Lunugamvehera National Park Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 1-2 days

Best Time: May to September Read More

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"Sri Lanka's Wildlife Corridor For Elephants!"

Lunugamvehera National Park Tourism

Located adjacent to Yala National Park, Lunugamvehera National Park is home to a diverse array of species, ranging from Sri Lankan elephants to the endemic Atukorale’s dwarf toad. Designated as a protected area in 1995, Lunugamvehera National Park is a wildlife corridor for elephants migrating between Yala and Udawalawe National Parks.

Although not as famous as its neighbour, there is certainly no shortage of terrestrial, aquatic or avian residents at Lunugamvehera National Park. Some of the species here include elephants, leopards, spotted deer, tufted grey langurs and more. But the stunning birdlife is the cynosure of all eyes, partly due to the numerous aquatic species such as painted stork, black-headed ibis and spot-billed pelican at the adjoining Lunugamvehera reservoir. For an opportunity to explore the park at one’s leisure, visitors can also stay at a bungalow run by the Department of Wildlife Conservation, opposite a tank at the park’s premises.

If you are looking for a birdwatching excursion away from the hustle and bustle of the famous national parks, or want to photograph the wildlife, Lunugamvehera National Park is undoubtedly your best bet.

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Wildlife Safari in Lunugamvehera National Park

Discover the park’s wildlife with an exciting jeep safari across the area. Since Lunugamvehera is generally uncrowded compared to the nearby national parks, safaris here with experienced guides facilitate better sightings of the animals. You can opt for a half-day safari if you are hard-pressed for time, but a full day safari is the best option for an unforgettable experience.

Fauna in Lunugamvehera National Park

Lunugamvehera National Park is home to a plethora of fauna, including fishes, amphibians, and reptiles such as mugger crocodiles. Amongst the 43 species of mammals, the noteworthy ones are the Sri Lankan elephant, golden jackals, sloth bear, spotted deer, fishing cat, grizzled giant squirrel, Asian palm civet, grey mongoose and barking deer. The birdlife comprises about 183 species—making Lunugamvehera one of the best parks in the country for birdwatching. It includes Chestnut-headed bee-eater, grey-headed fish eagle, Sri Lankan junglefowl, changeable hawk-eagle, peacocks, red-wattled lapwing and barred buttonquail.

History Of Lunugamvehera National Park

Lunugamvehera National Park was founded in 1995 to guard the catchment area of the Lunugamvehera reservoir and to protect flora and fauna of the region. The park was opened to the public in 2005, but was shut for a few years during the Sri Lankan Civil War; eventually, it was re-opened to visitors.

Restaurants and Local Food in Lunugamvehera National Park

Several inexpensive eating joints are located in the vicinity of Lunugamvehera National Park, serving local fare. The Chill Restaurant at Kataragama is among the nearest highly-rated eateries nearby.

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Lunugamvehera National Park

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What is the best time to visit Lunugamvehera national park?

The best time to visit Lunugamvehera National Park is from May to September, the drier months of the year. The park can be a tad busy during September, as the nearby Yala is closed at that time. An early morning safari is the best option as visitors can enjoy the breathtaking sights of the forests and reservoir, and frequent sightings of the fauna. If the morning safari is not possible, an early evening safari is the next best option.

The off-season at the national park is during November and December when the rainfall is at its peak.
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What are the places near Lunugamvehera national park?

The top places near to Lunugamvehera national park are Nuwara eliya which is 71 km from Lunugamvehera national park, Galle which is located 118 km from Lunugamvehera national park, Colombo which is located 157 km from Lunugamvehera national park, Kandy which is located 112 km from Lunugamvehera national park, Sigiriya which is located 173 km from Lunugamvehera national park

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