Wasgamuwa National Park

Wasgamuwa National Park, located about 225 km northeast of Colombo, is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Known for its significant elephant population, the park is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to observe elephants in their natural habitat. Beyond elephants, Wasgamuwa is home to a variety of species including leopards, sloth bears, and over 140 species of birds. The park's diverse landscape of dry zone forests, grasslands, and wetlands offers a unique setting for wildlife viewing. Wasgamuwa is also less crowded compared to other parks, making it ideal for those seeking a peaceful safari experience.

The discovery of evidence of ancient Sri Lankan kingdoms at Wasgamuwa, lead to the conclusion that the area was also an important battleground. Wasgamuwa National Park is home to many of the wildlife that was displaced during the Mahaweli Development programme in 1984; the project aimed to generate hydroelectric power and improve irrigation systems by utilization of the nearby Mahaweli River waters.

The fauna at Wasgamuwa is a varied lot. The birdlife at Wasgamuwa is also reasonably abundant; the park has 140 species of birds, some of them endemic to the region. The fauna at the park also includes spotted deer, monitor lizards, mugger crocodiles and Sri Lankan frogmouth. Around 150 floral species have been identified here.