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N A T I O N A L
P A R K S I N
S R I L A N K A
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Sri Lanka was the setting - Mihintale being the site - of the world's first recorded (247 BC) wildlife
and nature preserve, established by King Devanampiyatissa, a convert to conservationism preceded only by
Noah in the annals of mankind: deeply influenced as he was by the inspirational message of the Buddha
imparted to him by Arahat Mahinda. Further evidence of this deep-rooted concern for wildlife and the
commitment to conservation is found in an inscription engraved on a stone slab at Anuradhapura's majestic
millennia-old Ruwanveli dagoba, attributed to the 12th Century King Kirthi Nissanka Malla of Polononnaruwa,
forbidding the capture, killing or commercial trafficking of any animals, birds and fish within a radius of
7 gau from the city. References to royal protection and preservation of wildlife are extant throughout the
Mahavamsa and this traditional care and concern for creatures of the wild continues to this day.
There are 15 national parks in Sri Lanka maintained by the Department of Wild Life Conservation, totaling 8%
(approximately 2026 sq. miles/5248 sq. km) of the island's total land area. They are:
1. Bundala National Park
2. Flood Plains National Park
3. Gal Oya National Park
4. Horton Plains National Park
5. Kaudulla National Park
6. Lahugala Kithulana National Park
7. Lunugamvehera National Park
8. Maduru Oya National Park
9. Minneriya National Park
10. Somawathiya Chaitiya National Park
11. Udawalawe National Park
12. Wasgomuwa National Park
13. Wilpattu National Park
14. Yala East National Park
15. Yala National Park
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P A R K
E T H I C S
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The department of Wild Life Conservation has set down visitor guidelines on General Park
Ethics as follows:
o National Parks are the home of animals and
you must remember that you are a visitor.
o There are Guides at each and every park entrance; a guide
must accompany all excursions
and will provide all necessary information.
o Keep strictly to the tracks within the park
during the trip and always remain in your vehicle.
o Maintain a fair distance between vehicles at all times.
o Animals have the right of way and you must stop the vehicle
when animals are crossing the
road; this also allows visitors to observe animals
in the open.
o Most animals have a keen sense of alien sounds so that you
should not sound your horn or
raise your voice.
o Avoid feeding animals.
o Do not use radios and cassettes in the forest; the forest has
its own sounds - listen to them.
o Do not use flashes for photography, as sudden blinding lights
could alarm animals.
o Avoid smoking within the park, as forests are vulnerable to
fire, especially during the dry
season.
o Try to wear earthy colors that blend with park surroundings,
such as brown or green, instead of
colours that disturb the eye.
o Do not dispose of litter or any sort of garbage within the park.
o Respect animals and keep a safe distance.
o Do not collect or destroy wild flowers and ornamental
plants.
o Do not take pets within park precincts.
o Do not take firearms into the park.
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T R A V E L
I N F O R M A T
I O N
T O P A R K S
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Visiting hours - 6.30 am to 6.30 pm.
There is an entry fee to all National Parks. Tickets could be obtained from entrance gates.
Reservations of Circuit Bungalows and Camp Sites must be made at the Department's head office:
The Department of Wild Life Conservation
18 Gregory's Road
Colombo 7.
Tel: 011 269 4241. Fax: 011 269 8556.
E-mail: wildlife@slt.lk
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Udawalawe National Park
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Location
Udawalawe National Park straddles the Sabaragamuwa and Uva Provinces and includes the Udawalawe Reservoir,
together with much of its catchment area. Its altitudes range from about 330 ft. (100m) on the plains to
1225 ft. (373m) at the top of Ulgala, the highest point within the park. The park is surrounded by
cultivated land.
Renowned for its outstanding scenic beauty and wealth of animal and bird species, Udawalawe draws foreign
and local tourists throughout the year, the possibility of viewing elephants at close range being its main
attraction. The park serves the dual purpose of ensuring a perennial supply of silt-free water to the reservoir
and providing a refuge for wildlife displaced by the opening up of land for agriculture and other purposes
in the lower reaches of the Walawe River.
Access
The main entrance to the park is located at the 7th milepost on the Udawalawe-Thanamalwila road. It can be
reached from Colombo via Ratnapura, Pelmadulla and Colombage Ara junction along the Pelmadulla-Embilipitiya
road. The total travel time from Colombo is approximately three to four hours.
The Park's area is around 30,821 ha. in extent.
Cultural Heritage
The cultural heritage of the area is indicated by ancient Buddhist ruins near Veheramankada.
Visitors and Visitor Facilities
A permit, obtainable from the main entrance, is required to enter the park. All vehicles must be accompanied
by a recognized tracker, assigned to individual or groups of vehicles at the entrance. There are four Wildlife
Department circuit bungalows within the park, located at Thimbirigasmankada, Veheragolla, Sinuggala and Gonaviddagala.
All these bungalows, which can accommodate upto ten persons each, are located near major water sources which
provide better opportunities of viewing elephants. Additionally, two campsites are available for occupation at
Pansadhara and Aliwadiya.
Uda Walawe National Park
Tel/Fax: +94-047-223 3292
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Wilpattu National Park
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Location
Wilpattu National Park lies on the northwest coast approximately 24 miles (39 km) due west of Anuradhapura
and spans the border between the North Western and North Central provinces. It is bounded by the Moderagam
Aru and Kala Oya in the north and south respectively and by Portugal Bay and the northernmost reaches of the
Kalpitiya peninsula and Karativu island. Beyond the Moderagam Aru stretches the Wilpattu Sanctuary, lying
inland from the coast. Extension of the park to include the adjacent waters of Portugal and Dutch Bays as a
marine sanctuary is being considered for the protection of the dugong.
Declared a sanctuary in 1905 and upgraded to national park status in 1938, Wilpattu is one of the oldest and
most important of protected areas in Sri Lanka. Its flora and fauna are representative of the dry zone lowlands,
with three distinct types of vegetation: salt grass and stunted shrub bordering the beach; a 3 to 6 miles (5-10 km)
wide coastal strip of monsoon scrub; and dense monsoon forests further inland. Its most distinctive feature is the
high concentration within its confines of lush villus or natural lake-like basins. A topographical feature peculiar
to this part of the island, all villus - with the exception of two which are saline - contain pure rainwater and
support an abundance of resident and migratory water-birds. Besides its varied avifauna and reptiles - the most
conspicuous of which is the mugger crocodile - Wilpattu has over 30 species of mammalian wildlife: including elephant,
leopard, sloth bear, water buffalo and deer.
Access
The route from Colombo is via Negombo, Chilaw and Puttalam, with a turn-off at the little hamlet of Thimbiriwewa near
the 28th mile post along the Puttalam-Anuradhapura road. The park office, where one obtains a permit and guide, is at
Hunuwilagama, 8 km from the turn-off.
Cultural Heritage
Much legend and history is associated with the park and its immediate surroundings, which contain a number of important
cultural sites.
Visitors and Visitor Facilities
Accommodation is available at seven lodges/circuit bungalows: Maradamaduwa, Pannikar Villu, Kalli Villu, Mena Vila, Thala
Vila, Manikapola Uttu and Kokmottai. All overlook villus except the last, which is by Moderagam Aru. Most of these are
closed toward the end of the dry season in August-September. There is a good network of gravel roads, especially between
water holes. A museum is situated at Hunuwilagama. Good hotel facilities are available at Anuradhapura.
The park, long closed to visitors for security reasons, has been recently reopened.
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Wasgomuwa National Park
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Location
Approximately 30 miles (50 km) northeast of Kandy in the Polonnaruwa and Matale districts, Wasgomuwa spans the North
Central and Central provinces. Its eastern boundary is defined by the Mahaweli Ganga, the northern and western boundaries
are bordered by the Amban Ganga and the southern boundary is formed largely by the Dunuwila Oya. The nearest large town
is Polonnaruwa, 6 miles (10 km) from the northern boundary; the southern part of the park can be reached along a 28 mile/45
km road from Hasalaka. Immediately northeast lies the 17,350 ha Flood Plains National Park, downstream from Wasgomuwa. To
the north is the Minneriya Giritale Nature Reserve (7,529 ha).
Wasgomuwa is distinguished by its virtual lack of contemporary human disturbance and infrastructure, and its importance as
a center of ancient Sri Lankan culture. Isolation by large rivers on all but its southern side is a major advantage for
management. The park probably contains more wildlife than others, in terms of diversity.
Access
Turn off at Hasalaka on the Kandy-Mahiyangana road and proceed via Wilgamuwa upto Wasgomuwa. Visitors from Matale and
Polonnaruwa areas can reach Wasgomuwa via Laggala and Wilgamuwa. The Wilgamuwa Japan Bridge provides the easy access to
visitors approaching from Mahaweli System-C. Wasgomuwa is 140 miles (225 km) from Colombo.
Cultural Heritage
The most important cultural site is Buduruwayaya in the southwest corner, near the confluence of the Amban and Kalu
rivers.
Visitors and Visitor Facilities
There are three wildlife bungalows - Kadurupitiya, Mahaweli and Wawul Ebe - within the park and two bungalows outside
it, i.e. Gale Bungalow and Angammedille. There are five campsites at Mahaweli Ganga I and II, Medapitiya, Ulpath Hatha
and Wawul Ebe. Accommodation is also available at guesthouses and hotels in Polonnaruwa, Giritale and Habarana and at
economical rest-houses in Mahiyangana and Pallegama.
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Flood Plains National Park
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Location
The park spans the Mahaweli Ganga in Polonnaruwa district in the North Central province. The town of Manampitiya lies
just outside the park's eastern boundary, a stopover on the Batticaloa-Polonnaruwa road and the railway passing through
the park.
Flood Plains National Park is central to the integrity of the Mahaweli system of protected areas, both for its unique
villus and as a corridor for wildlife migration between grazing lands in Wasgomuwa and Somawathiya Chaitiya National
Parks. It is particularly important for the long-term survival of elephants within the Mahaweli catchment area.
Together with the adjacent Somawathiya Chaitya National Park, it provides a refuge for a wide variety of resident
and migratory waterfowl species.
Access
The easiest route from Colombo is via Kurunegala, Dambulla, Habarana and Polonnaruwa.
The range office is in Polonnaruwa town. The park lies 145 miles (233 km) from Colombo.
Cultural Heritage
This section of the Mahaweli Ganga was connected to the ancient irrigation network in the vicinity. On the right bank
of the river, at the edge of Mutugalla Villu, are ruins of an ancient cave monastery with inscriptions dating back
to between the 2nd and 7th century BC.
Visitors and Visitor Facilities
The park is at present closed to visitors.
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Minneriya National Park
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Location
Situated 12 miles (20 km) northwest of Polonnaruwa, Minneriya National Park is in the Polonnaruwa district and North
Central province. The park's boundaries on the north, west and east are outlined by roads: the Habarana-Polonnaruwa
highway, Sigiriya-Moragaswewa and Katukeliyawa-Diyabeduma roads respectively.
The core of this National Park is in an inhabited area within one of the country's most diverse natural systems,
with intermediate forest, bamboo stands, patanas and talawas. Nowhere else does such diversity seem to occur within
a single protected area, particularly in such an intact state. The tank supports a variety of waterfowl, besides
being of immense socio-economic value.
Access
The distance from Colombo via the Habarana-Polonnaruwa Road is 113 miles (182 km). The park office and entrance are
located at Ambagaswewa, where one obtains a permit and guide. The closest town, Polonnaruwa, is 15 miles (24 km)
distant.
The park covers an area of 8,889 ha.
Cultural Heritage
Minneriya Tank was built in the 3rd Century AD by King Mahasen, who was deified after his death as Minneri Deviyo.
A small temple erected in his memory stands within the park.
Visitors and Visitor Facilities
The park's location within Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle (Anuradhapura-Polonnaruwa-Kandy) makes it ideal for
combined nature and cultural excursions. Opened for tourism in 1998, the park has no internal accommodation
facilities, though excellent hotel rooms are available in Sigiriya, Habarana, Polonnaruwa and Giritale.
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Lahugala Kitulana National Park
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Location
The park lies in the basin of the Heda Oya, 10 miles (16 km) inland from the coastal town of Pottuvil in the Eastern
province. The Pottuvil-Moneragala trunk road runs through the southeastern sector of the park.
It is one of Sri Lanka's smallest but most valuable conservation areas for elephants and endemic birds.
Access
The route from Colombo (198 miles/318 km) is the same as the approach to East National Park. The routes fork
off at Pelmadulla and meet again at Wellawaya, one going via Beragala and Koslanda and the other via Thimbolketiya,
Udawalawe and Thanamalwila. The park office is situated at Lahugala.
The area of the park is 1,554 ha.
Cultural Heritage
Nearby is the historic site of Magulmahavihara, built for the occasion of King Kavantissa's marriage to Viharamaha Devi.
Visitors and Visitor Facilities
At present, accommodation can be found at Pottuvil 18 miles (23 km) from the park. However, the park is closed to
visitors due to security reasons.
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Maduru Oya National Park
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Location
The park lies between the Polonnaruwa-Batticaloa and Mahiyangana-Padiyatalawa roads in the districts of Ampara,
Badulla and Polonnaruwa and spans the border between the Eastern and Uva provinces. It is surrounded on the west
and north by Mahaweli development areas and on the south and east by teak plantations and jungles subjected to
frequent chena (slash and burn) cultivation practices.
This new park is designed to protect the immediate catchments of five reservoirs developed under the Accelerated
Mahaweli Development Programme. Their conservation is crucial to the success of the project. The park area provides
refuge for many species of wildlife, particularly elephants.
Access
The easiest and most practical route from Colombo (165 miles/265 km) is via Kurunegala, Dambulla, Habarana, Polonnaruwa
and Manampitiya. Main access from the north is from Manampitiya (16 miles/25 Km) located on the Polonnaruwa-Batticaloa
highway.
Climate
Conditions are influenced by the north-east or Maha monsoon from October to late January. Mean annual rainfall is
1,650 mm. Annual evapotranspiration rates normally exceed precipitation levels. Mean annual temperature is around
270C.
Cultural Heritage
Ruins at Henanigala, Kudawila, Gurukumbura, Uluketangoda, Werapokuna and several other places include ancient Buddhist
shrines, temples, dagobas, statues, devales and hermitages from different eras in Sri Lankan history. An ancient sluice
dating prior to the 6th century BC was discovered recently on the old breached earthen bund of the Maduru Oya. Early
Brahmin inscriptions dating from the 3rd century BC are found at Kandegamakanda. Vestiges of the Veddhas, an aboriginal
tribe believed to be descended from King Vijaya and the Yaksha (demon) princess Kuveni, are to be traced in the traditional
lifestyles of a few families in Dambana.
Visitors and Visitor Facilities
There are two circuit bungalows and one dormitory at the park office in front of Maduru Oya reservoir. Ulhitiya campsite
is available for nature lovers. There is a well-arranged wildlife museum at the park entrance.
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Gal Oya National Park
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Location
East of the central hills of the island, the park lies in the Badulla district, with a portion stretching into
the Ampara district. It totally encompasses the great Senanayake Samudra reservoir, which is not a part of the park.
This park was established to protect the catchment area of the Senanayake Samudra, constructed as part of a
development scheme to open up some 162,000 ha of forest for agricultural and industrial purposes. It is considered
to be among the most scenically beautiful landscapes in Sri Lanka. The reservoir supports an important fishery and
is a valuable source of water for irrigation.
Access
The route from Colombo (186 miles/300 km) is via Ratnapura, Pelmadulla, Udawalawe, Thanamalwila, Wellawaya, Moneragala
and then north from Siyambalanduwa to Inginiyagala.
Climate
The area falls within the dry zone, and is subjected mainly to the influence of the north-east monsoon. Mean annual
rainfall is 1,766 mm.
Cultural Heritage
The Gal Oya valley can claim to have given shelter to Sinhala Kings in three different locations: namely, to King
Tissa at Digha Vapi (2nd century BC), to King Buvanekabahu on the summit of Govindahela (13th century AD) and to
the self-proclaimed King Dore Swamy at Nilgala (19th century). The Digha Vapi Dagoba (2nd century BC) marks a site
visited by the Buddha during his last visit to Sri Lanka. The hilly country to the west was one of the last
strongholds of the aboriginal Veddhas. Henebedde cave near Vadinagala has a drip ledge and contains a Brahmin
inscription. Near it stand moonstone, guard stone, balustrade stones and the ruins of an ancient structure.
Visitors and Visitor Facilities
The park is largely undeveloped for tourism. Accommodation is unavailable inside the park, but there is a circuit
bungalow at Ekgal Aru, approximately 14 miles/23 km from the park office. Rest-houses are available outside the park
at Iginiyagala and Ampara. Boats can be hired on Senanayake Samudra.
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Horton Plains National Park
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Location
The park lies approximately 20 miles (32 km) south of Nuwara Eliya in the highlands of the Central province.
Horton Plains, the surrounding forests and the adjoining Peak Wilderness constitute Sri Lanka's most important
catchment area, of almost all major rivers. The plains are of outstanding scenic beauty and conservation importance,
containing most of the habitats and endemic plants and animals representative of the country's wet and montane zones.
The western slopes support the most extensive area of montane cloud forest surviving in the country.
Access
Horton Plains can be reached by any of the following routes:
Via Nuwara Eliya, Ambewela, Pattipola (20 miles/32 km); Haputale or Welimada, Boralanda, Ohiya (24 miles/38 km);
Nuwara Eliya, Hakgala, Rendapola, Ambewela, Pattipola (24 miles/38 km).
Adventurous visitors can trek into the park along the Thalawakele-Agarapatana-Diyagama and the Belihul Oya-Nagarak
trails.
Climate
Annual rainfall in the region is about 2,540 mm, but may exceed 5,000 mm on the plains. Rain occurs throughout most
of the year but there is a dry season from January to March. Temperatures are low, with an annual mean temperature of
150C, and ground frost is common during December-February.
Cultural Heritage
Stone tools dating back to the prehistoric Balangoda culture have been found in the area. The Sinhalese settled in the
lowlands up to an altitude of 700 m, sometimes frequenting higher altitudes to mine for gems or iron ore, graze cattle,
construct irrigation canals and fell trees for timber. Several patanas existed at that time in regions above 1,800 m.
Visitors and Visitor Facilities
The overnight park accommodation, though limited, caters to different preferences. Ginihiriya (Anderson) bungalow with
four well-appointed rooms is in an existing forest setting. In addition there is another circuit bungalow called
"Mahaeliya" within the park. Two separate dormitories (Wana Niwahana), also set in tranquil nature, serve visitors
coming in groups. Several camp-sites are available for nature lovers.
Horton Plains is well recognized for its rich and unique biodiversity, its flora given to a high level (5%) of endemism,
yet remains largely under-explored. Thus it is not merely a destination for nature tourists, but also for those engaged in
educational and research activities.
This is the only National Park in Sri Lanka where visitors are allowed to walk on their own on the designated tracks. Protecting
and preserving this natural wonderland's unique physical environment is a duty for all.
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Bundala National Park
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Location
The park lies on the southeastern coast in the Southern province, about 170 miles/274 km from Colombo. It stretches from
the vicinity of Bundala village in the east to Hambantotoa township in the west. Part of the northern boundary is contiguous
with the A2 main road.
This is the first Ramsar Site declared in Sri Lanka and it is the most important wetland for birds outside the Northern
province. The park's lagoons are amongst the most important wintering areas for migratory shore birds in the country, regularly
accommodating over 15,000 of them at any one time. It is the last refuge of the greater flamingo in this part of the island,
besides being important for elephant and a variety of threatened reptiles. Dense thorny scrub provides a natural barrier to the
winds that would otherwise accelerate desertification in this arid countryside.
Access
There are two regular routes from Colombo, viz
Along the coast via Galle, Matara, Tangalle, Hambantota (approx. 160 miles/256 km)
Via Ratnapura, Pelmadulla, Embilipitiya, Hambantota (approx. 152 miles/245 km)
Climate
Conditions are tropical and monsoonal, with a mean annual temperature of 270C. Annual rainfall ranges from 900 mm to 1300 mm,
with an extensive dry period from May to September.
Visitors and Visitor Facilities
Accommodation is available outside the park at Tissmaharama, Wirawila and Hambantota, from where jeeps are available for hire.
There are several watchtowers in the park. A newly opened visitor centre is at the park entrance.
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Somawathiya Chaitiya National Park
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Location
The park spans the Eastern and North Central provinces in the deltoid plain of the Mahaweli Ganga.
It affords protection to a unique habitat, i.e. riverine villus and flood plains, as well as to the largest concentration
of elephants in the country, in conjunction with the adjacent Flood Plains National Park. Although the area has been heavily
exploited, regeneration will be rapid once human activity is phased out because of the abundance of moisture and high carrying
capacity of the villus. Both parks are vital for migratory and resident waterfowl.
Access
Visitors must turn off at the Polonnaruwa Hospital junction on the Polonnaruwa-Habarana road and proceed via Sungawila upto the
park. The distance from Colombo via Polonnaruwa is 163 miles/262 km.
Visitors and Visitor Facilities
The park is closed to visitors at present.
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Ruhunu (Yala) National Park
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Location
The Yala National Park is located in the southeastern region of Sri Lanka and extends over two provinces and two
administrative districts, as follows:
Northern, northwestern and western areas of the park lie in Monaragala district in the Uva province;
Southwestern and southern areas lie in Hambantotoa district in the Southern province;
Part of the southern and all the eastern and northeastern boundaries lie along the Indian Ocean. Yala is renowned
for the variety of its wildlife, largely characteristic of dry zone tropical thorn forest, and its fine coastline
and associated coral reefs. Large numbers of important cultural ruins bear testimony to earlier civilization and
indicate that much of the area was populated and well developed, with an irrigation system supplying water to the
surrounding paddy fields, including those of Yala.
Access
There are three regular routes from Colombo, viz.
Along the coast via Galle, Hambantota, Tissamaharama (approx. 182 miles/293 km).
Via Ratnapura, Pelmadulla, Embilipitiya, Hambantota, Tissamaharama (approx. 176 miles/ 284 km).
Via Ratnapura, Pelmadulla, Udawalawe, Tanamalwila, Tissamaharama (approx. 146 miles/235 km)
There is only one entrance to the park, the turn-off being along the road between Tissamaharama and Kirinda. The
park office is situated at Palatupana, 7 miles/12 km from the turn-off, where a permit and a guide should be obtained
before entering the park.
Climate
The park lies in a transition zone between the single wet season experienced on the east coast and the double peak of
precipitation found along the south coast of the island. Mean annual rainfall varies between approximately 900 mm in
the south to 1300 mm in the north, with an extensive period of drought from May to September. Mean annual temperature
is 270C.
Visitors and Visitor Facilities
In Block I, the main area for visitors, there are six wildlife bungalows located at Mahasilawa, Buttuwa, Patanangala,
Yala, Heenwewa and Talgasmankada. Two campsites are available at Jamburagala and Kosgasmankada. There is a museum at
the park office.
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Yala East National Park
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Location
The park lies on the southeast coast in the Eastern province, 7 miles/12 km south of Arugam Bay, and is accessible from
the Wellawaya-Pottuvil road. It is contiguous to the south with Ruhuna (Yala) National Park/Yala Strict Nature Reserve
(126,786 ha), along the Kummbukkan Oya.
Together with Ruhuna National Park, Yala East National Park is renowned for the variety of its wildlife, largely
characteristic of dry zone tropical thorn forest. In addition, the world-famous mangrove swamp of Kumana provides a
particularly important habitat for birds.
Access
There are two routes from Colombo. They fork off at Pelmadulla and meet again at Wellawaya, one going via Beragala and
Koslanda and the other via Thimbolketiya, Udawalawe and Thanamalwila. From Wellawaya the road goes through Moneragala,
Pottuvil and Panama. There is only one entrance to the park from Panama, through the Kudumbigala Sanctuary. The park
office is situated at Okande, where a permit and guide should be obtained before entry. The distance from Colombo is
approximately 243 miles/391 km.
Climate
Conditions are similar to those experienced in the north of Ruhuna National Park.
Cultural Heritage
At the base of most rock outcrops are caves, some with rock inscriptions of the 1st and 2nd centuries BC. A nine-metre
stature of the reclining Buddha, now in ruins, was discovered in a large cave at Bambaragastalawa. Bowattagala is an
ancient monastic site. Kudumbigala and Lenama, peripheral to the park, were once the hunting grounds of Nittaewo, legendary
pygmies who were sworn enemies of the Veddhas.
Visitors and Visitor Facilities
This park is at present rarely visited. It has two bungalows, one at Okande, near the park entrance, and the other by the
waterhole at Thunmulla. A campsite is situated on the banks of the Kumbbukkan Oya at Kumana. A boat is available for hire at
Kumana Villu.
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Lunugamvehera National Park
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Location
This Park falls within the divisional secretaries' divisions of Thanamalwila, Wellawaya, Kataragama and Buttala in the
Moneragala district and Lunugamvehera in the Hambantota district. Lunugamvehera National Park is the immediate catchment
of Lunugamvehera reservoir. The park serves as a link between the Yala Protected Area Complex on its east and Udawalawe
National Park to its west and facilitates the ranging of elephants to and from areas such as Haldummula and Koslanda in
Uva and the southern region of Sri Lanka.
Access
The park office is situated at Lunugamvehera on the Wellwaya-Hambantota road. There are two main access routes to the park
headquarters from Colombo:
Via Ratnapura, Udawalawe, Thanamalwila, Lunugamvehera (approx. 143 miles/231km); Via Hambantota, Tissamaharama, Thanamalwila,
Lunugamvehera (approx. 164 miles/265 km).
The total area of the park is 23,498 ha. Approximately 14% of the park is occupied by the reservoir; at full capacity the
reservoir occupies 3,283 ha, while smaller tanks cover 50 ha. The park's total dry land area is 20,157 ha.
Climate
The climate in the park is characterized by a bimodal seasonal rainfall pattern and uniform high temperature conditions.
The average annual rainfall at Thanamalwila is about 1000 mm and its level in the park area decreases from north to south
and west to east. The annual average temperature is about 300C.
Visitors and Visitor Facilities
This park does not at present cater to tourism.
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