks like Wilpattu and the elephant gathering sites. Roads are mostly paved but can be narrow.
Temperature
24.8°C
77°F
Rainfall
187.4 mm
Heavy rains
Humidity
84.2%
Sunshine
9.3 hrs/day
Data source: Open-Meteo Archive API
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