THE BEST PLACES FOR SOLO CAMPING in Sri Lanka

Imagine waking up to vistas of lush greenery covered in the swirling morning mist, swimming in endless turquoise waters, and trekking through wilderness. When it comes to scenic camping locations, Sri Lanka is in no short supply! The island offers a variety of unique landscapes waiting to be explored. If you are looking to get away from the crowds, here are some of the most idyllic locations in Sri Lanka.

Wilpattu National Park

Best time to visit: February – October.

Wilpattu has an air of mystery around it; it is one of the country’s largest and oldest national parks, and it hosts many interesting creatures from elephants to deer and even leopards. Found on the north-west of the island, it is believed that Sri Lanka’s first-ever monarchy was established in this region. Wilpattu is for the avid nature lover, those who do not chase after animal sightings, but are focussed on truly experiencing the wilderness. Unlike Yala, Wilpattu is covered in a thick verdant jungle which is occasionally interrupted by the 106 ‘willus’, natural lakes or tanks. Camping here is guaranteed to be a very serene experience and it is highly unlikely that you will meet anyone else.

Gal Oya National Park

Best time to visit: February – September.

Gal Oya National Park sprawls across the Uva and Eastern Provinces and is one of the most pristine national parks in Sri Lanka. This park is an excellent camping destination as you will get to choose between two different landscapes; Iginiyagala and Nilgala. Igniyagala is close to the banks of the Senanayake Reservoir while the Nilgala campsite is found on one of the cliffs bordering the park. There are a few factors that make Gal Oya very unique, one of which is that you can go on a regular jeep safari as well as a boat safari, and the other is that there is a group of indigenous Sri Lankan people, the Veddahs, that still live in the park.

Knuckles Mountain Range

Best time to visit: June – September.

The Knuckles Mountain Range is situated in the central highlands of Sri Lanka and it is certainly the perfect place to visit if you want to be completely alone in nature. The UNESCO World Heritage Site does not get too many visitors and you could easily spend one night there without seeing anyone else, however, it is best you go with a park ranger to ensure you do not get lost. From the time you wake, you will be greeted by endless vistas of greenery, dotted with gushing waterfalls. The 34 mountains are covered in a thick layer of cloud forests, which are home to interesting creatures like leopards and deer.

Mahiyanganaya Sorabora Lake

Best time to visit: January – April.

The history behind this magnificent lake is as wonderful as its surroundings. Legend has it that the Mahiyanganaya Sorabora Lake was built by a giant during the 2nd century BC using ingenious methods of irrigation to control the water flow till it made this large reservoir. Camp on the banks of this legendary lake to enjoy views of the surrounding evergreen forest and its exotic wildlife. You can partake in many outdoor activities here, such as hiking and canoeing along the lake’s waters.

Camping is an excellent way to enjoy Sri Lanka’s natural splendour. We ask that you travel in an environmentally-friendly manner so that you help us preserve and protect the island’s natural landscapes.