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A Complete Guide to Wasgamuwa National Park

Wasgamuwa National Park is a protected wildlife sanctuary in Sri Lanka’s Matale and Polonnaruwa districts, covering about 36,900 hectares. Established in 1984, it lies between the Mahaweli and Amban Rivers, offering a mix of forests, grasslands, and wetlands. The park is best known for its large herds of wild elephants, along with sloth bears, leopards, deer, and over 140 bird species. With a dry zone climate and scenic landscapes bordering the Knuckles Mountain Range, Wasgamuwa is ideal for nature lovers and safaris, especially during the dry season (June–September) when wildlife sightings are most frequent.

📍 Specifications of Wasgamuwa National Park

General Information
  • Name: Wasgamuwa National Park
  • Sinhala Name: වස්ගමුව ජාතික උද්‍යානය
  • Established: 1984
  • Location: Matale and Polonnaruwa Districts, Central & North Central Provinces, Sri Lanka
  • Nearest Towns: Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, Hettipola, Mahiyanganaya
  • Coordinates: Approx. 7°45′N 80°55′E
  • Area: About 36,900 hectares (369 km²)
  • Altitude: 76–500 meters above sea level
Geography & Landscape
  • Wasgamuwa lies in the dry zone of Sri Lanka, bordered by the Mahaweli River and Amban River, creating a lush and fertile environment. The park’s terrain includes riverine forests, dry mixed evergreen forests, grasslands, and wetland areas. The scenic backdrop features the Knuckles Mountain Range to the west.
Biodiversity

Wasgamuwa is celebrated for its large elephant herds, especially during the dry season (June–September). It is also home to:

  • Mammals: Sri Lankan elephants, sloth bears, leopards (rare), spotted deer, wild boar, buffalo, toque macaques, and purple-faced langurs.
  • Birds: Over 140 species, including endemic ones like the Sri Lanka junglefowl and lesser adjutant stork.
  • Reptiles: Water monitors, mugger crocodiles, pythons, and various skinks. 🐍
  • Flora: Over 150 plant species, including valuable hardwood trees such as Palu, Ebony, and Weera.
🌦️ Climate
  • Type: Dry zone climate
  • Rainfall: ~1,750 mm annually (mainly from North-East monsoon: Oct–Jan)
  • Temperature: Averages between 27°C and 34°C year-round
Conservation Status
  • IUCN Category: II (National Park)
  • Wasgamuwa was designated to protect displaced wildlife after the Mahaweli Development Project. It acts as a biological corridor connecting central forests with the dry zone, making it a critical zone for elephant migration and biodiversity conservation.

Wildlife You Can Expect in Wasgamuwa National Park

🐘 Mammals:

  • Large herds of Sri Lankan elephants (main attraction)
  • Leopards (rarely seen but present)
  • Sloth bears (notable residents)
  • Sambar deer, spotted deer, and wild boar
  • Water buffalo and jackals
  • Toque macaques, purple-faced langurs, and grey langurs

🦜 Birds (140+ species):

  • Sri Lanka junglefowl (endemic)
  • Peafowl, painted stork, woolly-necked stork, lesser adjutant
  • Brahminy kite, crested serpent eagle, grey heron
  • Kingfishers, bee-eaters, woodpeckers, and parakeets

🐍 Reptiles:

  • Mugger crocodiles and water monitors
  • Pythons and other non-venomous snakes
  • Various skinks, geckos, and lizards

🐸 Amphibians & Fish:

  • Several frog and toad species thriving in wetlands
  • Freshwater fish species in rivers and streams

🌿 Insects:

  • Numerous butterflies, dragonflies, and beetles found across forest trails

Safari Times & Durations in Wasgamuwa National Park

  • 📅 Best Time of Year:
    • June to September (Dry Season): Animals congregate near water sources, making sightings easier.
    • October to January: Lush landscapes and migratory birds arrive, though animal movement can be less predictable.
  • Morning Safaris (Half-Day): The best time to go is at dawn when the animals are most active. Morning safaris typically do from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Nearly it’s 4 hours safari session.
  • Afternoon Safaris (Half-Day): The afternoon safari begins around 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and the wildlife tends to be more visible as the sun sets and animals come to the waterholes. It also around 4 hours safari.
  • Full day Safari: Full day safari period is from 6:00 AM to  6:00 PM. You can spend about 10 hours inside the park on a full day safari allowing to explore all important parts of the park as well as most of the animals.

Wasgamuwa National Park Entrances

Handungamuwa Entrance (Recommended)

The Handungamuwa Entrance, located on the park’s southern side in the Matale District, is the primary gateway used by most visitors. It is reached via the Hasalaka–Hettipola–Handungamuwa road from Kandy or through Laggala if traveling from Matale. This entrance is well-equipped with a visitor information center, ticket counter, and many jeep safari services. 

Kiri Oya Entrance

The Kiri Oya Entrance, situated on the western side of the park, is accessible from Matale via the Elahera–Bakamuna–Wasgamuwa route. This entrance is ideal for travelers coming from Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle — including Sigiriya, Minneriya, and Polonnaruwa. It provides access to quieter parts of the park with dense forest zones and fewer vehicles, offering a more tranquil safari experience. This entrance is equipped with a ticket counter, and limited jeep hire services. We recommend to pre-arrange safari if entering via this entrance due to limited safari jeeps.

How to Get to Wasgamuwa National Park Entrances

From Kandy 📍 (to Handungamuwa Entrance):

  • Route: Kandy → Hasalaka → Hettipola → Handungamuwa Entrance
  • Distance: Approx. 120 km
  • Travel Time: Around 3 hours
  • Notes: Most popular access route; passes scenic landscapes along the Mahaweli River and Knuckles foothills.

From Matale 📍 (to Handungamuwa Entrance):

  • Route: Matale → Laggala → Pallegama → Handungamuwa Entrance
  • Distance: Approx. 100 km
  • Travel Time: About 2.5 hours
  • Notes: Direct route to the southern boundary of the park.

From Polonnaruwa 📍 (to Kiri Oya Entrance):

  • Route: Polonnaruwa → Bakamuna → Elahera → Kiri Oya Entrance
  • Distance: Approx. 55 km
  • Travel Time: 1.5 hours
  • Notes: Ideal for visitors from the Cultural Triangle (Sigiriya, Minneriya, Polonnaruwa).

From Dambulla 📍

  • Route Option 1: Dambulla → Bakamuna → Kiri Oya Entrance (40km, 45mins)
  • Route Option 2: Dambulla → Bakamuwa → Hettipola → Handungamuwa Entrance (80km, 1.5 hours)

Wasgamuwa National Park Safari Costs

Click Here to See Wasgamuwa Safari Costs

Travel Tips for Wasgamuwa National Park​

  • Book Safaris in Advance: It is highly recommended to book your safari in advance, especially during the high season (March to September) to secure a quality jeep and a guide. You can book through your tour operator or directly a jeep operator.
  • Your Guide Matters: Animal sightings are not completely random, An experience Guide and a Naturalist will track animals like leopards better based on historical statistics about their behaviour and environment conditions. Hence you need to pick a good team for your safari.
  • Naturalist for Better Experience: Extra Naturalist will be a great addition if you are interested in understanding better about animals, their behaviour, animal tracking, conservation, and national park details.
  • About Food during Safari: Wasgamuwa offers facility within the park to enjoy a meal during the safari in some Rest Areas. You may need Breakfast during a Morning Safari, and Lunch will also be needed for if you are doing a Full Day Safari. Evening Safaris may only need Water and a Snack.  Your hotel, lodge, or campsite may pack a breakfast for you before the safari (usually around 5:00–5:30 AM) or this can be arranged by the safari operator himself. Typically includes sandwiches, boiled eggs, fruit cuts, juice boxes, String Hoppers, or Sri Lankan Rice & Curry Lunch.
  • Here are the detais of Rest areas
    • Kiri Oya Rest Area – Located near the Kiri Oya stream, this is a popular spot for elephant watching and a short break during safaris.
    • Weli Ela Rest Area – Open grasslands near Weli Ela, offering shade and a place to stretch; good for photography and picnics.
    • Mahaweli Bungalow Area – Near the Mahaweli River; limited facilities but a convenient stop for drinks and snacks.
    • Diyabeduma Circuit Rest Points – A few shaded spots along the safari trail where jeeps can pause and visitors can enjoy the scenery.
    • Walimbagala and Wawul Ebe Bungalow Areas – Small rest stops near in-park bungalows with seating and basic amenities.
  • Carry Snacks and Water: While there are no restaurants inside the park, it’s a good idea to carry snacks, water, and other essentials for your comfort during the safari. These may be provided by the safari jeep operator himself.
  • Wash Room Facilities: You can only get down from the jeep in the Rest Areas inside the park. Washrooms are placed only at the entrance. Your guide will stop at a Rest Area where you to have breakfast & use limited facilities. Also during the day, you may visit time to time for a rest. Please communicate in advance with the jeep driver to arrange timing of your resting times.
  • Dress code: It’s better to wear earthy, neutral-colored, lightweight, breathable fabrics clothing to stay comfortable. Bright colors can disturb wildlife and make it harder to blend in with the surroundings. Also wear comfortable, closed-toed shoes and a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Using a sun-screen is also recommonded.
  • Respect Nature: Avoid making loud noises or disturbing wildlife. Always follow the guide’s instructions for a safe and responsible safari experience.

Bungalows inside Wasgamuwa National Park

There are government-run bungalows inside National Parks where you can stay and enjoy wildlife much closer Each bungalow usually accommodates up to ~10 people. These bungalows has limited facilities but highly popular among local wildlife communities and researchers due to close access to water ways where lots of animals roam in the morning and evening. 

  • Facilities: The bungalows provide basic amenities such as beds, kitchen and private bathrooms. These bungalows have no AC or Fans, but usually designed to accommodate natural air circulation.
  • Food: Each bungalow has a bungalow keeper and a cook. Visitors need to bring all the raw materials to prepare food.
  • Wildlife: These bungalow offers a good opportunity for sightings of leopards, elephants, and sloth bears, also fantastic spots for birdwatching.
  • Location: Bungalows are located near the water ways or open areas where animals can be seen most of the days. They are perfect for those who want to enjoy privacy and a remote wilderness experience.
Bungalow NameLocation
Mahaweli BungalowNear Maheweli river.
Kadurupitiya BungalowVery close to the Main entrance and easily reachable.
Wawul Ebe (Wavul Abe) BungalowNear Mahaweli river and away from the main entrance with lot of elephants in the evening in the roads.
Click Here to Book Any Wasgamuwa Bungalow

Comparison to other Sri Lankan National Parks

Wasgamuwa National Park, located in the dry zone of Sri Lanka, stands out as a wildlife refuge with a mix of forests, grasslands, and rivers, but its character and wildlife experience differ from other well-known parks like Minneriya, Udawalawe, and Yala.

Unlike Minneriya National Park, which is famous for its seasonal “Gathering” of hundreds of elephants around the Minneriya Tank during the dry months, Wasgamuwa has year-round elephant populations that roam freely across larger forested areas. This makes Wasgamuwa ideal for visitors seeking a less crowded, more natural elephant experience. Elephants in Wagamuwa are more wilder than other parks, and can come very close to the jeeps showing some aggression.

Compared to Udawalawe National Park, which is more open with extensive grasslands and is often preferred for easy spotting of elephants and water buffalo, Wasgamuwa has denser forest zones and rivers, offering greater diversity of habitats and the chance to see sloth bears, leopards, and a wide variety of birds that are less common in Udawalawe.

In contrast to Yala National Park, which is famous for its leopard sightings and safari-driven tourism, Wasgamuwa is quieter, less developed for tourism, and less crowded, making it appealing for travelers seeking a tranquil safari immersed in nature rather than guaranteed sightings of big cats.

Overall, Wasgamuwa combines moderate accessibility, diverse habitats, and rich dry-zone biodiversity, making it a less commercialized, wildlife-focused alternative to the more famous national parks in Sri Lanka, while offering excellent elephant watching, birding, and immersive safari experiences.

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