Wasgamuwa National Park, Sri Lanka spanning 36,900 hectares is situated mainly in Matale and Polonnaruwa district.
It is a sanctuary for wildlife and a reflection of the island’s rich heritage.
So, these are the basic things you may like to know about this sanctuary.
- Wagamuwa National Park is about 230 km from Colombo and 120 km away from Kandy.
- It is about 36,900 hectares large.
- Covers two districts, Matale and Polonnaruwa.
- The park is contiguous with the Riverine Nature Reserve on the right bank of the Mahaweli Ganga.
- The park was originally designated a game sanctuary in 1907 and then upgraded to a Strict Nature Reserve in 1938.
So, how did I go to Wasgamuwa National Park?
There are several routes to visit Wasgamuwa from Colombo. They are;
- Using Colombo- Kandy road- Ambepussa- Kurunegala- Dambulla- Naula-Elahera- Hettipola- Wasgamuwa
- Using Colombo- Kandy road- Ambepussa- Kurunegala- Ibbagamuwa- Naula-Elahera- Hettipola- Wasgamuwa
- Using Colombo-Kandy-Katugasthota-Matale-Naula-Elahera-Hettipola-Wasgamuwa
From all of the above, my favorite path is going through the heart of Knuckles mountain range, Riverston!!
Most travelers used to go through via Naula- Hettipola road. But, why not choose the other way around through the Riverston mountain range?
Do you know that the most beautiful time in Riverston is in the morning?
Your journey to Riverston starts with a scenic drive that takes you through winding roads and picturesque landscapes. As you ascend into the highlands, the air becomes cooler, and the lush greenery becomes more abundant. Along the way, you’ll pass through small villages, and tea plantations, providing a glimpse of rural life in Sri Lanka.
If you are a Nature lover, this is the best route to Wasgamuwa. However, you may surprised that why wasting so much time by going through this route. Do you know that the best time to watch Elephants, Leopards, and other animals in Wasgamuwa is the evening?
Yes, that’s correct. most of the animals came out from hiding places in the deep jungle in the evening. So, why not choose the evening at Wasgamuwa by enjoying the mornings at the misty hills?
When going through Riverston Road you can see the famous “Pitawala Pathana” and the “Sera Ella”.
It will only take about 2 hours to go to Wasgamuwa National Park from Riverston.
Remember that taking a tour guide with a Safari Vehicle is the most convenient way to have an informative trip and see more sites and animals on the way.
What is the best time to visit?
The best time to visit the Wasgamuwa National Park would be from November to May as the weather is pleasant and also, makes for the best time to spot elephants.
Things to do at Wasgamuwa National Park
Wasgamuwa is not only a National Park but also a jungle with a vast diversity. these are some things you must try there.
Going on Safari
The best way to discover wild animals roaming in the jungle is the safari jeep along with an expert tour guide. When roaming through the park you can see the miniature water pools consisting of aquatic plants and animals and also if you are lucky you can see some crocodiles too.
Not only that the safari jeep will guide you to the best places to see wild animals such as deer, wild boars, monkeys, and elephants I mentioned earlier. Not only that, there is a dense population of birds at the park.
This is an amazing opportunity for photographers. Wasgamuva is the best place for you to pull out your cameras and capture nature at its very best. Make sure you don’t make noise while you are on the safari as most of the animals escape into the dense forests at the sight or sound of humans. If you’re lucky, you might also get to see herds of elephants chewing on fresh green grass while lounging in the open areas before it gets too sunny in the afternoons which is nap time for them.
Best time for safari: Early in the morning around 6.30 am to 9.00 am and evening from 3.00 pm to 6.00 pm is the best time to see lots of animals. However, it will take a minimum of 3 hours to complete the full tour.
Buduruwayaya Archeological site
Buduruwayaya Archaeological Site is a captivating testament to Sri Lanka’s rich historical and cultural heritage. One of the most striking features of Buduruwayaya is the colossal Buddha statue carved into the rock face, standing tall at over 15 meters. This magnificent sculpture, known as the “Buduruwayaya Seya,” is a testament to the craftsmanship and devotion of the ancient artisans who created it. The serene expression on the Buddha’s face exudes a sense of tranquility, inviting visitors to contemplate the spiritual significance of the site.
