Wasgamuwa National Park

WASGAMUWA NATIONAL PARK , located in the districts of Matale and Polonnaruwa and bordered by the ‘Mahaweli' and ‘Amban' rivers, stretches an impressive 36,948 hectares. It was declared a National Park in 1984, making it the only one in the Central Province.

Location Type : Nature & Wildlife  

Distance From Airport : 200 Km (5.30 hour drive)  

Distance From Colombo : 210 Km (6 hour drive)  

Attractions : Wasgamuwa National Park, Mahaweli & Amban rivers

Home to a huge variety of flora and fauna (23 species of mammal – including elephants and bears, 143 birds, 8 amphibians, 17 fresh water fishes, 17 reptiles, 50 butterflies and 150 plants), this park is truly a paradise for the nature lover.  With many small scale ancient tanks and several other ruins and ancient religious sites the park also has significant historical importance.  For keen hikers, it is also home to the ‘Sudu Kanda' mountain range (about 470m above sea level)

Historical Significance
There is historical evidence to that this area had been inhabited by man during the ancient sinhala kingdoms in BC. Giant canal of kalinga (Kalinga Yodha Ela) built in the reign by king parakramabahu in the 12th century while the remains of Malagamuwa, Wilmitiya, Wasgamuwa and Dasthota tanks bear witness to the past prosperity of the area. Kalinga island (Kalinga Duwa) too is an interesting place to visit.Kadurupitiya, Dagoda, Baduruwayaya Buddha Statue, Malagamuwa stone pillars and other ruins also bear witness to the past glory of the area.
Yudanganapitiya where the armies camped during the battle of kings Durugemunu and Elara is yet another place of historical importance within the Wasgamawa National park.
                                                                   
Fauna and Flora
Twenty three (23) species of mammals in Sri Lanka have been reported from this park. The most important of them is the wild elephant ( Elphas maximus) the population of which is approximately 150. in addition, one could see the wild buffaloes ( Babalus bubalis) grazing in the grassland while spotted Deer (Axis axis) roaming in the open areas. Occasions where one comes across a Leopard (panthera Pardus) or a sloth bear (Melursus Ursinus) are nor rare. There are also water Monitors (Varanus salvator) and crocodiles (Crocodylus palustris) roaming very often in the water holes within the park.Of the 428 species of birds reported to be found in Sri Lanka, 143 species are found in this park.

Facilities available for visitors
This National park is open to visitors from 6.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. Reservation of Circuit Bungalows or Camp Sites for resident visitors is done by the Head office lf the department of wildlife Conservation. (Only three campsites could be reserved at the park Warden's office)There are three bungalows within the park and two bungalows outside the park. There are seven campsites for nature lovers to study the natural environment.