Highlights
- Large herds of elephants roam the park
- A wide range of mammals has been recorded
- An important area for wildlife off the main tourist routes
- Home to well over a hundred bird species
Overview
Wasgamuwa is one of Sri Lanka's quieter national parks. It covers about 39,300 hectares of dry forest, scrub and grassland between the Mahaweli and Amban rivers, south of Polonnaruwa. It was first protected as a strict nature reserve in 1938 and became a national park in 1984.
What you see
Elephants are the main reason to come, and herds gather near the rivers and reservoirs in the dry season. Spotted deer, water buffalo, wild boar, crocodiles and a long list of birds are common. Leopards and sloth bears live here too, but they are shy and rarely seen. What sets Wasgamuwa apart is the feeling of space: you will often have a sighting to yourself.
How a visit works
Visits are by jeep with a licensed driver, usually a morning or afternoon drive of three to four hours. Our Wasgamuwa safari page covers the drive itself. Inside the park you can also stop at the Buduruwayaya ruins, an old Buddhist site.
When to go
The dry months, roughly May to September, usually bring the most elephants to the water. Early morning and late afternoon are cooler and better for wildlife. Heavy rain from the north-east monsoon, around November to January, can make tracks muddy.
Getting there
The park is about an hour and a half by road from Polonnaruwa, and can also be reached from the Matale and Dambulla side. Roads near the park are narrow, so allow extra time.
Practical tips
- Bring binoculars, a hat, sunscreen and water.
- Expect a bumpy ride on rough tracks.
- Keep noise down and do not ask the driver to get too close to elephants.
Plan more with our things to do in Wasgamuwa page, or find a base in Polonnaruwa.