Sri Lanka is obviously a breath taking island to visit. The geological wonders all over the country makes Sri Lanka such a wonderful destination for travellers. Everywhere, there is something to stare at. Camping is just an amazing experience that you would love to experience in Sri Lanka and for surely, it is addictive. Let’s get in to some of the best camping sites in Sri Lanka.
The Cliff Tea Glamping
- The Cliff Tea Glamping is a pretty special part of Badulla and Madolsima.
- Gerandi Ella (passara) waterfall is situated at in front of the campsite.
- There are two camping areas with wooden decks.
Wildlife Camping at Yala National Park
Yala, the largest national Park in Sri Lanka is the perfect spot for the travelers who obsessed in wildlife. You can camp deep in the jungle in Yala. Asian elephants, wild boars, crocodiles, leopards are a common scenic in Yala national park and jeep safaries from your camping site to the inside of the park is more challenging and it is definitely a real adventure for anybody to experience in their lives. Peep deeply in to the lives of wild animals; watch their habitats alone with the living pattern. The wild elephants and leopards are the main scene amidst the national park. In fact, Yala is the only place in the world where there is the largest population of leopards in a particular place.
Evening is the best part of the day to observe the behavioral pattern of animals; especially of elephants. They come out of the jungle as herds in search of the water. There are water bodies everywhere in the park and they together take a long time to quench their thirst and bath. This is a kind of calming and eye catching scenery how the elephants behave in water. They slowly come out as a group, the leader; the tusker is the first to step in to the lake. Once he drink and bath, the other fellow elephants get in to the lake. This is fantastic to stare at and it will take 2- 3 hours for them to come out of the lake. Enjoy watching them because Sri Lanka is the one and only place for an experience like this.
The other to watch is the leopard, staying calm and steady until he encounters a prey. Leopard population is higher in Yala than other national Parks in SriLanka. They are visible near the lakes, on the top of the trees sometimes. During the dry season, when the green colour in the jungle get in to yellowish, these leopards get in to camouflage so it will be bit difficult to see them. The black spots in their yellow body are significant and easy for camouflage.
Other wild lives to visit in Yala are wild boars, herds of deer, peacocks, Sri Lankan sloth bear, crocodiles, species of birds and snakes. You can watch them by the jeep safari and it is advisable to keep calm when you are close to animals, specially elephants and leopards.
Camp at night in a safer area in Yala. Enjoy the tranquility in the jungle with the sounds of wild animals. Book your camp night with the tour providers and enjoy the exciting meals, the starry night sky with your loved ones in the light of camp fire.
Beach Camping at Battalangunduwa
For those who love beach tourism, Battalangunduwa, the second largest island in North western coast of Sri Lanka is the perfect destination as a beach campground. Sri Lanka is surrounded by small islets and Battalangunduwais a small island off the coast of Kalpitiya in the Puttalam District of the North Western Province of Sri Lanka. This is an iconic place for camping. Most of the travelers visit Kalpitiya to visit mainly Baththalangunduwa, Bird watching, Kalpitiya Dutch Fort, Kayaking, Kite surfing, and it has an amazing beach.
Battalangunduwa has an amazing swallow beach which is a perfect for water sports and swimming. It is in recent time that this place got most popular as a campsite which is located in 30 km away from Kalpitiya. Travelers need to take a boat from Kalpitiya to reach this island. You have passenger boat services from Kalpitiya to Battalangunduwa. There is also a comfortable passenger transport service with comfortable seating and safety. So you need to reserve them earlier.
Battalangunduwa is a solitary island filled with deep calmness amidst the sea waves. The scenery and the sightseeing along the boat ride are perfect. You can travel here as friends and families. The sunset at Battalangunduwa will make you feel warm and mesmerizing and for photographs, it is none other than this island. Sunset is so picturesque. Most of the island is opened apart from the small area with some coconut groves and tiny mangrove shrubs.
This place is a small fishing island so that there will be no villages or towns. All the necessities needed to be supplied by yourself since this island has no place for shopping, dining or accommodations. The only accommodation is camping and you need to take sufficient water as there has a lack of clean water.
The things you can experience here are a list. You can go whale and dolphin watching, kayaking, wind surfing, swimming, and bird watching and so on. In the evening when it gets darker, make some food, party and have fun with your fellows. Spend time with your lovelies in the charming moon light. This will feel like you are in heaven.
Camping at Horton Plains
One of the best camping sites in Sri Lanka is Horton Plains National Park which is located in central highlands of Sri Lanka and its located 2,100 meters above sea level. Horton Plains is one of the well protected national parks in Sri Lanka and the geography and harsh weather make it even more protected.
Camping here is undoubtedly a most amazing experience you ever get. Since the park is highly conservative, you need to take permission and book your day at the department of wildlife conservation in Battaramulla. You have to book the campsites and this is one of the few places in Sri Lanka where you can legally camp. To reach the place, most common road is via Pattipola. But the road from Ohiya also very scenic. Both roads start from its respective train stations and it’s called world’s end road. Camping site will be open for you from 11.00 a.m onwards and remember to reach at least before 4.00 pm. You will have to obtain tickets from the park entrance.
Camping here will be harsh if you got unprepared. So it’s really advisable to pack everything you need when camping. Also campfire is restricted here and better if you can carry gas stoves.
Once you done preparing everything for the camp night this is going to be the best camping experience you ever have. Horton plain is mainly cloudy and there are drizzling more often. This climate is even more fun and do not let it bother you. There is lot to explore so you need to walk and experience the trekking. Enjoy the cold crystal-clear water in Baker’s falls. Visit the world’s end, mini world’s end and there are plenty of things to photograph. You will rarely meet the Sri Lankan leopard here. There are different species of animals, birds, flora and fauna.
This experience will not second to beach camping. The sunset at Horton plain is absolutely breath taking. Remember this place is a conservative site and a national park there are restrictions for environment and just keep your camp ground clean and garbage free. Enjoy your camp night in Horton Plain with your beloved ones.
Waterfall camping at Kithulgala
Imagine a camp night near a river. Sounds perfectly great. One of the finest places in Sri Lanka for camping near a waterfall is Kithulgala. Kithulgala is well known by tourists all over the world for white water rafting. Kithulgala area is nourished by the Kelani River and the rocky feature of the river in Kithulgala makes a best adventurous place for rafting. The beauty in Kithulgala is beyond the words.
You can have the chance to book your entire tour and camp via internet. There are tour providers in Kithulgala specialized in workshops, water sports and camping. It is absolutely safer to have an experienced guide.
During your stay you will be taking part in Nature Trails, White Water Rafting, Cave Exploration, Cycling, Waterfall Trekking and adventure/confidence jumps. The natural environment in Kithulgala is made for adventure lovers. White water rafting is approximately 5 km league. They will provide you the safety jackets, helmets and other supplies. Rafting will be your best ever experience you have in your entire life. Waterfall trekking is about 800m away from the jungle. The adventurous feeling is at its best. Have fun in the natural rock pool and do Stream Sliding and Confidence Jumping. Do not forget to go through all these activities to make your holiday a perfect one. There are safer and comfortable camp grounds in Kithulgala. Take your friends and family here; to make them experience the ultimate adventure in your lives.
Camping in upper Diyaluma Falls
Diyaluma, (the second largest waterfall in Sri Lanka) is a cascading waterfall situated in Koslanda, Badulla district in Sri Lanka. This waterfall adds an iconic beauty to this area and this is the only waterfall with Natural “rooftop model” swimming pools situated in Sri Lanka. This feature makes this place attract thousands of tourists worldwide. Upper Diyaluma is absolutely a gorgeous place for photographs. Camping in Upper Diyaluma is something new and fresh experience in which you are camping above the cascading waterfall.
Camping in Upper Diyaluma is available for both day and night. Diyaluma Falls is 220 m (720 ft) high so that you are camping higher above.
Hiking downhill through long, dry grass for about 30 minutes, you’ll hear the sound of water rushing long before the stunning upper Diyaluma falls become clear. The path isn’t signposted; it’s super easy to follow and seems to be pretty well maintained. After a tough journey and hike to get to Diyaluma falls, relax sitting down on the rocky ledge, having some food and admiring the view for an hour or so. You can enjoy refreshing swim at natural pools, including right on the edge of the main waterfall. It’s absolutely the best infinite pool in the world, and definitely worth a chilly dip.
The most wonderful feature in here is the natural rock pools made downwards and this witnesses the wonder of nature. The luscious scenery from the upper level of the falls is overwhelming. The misty mountains and cold breeze will keep you mesmerized through the entire tour. Have a natural shower at the upper falls; enjoy the natural environment of the highlands of Sri Lanka.
During the summer season, it’s possible to swim in the falls. You should always take precautions, including checking the forecast or speaking with locals about the weather situation in the area, and not diving in head first. Don’t attempt to swim in the falls during the rainy season or when there is heavy rain, as the water level is far higher and the currents much more powerful.
Camping at Diyaluma need to be Eco friendly with no garbage. Set your camp fire in a suitable place. The night time will really be a splendid time of the day with the camp fire. Do not forget to snap your travel moments with your friends. Upper Diyaluma is way too perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Have fun but save the nature.
Camping Gears & Equipment
You can buy and rent camping gears from Uva Camping.
