Sri Lanka is a great tourist destination not only for enjoying the beautiful beaches but also for camping. This article describes six of the best camping sites in Sri Lanka.

• Knuckles Mountain Range.
• Horton Plains National Park.
• Yala National Park.
• Wilpattu National Park.
• Udawalawe National Park.
• Madolsima.

Camping in Knuckles Mountains.

Knuckles Mountains are about 150 km from Colombo, and it takes about 5 hours to get there. December to February can be mentioned as the best time for camping in Knuckles.

The mountain range is said to have been given that name by the region because it resembles the knuckles of the hand. Steep slopes, misty mountains, and forests belong to this region.

From Knuckles, you can easily reach Sri Lanka’s famous tourist spots like Mini World’s End and Riverstone. Many tourists came here to witness the sunrise with the frost.

The Knuckles Range is home to several species of flora and fauna, including some endemic species. Visitors can see various animals like deer, monkeys, and birds. This region is home to many stunning waterfalls and scenic spots.

Remember to bring warm clothes as this area is cooler at night. Never carry loud music or other noise-making devices, as they can disturb wildlife.

Dumbara Valley, famous for local handicrafts and weaving, and Kandy City are other popular tourist destinations within a short distance from this place.

Camping in Horton Plains National Park.

Horton Plains National Park in the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka is another good place for camping. It is a popular mountain climbing place and a National Wildlife Sanctuary of Sri Lanka. Horton Plain is 200 kilometers east of Colombo, and it takes about 6 hours to reach the area.

Many tourists camp here to see wildlife and nature. Horton Plains National Park is open year-round, and the best time to visit is from December to April.

When camping in Horton Plains National Park, visitors can hike famous trails that lead to iconic features such as World’s End and Baker’s Falls.

As the temperature can drop to 10 degrees Celsius at night, it is advisable to bring warm clothes.

Tourists camping in Horton Plains National Park must obey all rules and regulations. The park strictly prohibits littering, loud noises, and fires to protect the integrity of the surrounding natural habitats.

Other popular tourist spots that can be reached from this place include the city of Nuwara Eliya, famous for its tea plantations and colonial buildings, as well as the Adams Peak mountain range.

Camping in Yala National Park

One of the most visited and famous national parks in Sri Lanka is Yala National Park. Camp in the National Park and experience its beauty more closely, spotting rare wildlife species. Yala National Park is about three hundred kilometers from Colombo and can take five to six hours. The best time to visit Yala National Park is during the dry season, between February and July.

Yala National Park hosts a wide variety of flora and fauna. Some are endemic species. The reserve is a significant conservation site in the country and has been designated as one of the seventy essential wildlife areas in Sri Lanka.

Other places to visit.

Other exciting places can be explored around Yala National Park. The neighboring town of Tissamaharama has various ancient Buddhist temples, such as Tissamaharama Chaitanya and Yatala Chaitanya. Moreover, Kirinda Beach is known for ocean diving and surfing, while the Kataragama Hindu/Buddhist Temple is another popular pilgrimage site.

Camping In Wilpattu National Park

Wilpattu National Park is another popular camping spot about 180 km from Colombo. Anyone can camp in February and October with diverse animal life, green forests, beautiful ponds, and a beach screen.

You can hire camping tents or other stuff near the Vilpaththu park. Prices can depend on the size of the tent and the duration you use the tent.

Wilpattu National Park is part of Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity and shelters wildlife, especially leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and water buffaloes. It is an excellent opportunity to connect with nature and observe beautiful natural places in Sri Lanka.

Other places to visit

Other popular places to visit include the ancient capital of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the attractive beaches of Puttalam.

Udawalawe National Park – Camping

Udawalawa National Park is located in the Southern Province, about 165 kilometers from Colombo, and many tourists camp in this area to study and see elephants. Apart from elephants, this national park is also famous for crocodiles and birds. It is reported that Udawalawa National Park has about 600 elephants. December and May can be called the best time to visit this park.

Madolsima – Camping

Madolisma town is one of the small villages in Badulla District of Uva Province, Sri Lanka. It is about 146 Km from Colombo to Madolsima, and it takes 5 to 6 hours to reach. The beautiful tea estates and lush surroundings are often seen.

Many photographers tend to camp in this area. A favorite of many is the view of the sunrise in the morning.

Madolsima should be visited during the dry season between December and February as it provides a good climate for camping.

There is a reservoir near this place, and it is a perfect place to relax during your stay. Also, you can visit Bambarakanda Falls, the highest waterfall in Sri Lanka.

Also, many tea estates where one can visit and try different types of tea offer observations of the tea-making process. Additionally, you can hike up to Mount Poonagala, where you can see the valley below.

Additionally, you can easily travel to the nearby towns of Haputale and Ella from this location.