Wasgamuwa, falling between the Central and North Central Provinces is located south of Polonnaruwa and is approximately 230km from Colombo. Situated between the Amban Ganga and the Mahaweli River, Wasgamuwa borders the Angammedilla National Park in the north and the Flood Plains National Park in the northeast and comprises an area of 37,062 hectares. Initially designated a Sanctuary in 1938 it gained National Park status on 7^th August 1984.

This park falls under the intermediate zone as well as the dry zone giving it a vivid ecology of a wet and dry climate. The park’s annual mean temperature is about 28 C with an annual rainfall of 1650-2100mm. The park contains 41.2% of dry mixed evergreen forest, 24% riverine forests, 10.4% thorn shrubs, 11.2% grasslands and the remaining 13.2% comprises of rocky plains. A prominent topographical feature is the small Sudu Kanda range which runs north to south along the border of the park. Further the park also contains many smaller streams and tanks adding to its ecological diversity. Concerning the flora of the region, 383 plant species have been identified with 6 being endemic.

The wildlife of the park includes 23 species of mammals including the Elephant, Leopard, Wild Boar, Water Buffalo, and also the endemic Golden Palm Civet. Further the park is home to about 35 species of reptiles including the famous Crocodile and Water Monitor, 15 species of amphibians, and 17 species of fish. Wasgamuwa’s many waterways make it another famous birding location with a record of 143 species of birds.

Main attractions:

• The Sri Lankan Elephant (Elephas maximus maximus) – the ‘Elephant Gathering’
• Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus)
• Sri Lanka Leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya)

Best Season:  June to September when there is low rainfall.

Routes:There is one route to the Park.

Route   – Colombo -> Kandy -> Kandy-Mahiyangana road -> turn off from Hasalaka -> Wilgamuwa  -> Wasgamuwa – appx. 225 km.