Wasgamuwa National Park

Wasgamuwa National Park Sri Lanka

Must Include Wasgamuwa National Park Sri Lanka for your Holiday Tour Plan. Find Things to do in Wasgamuwa National Park Sri Lanka – Safari Game Drives, Elephant Watching, Bird Watching, Camping, Wildlife Photography. Get Special Discounts, Best Hotels Offers, Private Car & Driver, Tour Packages & Itineraries.

Page Content:

– Things to Do in Wasgamuwa National Park
– Itineraries & Tour Packages
– Private Car and Driver
– Hotels & Resorts
– Location Map of Wasgamuwa National Park
– Tourist Attractions

Wasgamuwa National Park is one of the many national parks in Sri Lanka. It earned its name as a national park during the Mahaweli Development Project in 1984 in which it provide refuge to countless displaced wild animals. Originally it was supposedly considered as a nature reserve in 1938, and then in the early 1970’s the park was regarded as a strict nature reserve. 

WASGAMUWA 225 KM (140 Miles) From Colombo

Wasgamuwa National Park Things to Do and See

Wasgamuwa National Park offers exciting wildlife safaris to spot elephants, leopards, and diverse bird species. Explore scenic landscapes, visit ancient ruins, and enjoy nature trails, providing a rich and immersive experience for nature enthusiasts in Sri Lanka.

Safari Game Drives

Experience thrilling safari game drives through Wasgamuwa National Park. Spot a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, sloth bears, leopards, and various species of deer. The park’s diverse habitats offer unique wildlife viewing opportunities.

Elephant Watching

Wasgamuwa is known for its significant elephant population. Visit the park’s grasslands and waterholes to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, often seen in large herds.

Bird Watching

Enjoy birdwatching in Wasgamuwa, home to over 150 bird species. Look for colorful species such as the Sri Lanka junglefowl, painted stork, and numerous raptors. The park’s varied ecosystems attract both resident and migratory birds.

Visit the Mahaweli River

Explore the scenic Mahaweli River, which flows through the park. The riverbanks are excellent spots for wildlife viewing and photography, particularly for elephants and birds. Enjoy a peaceful boat ride or simply relax by the water.

Explore Archaeological Sites

Discover ancient ruins and historical sites within the park. Visit the Buduruwayaya archaeological site, which includes remnants of ancient temples and statues, providing a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Nature Walks

Take guided nature walks to explore the park’s flora and fauna on foot. Learn about the diverse plant species, track animal footprints, and discover smaller wildlife that you might miss during a jeep safari.

Camping

Experience the wild side of Wasgamuwa by camping within the park. Enjoy the sounds of the jungle at night and the opportunity for early morning and late evening game drives. Camping provides an immersive nature experience.

Photography

Capture stunning photographs of the park’s wildlife and landscapes. Wasgamuwa’s diverse ecosystems, abundant wildlife, and scenic beauty make it a paradise for wildlife and nature photographers looking to capture memorable shots.

Top 5 Wasgamuwa National Park Hotels & Resorts – Accommodations

Wasgamuwa National Park offers a variety of accommodations, including eco-lodges and guesthouses. Enjoy comfortable stays with easy access to wildlife safaris and nature trails, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

1. Safari Village Hotel

Located close to Wasgamuwa National Park, Safari Village Hotel offers comfortable accommodations, a restaurant serving local cuisine, and easy access to the park for safaris.

2. FarCry Boutique Resort

A luxurious eco-resort situated near Wasgamuwa National Park, FarCry Boutique Resort features spacious villas, a swimming pool, organic farm-to-table dining, and guided wildlife tours.

3. Lavendish Wild Safari

Offering a blend of comfort and wilderness, Lavendish Wild Safari provides well-appointed rooms, a restaurant, and organized safari tours to explore the wildlife of Wasgamuwa National Park.

4. Mahoora Tented Safari Camp – Wasgamuwa

An upscale tented camp providing a luxury camping experience with all-inclusive meals, comfortable tented accommodations, and expert-led safari tours in Wasgamuwa National Park.

5. Wild Glamping Gal Oya

While primarily for Gal Oya, Wild Glamping Gal Oya offers a unique and luxurious glamping experience with well-equipped tents, gourmet dining, and access to both Gal Oya and Wasgamuwa National Parks for wildlife safaris.

These accommodations offer a range of experiences from luxury resorts to boutique hotels and tented camps, ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay while exploring the natural beauty and wildlife of Wasgamuwa National Park.

Add Your Hotel Here! CONTACT NOW +94 777 854 022

Location & Map of Wasgamuwa National Park

• PROVINCE: NORTH CENTRAL
• DISTRICT: POLONNARUWA
• POPULAR FOR: ELEPHANTS, LEOPARDS, CROCODILES, GOLDEN JACKALS, WATER BUFFALO, WILDLIFE
• WEATHER: 30 °C

Wasgamuwa National Park Tourism Attractions

Wasgamuwa is one of the places in Sri Lanka where elephants can be seen in very large numbers. It also rises up to prominence for bird-watchers too , and is also considered as one of the Important Bird Areas in Sri Lanka. The name of Wasgamuwa is a derivative of two words Walas Gamuwa where Walasa is the Sinhala word for the Sloth Bear ( who are also present but in very small numbers ) and Gamuwa which means wood. The park is simply just about 225 km away from the commercial capital of Sri Lanka.

Climate

The National Park’s average daily temperature is 28 °C (82 °F) and has a dry-zone climate despite the dense woodland. So wearing cotton clothes is a very sensible option. Rainfall is expected usually from October to January whereas July to September is the dry season. The highest elevation in the park is the Sudu Kanda (White Mountain). The nearest city to Wasgamuwa is Polonaruwa.

Biodiversity

Wasgamuwa National Park boasts a very high biodiversity. More than 150 floral species have been recorded from the park.Cryptocoryne walkeri and Munronia pumila are two plants with economic value. Reservoirs and riverine forests support large number of fauna species. The forest consists of several layers. Chloroxylon swietenia, Manilkara hexandra, Elaeodendron glaucum, Pterospermum canescens, Diospyros ebenum, Holoptelea intergrifolia, Pleurostylia oppasita, Vitex altissima, Drypetes sepiaria, and Berrya cordifolia are dominant trees in the emergent layer.Polyalthia korinti, Diplodiscus verrucosus, Limonia acidissima, Cassia roxburghii andStrobilanthes stenoden are common in other strata. Some 1,700 years old tamarind trees, “Oru Bendi Siyambalawa” (Sinhala for Canoes-moored-Tamarind) are also present.

Sri Lankan Elephants

Wasgamuwa National Park is home to 23 species of mammals. The park is inhabited by a herd of 150 Sri Lankan Elephants. Marsh elephants roam in the Mahaweli river area. Purple-faced Langur and Toque Macaque are monkeys who are also present in the park and are endemic to Sri Lanka. While Water Buffalo and Sri Lankan Axis Deer are common to observe, Sri Lanka Leopard andSloth Bear are rare. Small Golden Palm Civet is another rare endemic mammal.

Bird Species

Number of bird species recorded from the park is 143. This includes 8 endemic species. Endemic Red-faced Malkoha is a resident bird in this national park. Sri Lanka Junglefowl ( The national emblem of Sri Lanka ) is another endemic bird inhabits the park.Lesser Adjutant, Yellow-fronted Barbet, and Sri Lanka Spur fowl are the species that visit the reservoirs and streams of the national park. Peafowl, Painted Stork, Black-headed Ibis and Eurasian Spoonbill are the park’s other aquatic birds. Rare Sri Lanka Frogmouth is can been here. Another rare species, Chestnut-winged Cuckoo is seen near the Mahaweli river.

Wasgamuwa Park Photo Gallery

Explore our Wasgamuwa Park photo gallery showcasing its diverse wildlife, including elephants and leopards, scenic landscapes, ancient ruins, and serene accommodations, capturing the essence of this beautiful national park in Sri Lanka.

Beautiful Wasgamuwa Park Video’s

Experience the beauty of Wasgamuwa National Park through captivating videos showcasing its diverse wildlife, including elephants and leopards, scenic landscapes, ancient ruins, and tranquil accommodations, offering a glimpse into this natural wonder of Sri Lanka.