Sri Lanka experienced severe weather and temporary closures across many national parks following Cyclone Ditwah. With conditions improving and safety inspections completed, the Department of Wildlife Conservation has now reopened several major wildlife parks for visitors.
If you’re planning a safari during your trip to Sri Lanka in late 2025 or early 2026, here is the latest verified update on which parks are open, partially open, or operating under special conditions.
National Parks Currently Open to the Public
Below is the updated list of parks that have reopened and are welcoming visitors again.
Yala National Park – Partially Open (Key Gates Open)
Yala, Sri Lanka’s most popular wildlife park, has reopened with select gates and blocks now operational.
Open Gates / Sectors
- Gate 1 – Palatupana (Block I)
- Gate 5
- Gate 6
These sectors are fully safe for safari operations.
Other gates may remain temporarily closed while assessments continue.
What to Expect
- Leopard sightings in Block I
- Elephants, sloth bears, deer, crocodiles
- Dusty to mildly muddy roads depending on rainfall
- Increased demand for morning safaris book early
Minneriya National Park – Open
Minneriya, known globally for its large elephant gatherings, is fully open again.
Highlights
- Excellent elephant sightings
- Dry-zone landscapes and lakes
- Easy park access via Habarana
Kaudulla National Park – Open
Kaudulla, part of the same wildlife corridor as Minneriya, has also reopened for safaris.
This is a great option for travelers wanting a quieter, less crowded safari experience.
Horton Plains National Park – Open
Horton Plains, one of Sri Lanka’s most famous highland parks, has resumed visitor access, including:
- World’s End viewpoint
- Baker’s Falls trail
- Scenic cloud forest hikes
Travel Tips
- Trails may still be wet wear proper footwear
- Early morning offers the clearest views at World’s End
Kumana National Park – Open
Kumana, located on the east coast, is fully open and operating normally.
Best For
- Bird watching
- Photography
- Quiet safari atmosphere
- Coastal wetland ecosystems
Other Major Parks That Are Open
These wildlife parks continue to operate without interruptions:
Udawalawe National Park
- Known for reliable elephant sightings
- Excellent for family-friendly safaris
Bundala National Park
- A Ramsar wetland site
- Ideal for migratory bird sightings
Wilpattu National Park
Famous for leopards, sloth bears, and lake landscapes
Open via Hunuwilagama entrance
Parks Still Under Review
Some parks, especially those closer to rainfall-affected areas, may still be undergoing inspections or partial closures.
- Wasgamuwa National Park – status pending, conditions being monitored
Always contact your safari operator or park office before traveling.
Travel Advice for Visiting Parks After the Cyclone
- Confirm gate availability with your safari provider before booking
- Roads inside parks may be soft, muddy, or slower than usual
- Book morning safaris early — demand surged after reopening
- Carry a light rain jacket and wear proper shoes
- Respect ranger instructions — some internal tracks may remain restricted
- Avoid late-night driving to remote parks due to wet road conditions
Why Visiting Now Can Be Rewarding
- Parks are less crowded after the closures
- Fresh vegetation and full water bodies mean great wildlife visibility
- Your visit supports local guides, jeep drivers, park staff, and nearby communities recovering from the impact of the cyclone
Sri Lanka’s wildlife remains one of the country’s greatest treasures, and the reopening of these parks marks a positive step toward restoring normal travel experiences.
Final Take
Most of Sri Lanka’s major national parks including Yala, Minneriya, Kaudulla, Horton Plains, Kumana, Udawalawe, Bundala, and Wilpattu are now open and safe to visit.
Whether you’re planning a safari in the south, exploring the hill-country highlands, or visiting the cultural triangle, the wildlife sector is quickly returning to normal.
Always check for the latest updates, travel prepared, and enjoy the incredible wildlife Sri Lanka has to offer.
