Department of Wildlife has enabled online entrance ticket purchase facility for selected National Parks (See below list) from April 2022 onwards. This online booking option facilitates both local and tourists to book entrance tickets online prior to the visit of the National Park. This will help tourist for smooth wildlife safari, and this will also help to avoid traffic at entrance gates. Sri Lanka is one of the best destinations in Asia for wildlife photography tours.  

How to book National Park entrance tickets online in Sri Lanka? 
You need to go through below link and submit the necessary details and complete the payment VIA Master / VISA cards or eZ Cash to reserve national park entry permits online. 
https://dwc.lankagate.gov.lk/DWCEpermitApp/homeAction.action?lang=en  

What are the National Parks that I can book tickets online? 
e ticket booking is possible in following national parks.

• Horton Plains National Park 
• Minneriya National Park 
• Udawalawe National Park
• Wilpattu National Park 
• Yala National Park 

 

Do I need to print the e ticket before reaching National Park? 
Yes, its mandatory to take a printout of your E Ticket of Yala / Wilpattu / Minneriya / Horton Plains / Udawalawe to validate your reservation at the entrance gate. 

Is there any helpline at Wildlife Department for this online ticket booking?
Department of Wildlife hotline number is 1992 and its available 24 x 7. But this number cannot dial from overseas, and you can contact direct number of wildlife department +94 11 2 888 585 (This is only will answered during office hours Monday to Friday and no weekends) 

Can I check the status of my online purchased entry permit of National Park?
Yes, you can check your reservation status by going through below link and provide transaction number and your passport number or NIC (For Sri Lanka Nationals) This facilities user to re-print and download the Permit with reservation details and the QR code. 
https://dwc.lankagate.gov.lk/DWCEpermitApp/checkReservation.action 

 

Can I book National Park tickets online for a group?
Yes, online group booking is possible at above mentioned national parks but make sure to enter full group detail before the reservation. Group detail should include drivers, guides, translators, etc. Further, you must enter all the vehicle details and failure to provide accurate detail may result in additional payments at the park gate.

Can I book safari jeep and entrance permit both online?
Not really. This facility is only for entry permit, and you need contact your travel agent in Sri Lanka to reserve the jeep or you can find a jeep at the entrance. But strongly recommend reserving your jeep beforehand to avoid last minute panic at the entrance gate. 

Is there any additional service charge for National Park tickets online purchase? 
Yes, convenient fee will be added to your cost.  

Do I receive a confirmation once e ticket booking is completed?
Yes, an email or SMS will be sent your you and please make sure you take printouts of the permit and the receipt. It’s mandatory that you take a printout of the permit to enter the park.

 

Other Wildlife Safari FAQ 

Can I pay in USD for National Park Entrance Fees? 
No, you need pay in Sri Lanka Rupees and any international currencies are not accepted for National Parks entrance fees. 

Is it safe to go on safari at National Parks in Sri Lanka?
Cannot give a Yes or No answer since you entering to the zone of the untamed wild animals. Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) has fully committed for the safety of the visitors. Code of conduct / rules for the safari jeep drivers are well in place. But make sure your own safety and always be inside the safari jeep and avoid unnecessary behaviors like feeding / shouting / selfie / high speed driving etc.

How do I plan a wildlife jeep safari at Sri Lanka National Park? 
If you are traveling your own, make sure to reserve a safari jeep well in advance and you can get the entrance ticket at selected national park entrance or book it online. 
If you travel through a travel agency in Sri Lanka, they will organize all these well in advance since all travel agents are having their own carefully selected pool of jeeps at each National Park Sri Lanka.  

How do I make a jeep safari booking at National Parks with Ceylon Expeditions ?
Simply email to holidays@expeditions.lk or SMS / WhatsApp / Viber to our hotline +94 717 88 44 99 

Can I hire an air condition safari jeep at for wildlife safari?
Yes, possible but subject to availability. Make sure to inform your travel agent in Sri Lanka in advance.  

Are there lots of bugs inside the Sri Lankan National Park?
Since you are in tropical country, yes, bugs / mosquitoes are there but this won’t affect your jeep safari.

Can I feed the animals during my wildlife safari in Sri Lanka National Park?
Not at all. You are not allowed to feed animals at any National Park in Sri Lanka. This is an offence. 

Can pregnant women go on safari at National Parks Sri Lanka?
Yes, can but subject to medical advice. Ceylon Expeditions operate babymoon holidays in Sri Lanka including safaris with very comfortable spacious safari jeeps with very careful slow driving with special care. In this case you need to inform your travel agency in Sri Lanka. 

How long Sri Lanka National Park Jeep Safari?
Regular jeep safari will take 3 – 4 hours but if you are on your wildlife holiday or bird watching tour in Sri Lanka, we recommend full day safari to have a better experience from 5.30 AM till 6.00 PM.

Can I stay in a luxury tented camp near National Parks Sri Lanka?
Yes, there are luxuries tented camping operators in Yala / Kumana / Wilpattu / Udawalawe National parks. 

Is Sri Lanka wildlife safaris are escorted? 
Yes, all safaris are escorted, and wildlife department will be provided a trekker for your safari.  

What kind of photographic equipment can I bring?
Professional photographers who carry numerous small to large equipment. If you have a special requirement such as tripod / long lenses etc., please let your travel agent in Sri Lanka know in advance, we are happy to customize your wildlife photography tour.

Can I use washroom / toilet at the entrance of Sri Lankan National Park?
Yes, toilets are available at the entrance premises of all main national parks. 

How many people can go in one safari jeep at Sri Lanka National Park? 
6 people can accommodate in 1 jeep but it’s comfortable for 3 – 4 people in 1 jeep. Also if you are on wildlife photography tour, recommend to keep 2 -3 people in 1 jeep maximum to have a better experience. 

Can I hire Toyota / Mitsubishi Jeep for my wildlife Safari?
Yes. Most of the Safari jeeps are Indian made but there are Japanese made Toyota / Mitsubishi as well. Price will be slightly higher than the Indian made jeeps. Contact your travel agent in Sri Lanka. 

Do I get a tracker for my wildlife safari at Sri Lanka National Park?
Yes, Department of Wildlife provide wildlife tracker for each jeep free of charge subject to availability.

Do I need to tip for safari jeep driver & tracker?
Tipping is common in Sri Lanka and if you satisfied with the service you received from them, recommend to pay a reasonable tip for tracker & jeep driver.  

What to pack for wildlife safari at National Park Sri Lanka?
I.    Light costumes / recommended colors are Green, Beige, khaki, tan etc.
II.    Sunblock / Sunglasses / Lip balm / hat 
III.    Insect repellent
IV.    Binoculars are recommended to improve sightings 
V.    Camera and accessories such as spare batteries, memory cards
VI.    Ceylon Expeditions will load required cool bottled water / soft drinks / snacks etc 

How can I get water / soft drinks during our jeep safari at Sri Lanka National Park?
Ceylon Expeditions exclusive jeeps are fully loaded with cool water / snacks / soft drinks etc. but if you are an individual traveller, better you check with your travel company or jeep provider. 

Am I allowed to walk around the national parks?
Not at all. You are not allowed to get down the Jeep and must be inside the vehicle unless otherwise instructed by the wildlife tracker. 

What if I have special dietary requirements?
Ceylon Expeditions generally check meal plan well in advance and arrange accordingly. 
If you are an individual traveller, better you check with your Travel agent in Sri Lanka. 

What travel documents do I need to enter to National Parks of Sri Lanka?
Only you will need a valid passport or National Identity Card to enter the national parks Sri Lanka. 

Is Sri Lanka wildlife safari pet friendly?
No, Sri Lanka National Parks are not pet friendly. 

Can I do night safari in Sri Lanka National Park? 
No it’s banned to do night safaris / Infrared drives in all National Park Sri Lanka. (As of May 2022) 

How many National Parks in Sri Lanka? 
There are 26 National parks in Sri Lanka.

What are the famous most visited National parks in Sri Lanka? 
Yala National Park / Wilpattu National Park / Minneriya National Park / Kaudulla National Park / Hurulu Eco Park / Bundala National park / Horton Plains National park / Wasgamuwa National park / Udawalawe National Park. 

What is the best time to see wildlife?
Early morning and afternoon hours preceding sunset are ideal times to view wildlife.

Is there mobile phone reception in Sri Lanka National Park?
Mobile signals are very limited inside the National Parks. Signals are jammed purposely by the government to enhance the experience of the wildlife enthusiasts.

Can I book Yala National Park safari ticket online now?
Yes from April 2022 onwards, you can reserve entry permits online not only Yala National park but also Wilpattu / Horton Plains / Minneriya & Udawalawe national parks.

Sri Lanka is one of the best destinations for wildlife holidays / birdwatching tours in South Asia mainly due to highly diversified wildlife species are availabe in this tiny island. Further Sri Lanka is rich with top rated wildlife safari parks and forest reserves including Wilpattu National Park, Minneiriya National Park, Yala National Park, Bundala National Park, Horton Plains National Park (UNESCO World Heritage) and Sinharaja Rain Forest.