Out and about 4

1.  Lahugala-Kithulana

318KM

This park contains the reservoirs of Lahugala, kithulan and Sengamuwa and is one of Sri Lanka’s smallest national parks. Located in the Eastern province it is an important habitat of elephants and endemic birds. Other mammals found here include toque macaques, tufted gray langurs, sloth bears, golden jackals leopards and beer
among others and it is also home to a variety of wetland birds. Nearby is the Magul maha viharaya, deemed to have been built for the occasion of the marriage of king kavan tissa to Princess Viharamahadevi

2.  Lunugamwehera

231KM via Ratnapura

This is the immediate catchment of lunugamwehera reservoir in the Uva and southern provinces of Sri Lanka. The park serves as a corridor between the yala protected area complexes on its west for elephant migration between the areas. It is an important habitat  of water birds and other mammals

3.  Doric house

227KM

It is a little bit of British colonial history in Arippu along the coastal belt of Mannar. This ancient brick structure stands intriguingly overlooking the Kondachchi Bay. With characteristic archways, columns and central staircase still remaining, it is said to have been built by first British Governer of Ceylon, Sir Frederick North.

4.  Horton Plains

188KM

Located in the country’s central plains, this is a protected area that is rich not only in biodiversity but also in history. The Horton Plains are the headwaters of three main rivers-Mahaveli, Kelani and Walawe-and is considered the most important watershed in Sri Lanka. Many of the species found here are endemic to the country, with birds that are also endemic to the plains themselves. Stone tools dating back to the Balangoda culture have been found here, a key attraction of the park is the World’s End, a sheer precipice with an 870m drop.

5.  Panama

330KM

Situated 15KM south of Arugam bay enroute to the kumana National park lies Panama village is its paddy fields. The panama beach terrain is distinctly different. It is a vast deserted sandy landscape complete with sand dunes and rock boulders all combined to make the landscape enchanting

6.  Arugam bay

320KM

Regarded as one of the surf points in Sri Lanka, Arugam bay boasts of many other attractions such as the Magul Maha Viharaya and the Muhudu Maha Viharaya. For the wildlife enthusiast, there is the Kumana National park

7.  Minneriya

182KM

Minneriya Natinol Park is located in the North Central Province and is designated to protect the Minneriya Catchment area and the surrounding wildlife. The tank is historically significant, having been built by king Mahasen in the third century AD. Elephants are the park’s biggest attraction, as it is dry season feeding ground for elephants living in the surrounding forests. The immense ‘elephant gathering’ that takes place during August and September.