Wasgamuwa National Park, Sri Lanka

Wasgamuwa at a glance

About Wasgamuwa

Wasgamuwa lies in Sri Lanka's dry zone, between the Mahaweli River, the island's longest river, and the Amban Ganga. The land was first protected as a nature reserve in 1938. In 1984, it was declared a national park, partly as a refuge for wildlife displaced by the large Mahaweli irrigation and development project.

The park is a mix of dry forest, grassland, scrub and riverine forest, with small lakes and the floodplains of the Mahaweli. Its name is often said to come from the Sinhala word for the sloth bear, "walasa", combined with "gamuwa", meaning a wild area.

Wildlife at Wasgamuwa

Elephants

Wasgamuwa is home to a large population of wild elephants, and they are the main reason most people visit. In the dry season, elephants gather near the rivers and lakes to drink, bathe and graze.

Other mammals

You may see water buffalo, spotted deer, sambar deer, wild boar, jackals, toque macaques and purple-faced langurs, a monkey found only in Sri Lanka. Leopards and sloth bears live in the park, but they are rarely seen.

Birds

Over 140 species of birds have been recorded at Wasgamuwa, including several endemic species such as the Sri Lanka junglefowl and the red-faced malkoha. Look also for painted storks, eagles, kingfishers and hornbills. See bird watching in Sri Lanka.

Reptiles and butterflies

Crocodiles live in the lakes and rivers, and the park has many butterfly species.

Wasgamuwa vs other national parks

If seeing a leopard is your priority, Yala National Park is the better choice. If you want large herds of elephants with easy access, Minneriya and Kaudulla are closer to Sigiriya. If you want a quiet, wild experience with elephants and birds, choose Wasgamuwa. See Yala vs Udawalawe vs Wilpattu and where to see elephants in Sri Lanka.

History inside the park

Wasgamuwa has several ancient sites, including the remains of old irrigation tanks and canals, and a stupa linked by tradition to ancient kings. Some sites are only accessible with permission or on specific routes. Ask your jeep driver or tracker about what you can visit.

How to get to Wasgamuwa

Wasgamuwa is in a quiet, rural area, and the roads are smaller than on the main tourist routes. Approximate times by car:

• Polonnaruwa to Wasgamuwa: about 1.5 hours
• Sigiriya or Habarana to Wasgamuwa: about 2–2.5 hours
• Kandy to Wasgamuwa: about 3 hours
• Colombo to Wasgamuwa: about 5–6 hours

A private driver is the easiest way to reach the park. Your driver can take you to the park office, where you hire a safari jeep and buy your tickets. See our guide to entry fees in Sri Lanka.

Safari times

Most safaris are in the early morning, from when the park opens, or in the late afternoon until it closes. These are the coolest times of day and the best times to see animals. A safari usually lasts around three to four hours. The park may close for short periods for management reasons, so check before you go.

When to visit Wasgamuwa

The dry season, from about June to September, is usually the best time to visit. Water is scarce, so animals gather near the rivers and lakes, and they are easier to see. Wasgamuwa receives most of its rain from about October to January, during the north-east monsoon, when the vegetation is thick and some tracks may be difficult. See our guide to the best time to visit Sri Lanka.

Where to stay

There are a few eco lodges, safari camps and guesthouses near the park. Staying nearby means you can be at the gate early in the morning. Alternatively, visit as a long day trip from Polonnaruwa or the Sigiriya area. See our guide to where to stay in Sri Lanka.

What to bring

• Binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens
• A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
• Neutral-coloured clothing
• Plenty of water and some snacks
• A light jacket for early mornings in the open jeep
• Cash for tickets and the jeep. See money in Sri Lanka

Safari etiquette

• Stay in the jeep at all times, unless at a designated stop.
• Keep your voice low and don't play music.
• Give elephants space. Ask your driver to keep a safe distance, and never block their path.
• Don't feed animals or leave rubbish.
• Respect speed limits and park rules.

Read our responsible travel guide.

Combining Wasgamuwa with your trip

Wasgamuwa fits well into a Cultural Triangle itinerary. Here are some ideas:

• From Polonnaruwa: explore the ancient city in the morning, then take an afternoon safari at Wasgamuwa and stay nearby.
• Between the Cultural Triangle and Kandy: a safari at Wasgamuwa makes a wild detour on the way to Kandy.
• With the Knuckles range: Wasgamuwa lies below the eastern side of the Knuckles mountain range, and both can be combined by travellers who love nature.

See our Cultural Triangle page, safaris in Sri Lanka and our wildlife tour.

A suggested plan

Day 1: explore Polonnaruwa in the morning. After lunch, drive to Wasgamuwa for an afternoon safari. Stay in a lodge near the park.

Day 2: take an early morning bird walk near your lodge, then drive on to Kandy or back to Sigiriya.

Choosing a jeep and driver

Safari jeeps are hired near the park entrance, and the quality of your safari depends a lot on your driver and tracker. A good driver knows where animals have been seen recently, drives slowly and quietly, and keeps a respectful distance from elephants. Ask your hotel or our team to recommend someone, and tell the driver what you most want to see, whether that is elephants, birds or simply the landscape. If you are a keen photographer, ask for a jeep with fewer passengers so you have room to move.

Photography tips

• Use the early and late light. The soft light of early morning and late afternoon is best for photos.
• Bring a zoom lens. Animals are often some distance away, and you should never ask your driver to get too close.
• Use a beanbag or rest your camera on the jeep frame for steady shots.
• Be patient. Wait quietly by a waterhole, and the animals often come to you.

See our page on flora and fauna for more about Sri Lanka's wildlife.

Who Wasgamuwa suits

Wasgamuwa suits wildlife lovers, photographers, bird watchers and travellers who want to avoid crowds. It is ideal for second-time visitors who have already seen Yala or Minneriya. It also suits families with older children who enjoy safaris, though the drive is longer. See our page on flora and fauna and lesser-known attractions.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Expecting leopards. They are rare here. Go for elephants, birds and peace.
• Arriving at midday. Animals are hiding in the heat. Go early or late.
• Visiting in the heavy rains. From about October to January, tracks can be difficult.
• Underestimating the drive. Roads to the park are slow. Plan to stay nearby or start early.

Frequently asked questions