Pristine Wilderness Gateway

Lunugamvehera National Park is a place that connects the different areas of Yala and Udawalawe in southern Sri Lanka. This special area covers than twenty-three thousand hectares of dry forest areas with thorny bushes and open grassy areas. This place is very important for the country because it helps wild elephant groups move easily between places with water. People come to this place to avoid the big crowds that are in other famous parks nearby. It shows an peaceful view of the natural beauty and the many animals that live in the southern plains of the island. 

Wildlife. Sightseeing

The main part of the park is around the Lunugamvehera Reservoir, which brings many animals to the area. Taking a guided jeep ride gives a chance to see big groups of elephants playing and eating near the muddy edge of the water. Visitors who are lucky might see hidden Sri Lankan leopards resting on rocks or sloth bears looking for food. The wetlands are home to than one hundred types of colorful tropical birds. Birds like painted storks, pelicans and strong sea eagles fly smoothly over the water making it a perfect place for people who want to take pictures.

Essential Visitor Planning lunugamvehera national park

The best time to see animals is during the summer months from May to September. When smaller water places in the forest dry up animals come together around the reservoir. The main gates of the park are on the highway that connects Wellawaya and Kataragama making it easy to get there by car. Visitors can buy entry tickets and hire guides from the ticket office. It is an idea to book a strong four-wheel-drive vehicle with local companies before arriving to have a smooth and comfortable ride in the morning. 

Strategic Regional Travel

The park is an alternative when traveling from the cool highlands to the southern coast. It is a short drive away from the special place called Kataragama which is a place where many religions come together. It is an idea to do a fun morning safari and then visit the old beach at Kirinda in the afternoon. People can find places to stay that range from camps to small eco-lodges, near the park. Seeing this peaceful area makes sure that people have a lasting memory of the beauty of southern Sri Lanka.