Lying south of ancient Polonnaruwa and north of the Knuckles Range, Wasgamuwa National Park is peaceful haven for a variety of wildlife and birdlife. This off-the-beaten track gem is gaining praise from discerning wildlife lovers who want a relaxed and rewarding experience.
Wasgamuwa offers excellent chances to spot elephants all the year around. Although the park is believed to hold the highest density of sloth bears in Sri Lanka, their nocturnal habits make them more elusive to spot than in Yala National Park. Other mammals found here include leopards, jackals, Spotted Deer, Sambhar, Mongoose, Civet, Slender Loris and Hanuman Langurs.
Birds like the Ceylon Junglefowl, Ceylon Grey Hornbill, Brown-capped Babbler, Blue-faced Malkoha, Lesser Adjutant, Grey-headed Fish-eagle and Brown Fish owl can be often be spotted in Wasgamuwa.
Experts feel that Wasgamuwa is superior to both Yala and Wilpattu National Parks in terms of its flora.
The park is demarcated by large rivers on all but its southern boundary and dominated by the Sudukanda Mountain Range. The natural boundaries – Mahaweli, Amban and Kalu Gangas – are very effective. The barrier Sudukanda mountain range, lying North to South, effectively draws water from the clouds and keeps the multitude of streams alive.
The park consists of riverine forests along the Mahaveli river, and dry monsoon forests in the low foothills. The park’s multiple waterholes are excellent places to spot birds, mammals and a variety of dragonflies.
In 1906, the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka recommended the establishment of a sanctuary at Wasgamuwa. This recommendation was finally implemented several decades later, during which the area remained inaccessible.
While it was declared a Strict Natural Reserve under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance in 1940, it was only declared a National Park in 1984. Unfortunately its development was impeded by the civil war in Sri Lanka. The reserve had been left neglected and at one stage was virtually given up as lost. It was only in 1992 that a serious attempt was made to open it to the public.
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Opulent: Exceptional, unashamedly the best of sheer luxury. (£££££)
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Simple: Clean and simple, no frills. Often in areas of natural beauty or near wildlife reserves. (£)
