Can I enter Sri Lanka’s national parks on a motorcycle?

Motorcycles are usually not allowed for independent safari rides in major Sri Lankan national parks. This includes Yala, Udawalawe, and Wilpattu. In those parks, visitors must stick to the vehicle rules set by each park. They also need to use approved entry steps for wildlife areas.

If you travel by motorcycle, you can still use public roads to reach the park entrance that allows access. After that, you should join an authorised safari vehicle to move into the wildlife area.

For instance, Wilpattu states that visitor access to safari zones requires four-wheel-drive vehicles. The Department of Wildlife Conservation oversees national park entry permits. It also sets the conditions for visitors and for vehicles.

Since rules can change from one protected area to another, riders should check the exact access regulations for the park they plan to visit. Do not assume motorcycles are accepted in every part of the park.