By Sri Lanka is anticipating a significant rise in both local and foreign tourists visiting destinations managed by the Department of Forest Conservation this year, compared to the last two years, according to a minister on Sunday.
During a press conference at the Presidential Media Center, Pavithra Wanniarachchi, the minister of wildlife, forest resources conservation, and irrigation, announced that 289,405 tourists visited these destinations in 2022, with the number increasing to 444,053 in 2023.
In the first six months of 2024 alone, 364,521 tourists have already visited these destinations, Wanniarachchi reported.
She noted that the percentage of foreign visitors rose from 19.8 percent in 2022 to 40 percent so far in 2024.
The minister also mentioned that dedicated sanitary facilities for foreign passport holders have been established at several popular tourist destinations.
Furthermore, an online ticket reservation system has been introduced for Yala, Udawalawe, Horton Plains, Kaudulla, Minneriya, and Wilpattu national parks.
An official recently stated that about 1.1 million foreign tourists had arrived in Sri Lanka by mid-July, and if current trends continue, the country will record the highest number of foreign tourist arrivals per year in 2024.
Sri Lanka boasts several nature reserves that attract numerous tourists each year. Here are some of the main ones:
Yala National Park:
Located in the southeast region, Yala is the most visited and second-largest national park in Sri Lanka.
Famous for its leopard population, elephants, and diverse wildlife.
Offers opportunities for safaris and bird watching.
Udawalawe National Park:
Situated in the south-central part of the island, Udawalawe is known for its large elephant population.
Visitors can enjoy jeep safaris to see elephants, water buffaloes, deer, and various bird species.
Horton Plains National Park:
Located in the central highlands, this park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Known for its cloud forests, grasslands, and the famous World’s End cliff.
Ideal for hiking and observing unique flora and fauna.
Wilpattu National Park:
Located in the northwest, Wilpattu is the largest national park in Sri Lanka.
Renowned for its “Willus” (natural lakes) and a variety of wildlife, including leopards and sloth bears.
Sinharaja Forest Reserve:
A UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the southwest.
Known for its biodiversity, including many endemic species of flora and fauna.
Offers trekking and bird-watching opportunities.
Minneriya National Park:
Located in the North Central Province, it is famous for the annual gathering of elephants.
Home to a wide variety of birds and other wildlife.
Popular for jeep safaris.
Kaudulla National Park:
Situated near Minneriya, Kaudulla also hosts large gatherings of elephants.
Known for its scenic landscapes and diverse wildlife.
Bundala National Park:
Located in the southern part of the island, Bundala is a designated Ramsar wetland.
Known for its large populations of migratory birds, including flamingos.
Offers bird-watching and jeep safari experiences.
These reserves offer unique opportunities to experience Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity and natural beauty, making them popular destinations for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
