Sri Lanka is an island of natural wonder, a verdant garden of Eden where every turn unveils a new treasure. The country's diverse landscape ranges from lush rainforests to rolling hills, pristine beaches to misty mountains, and all of them teeming with an incredible variety of wildlife.

Sri Lanka's rich biodiversity is a result of its varied landscape and tropical climate.

The island is home to tropical rainforests, mangroves, wetlands, as well as a dry-zone and montane forests. 

The Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the country's last remaining primary rainforests. It's also home to a wide variety of endemic plants and animals, including the Sri Lankan elephant, leopard, and purple-faced langur. 

The Knuckles Mountain Range, also known as "Dumbara Hills" is a biodiversity hotspot, with a rich variety of flora and fauna, unique to this area.

Sri Lanka's fauna is equally diverse. The country is home to over 400 species of birds, including the Sri Lanka Junglefowl, and the Blue Magpie. The island is also home to a variety of reptiles, including crocodiles, lizards, and snakes. Sri Lanka's marine life is also abundant, with a wide variety of fish, turtles, and dolphins, as well as the largest mammal on earth, the Blue Whale.

Sri Lanka's national parks and protected areas provide visitors with the opportunity to see this incredible diversity of flora and fauna in their natural habitats. Yala National Park is one of the most popular parks, it's known for its large population of leopards, and it's also home to a variety of other wildlife, including elephants, deer, and crocodiles. Udawalawe National Park is another popular destination for wildlife-watching, particularly for elephants.

Sri Lanka's natural heritage is truly a national treasure, and it's a must-see destination for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. The island's diversity of flora and fauna is a testament to the country's rich ecological heritage, and it's a great opportunity for visitors to experience the wonders of nature in a unique and diverse setting.

A short guide to some of the top national parks and reserves in Sri Lanka and how to go about arranging a safari in each of them

Yala National Park: Known for its large population of leopards, Yala is one of the most popular national parks in Sri Lanka. Visitors can arrange jeep safaris through local tour operators or book directly with the park. Yala also offers camping and glamping options for those looking for a more immersive experience.

Udawalawe National Park: This national park is known for its large population of elephants. Visitors can arrange jeep safaris through local tour operators or book directly with the park. Udawalawe is also home to the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, a rehabilitation center for orphaned elephants that can be visited.

Wilpattu National Park: Known for its large leopard population, Wilpattu is one of the oldest and largest national parks in Sri Lanka. Visitors can arrange jeep safaris through local tour operators or book directly with the park. Wilpattu is also home to a number of ancient ruins that can be visited.

Minneriya National Park: Known for its large gatherings of elephants, Minneriya is a great place to see elephants in the wild. Visitors can arrange jeep safaris through local tour operators or book directly with the park. Minneriya is also home to the ancient Minneriya Tank, an ancient irrigation system that can be visited.

Kaudulla National Park: Known for its large elephant population, Kaudulla is a great place to see elephants in the wild. Visitors can arrange jeep safaris through local tour operators or book directly with the park. Kaudulla is also home to the Kaudulla Tank, an ancient irrigation system that can be visited.

Each of these locations has something unique to offer, and it's a great idea to consult with a tour operator or a local guide to decide on the best location and timing for your safari experience. Keep in mind that most national parks have specific timings for the safari, so it's important to plan ahead and book early to avoid disappointment. And don't forget to bring your camera, you will want to capture all those wild and beautiful moments.