Being an Eco-Tourism destination in Sri Lanka the Minneriya national park spans over 8890 hectares. The evergreen forest is home for Sambar Deer, Elephants and Leopards. Over 300 Elephants and a huge flock of birds gather around Minneriya tank to drink and play in the water during the dry season is a major attraction in the park. This is a place where you will be able to witness most No. of Asian Elephants. The bird record here is over 170 species including migrating birds such as Kentish Plovers, Wood sand Pipers, and Common Sandpipers, etc. This is a must safari you should do if your stay is in Sigiriya, Habarana or Dambulla areas. Dry mixed evergreen forests, grasslands, and wetlands is the vegetation of the national park.

Wasgamuwa National Park is one of the ideal spots for bird lovers. Bordered by Amban and Mahaweli Rivers, The Wasgamuwa national park spans over 36,900 hectares. According to reports, there are over 143 species of birds in the park including endemic birds such as Ceylon Jungle Fowls and Red-Faced Malkoha can be commonly spotted. Fifty odd species of butterflies including nine endemics surely refresh your eyes with their colors as you find the dry zone a bit tough. Even though it is a sanctuary of birds you can spot other animals like Elephant herd approximately up to 150 they migrate here from Minneriya and Kaudulla national parks also deer, Sambar Deer, Crocodiles, wild boar, etc. The nearest town to the park is Polonnaruwa, so if you have a stay in the ancient city do not forget to visit this park.

Polonnaruwa holds another mystic attraction to all travelers due to the fact that it was ruled by ancient kings of Sri Lanka for over 800 years. It is the second most ancient kingdom of Sri Lanka. Polonnaruwa was first established by the Chola dynasty and it is declared as a world heritage. During the rule of Vijayabahu I, trade and agriculture flourished, because the king was so adamant that no drop of water falling from the heavens was to be wasted. Hence during his time irrigation systems were built that are superior to today. Visitors from around the world visit Pollonaruwa to see its ancient architectural wonders and to observe the wild animals and nature.