Things to do in Wasgamuwa

Wasgamuwa is a park for people who want to see wildlife without a queue of jeeps. It lies between the Mahaweli and Amban rivers, south of Polonnaruwa, and is known for elephants, a long bird list and a few quiet ruins inside the park. Sloth bears live here too, though they are hard to see.

What to do

A jeep safari

A Wasgamuwa safari takes you through a mix of forest, scrub and open grassland. Elephants are the main sighting, often in family groups near water. Spotted deer, water buffalo, crocodiles and many birds are common. Leopards and bears are present but rarely seen, so treat them as a bonus.

History in the park

The Buduruwayaya archaeological site is an old Buddhist site with ruined structures and statues, and a reminder that this area was settled long before it became a park. Ask your guide whether it can be included on your route.

Learn about the park

Our page on Wasgamuwa National Park covers its landscape and wildlife in more detail.

Planning your visit

Wasgamuwa is about an hour and a half by road from Polonnaruwa, and can also be reached from the Matale and Dambulla side. The dry months, roughly May to September, are usually the best for elephants, as they come down to the rivers and reservoirs. Morning and late-afternoon drives are cooler and better for animals.

Bring binoculars, a hat and water. The roads inside the park are rough, so expect a bumpy ride.

Where to stay

We do not list hotels directly at the park. Many visitors stay in Polonnaruwa and combine Wasgamuwa with the ruins there. See our Wasgamuwa guide for more background.

Combining Wasgamuwa

Most visitors pair the park with Polonnaruwa: ruins in the morning, a long drive south, and an afternoon safari. Minneriya and Kaudulla are also within reach for a second safari.