Lunugamwehera National Park
Destination Overview: Lunugamwehera National Park
Lunugamwehera National Park is located approximately 30 kilometers from Tissamaharama, making it a great base for visitors who wish to explore the quieter, less-crowded areas of Sri Lanka’s national parks. The park was established in 1995 and spans over 23,000 hectares of land, encompassing a variety of habitats, including savannahs, grasslands, dry forests, and wetlands.
The park is part of the Yala Wildlife Corridor, which connects Lunugamwehera to the famous Yala National Park, allowing wildlife to move freely between the two parks. It is also an important buffer zone for the protection of the larger Yala ecosystem, making it an essential area for biodiversity conservation.
Wildlife and Biodiversity in Lunugamwehera
Sri Lankan Elephants:
Lunugamwehera is a great location for elephant sightings. The park is home to large herds of Sri Lankan elephants, and visitors often have the chance to see these majestic animals up close. The park is particularly well-known for its elephant gatherings, especially during the dry season when they come to drink from the reservoirs and waterholes.
The Elephant Transit Home located nearby in Uda Walawe is also a part of the park’s conservation efforts, providing care for orphaned elephants before releasing them back into the wild.
Leopards:
Though sightings are rare, Sri Lankan leopards can be found within Lunugamwehera. They are elusive creatures, and spotting one is a true highlight for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. The park is part of the Yala leopard population corridor, and leopards use the dense vegetation and rocky terrains as hunting grounds.
Birdlife:
The park is a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 200 species of birds, including both migratory and endemic species. Among the most notable are the Sri Lanka Junglefowl, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Spotted Dove, and Painted Stork.
The wetlands and reservoirs within the park are great spots for birdwatching, especially during the migration season (from November to March).
Other Wildlife:
In addition to elephants and leopards, the park is home to a wide range of other mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, including:
Sloth Bears (though rare)
Wild Boar
Sambar Deer
Mongoose
Crocodiles in the park's water bodies
Monitor Lizards
King Cobras and other snakes
Flora:
Lunugamwehera National Park is dominated by dry zone tropical forests and grasslands. The park is home to a variety of native tree species such as palmyra palms, bamboo, and kumbuk trees, as well as a range of medicinal and flowering plants.
The park’s wetlands and water bodies are surrounded by mangroves and aquatic vegetation, making it a rich habitat for numerous species of water birds, reptiles, and insects.
Things to Do in Lunugamwehera National Park
Jeep Safari:
The main attraction in Lunugamwehera is the safari experience. Visitors can take a guided jeep safari through the park to explore its diverse ecosystems and see the wildlife up close. Safari jeeps are the best way to cover the vast park and find the animals that are often hidden in the dense undergrowth or at waterholes.
The best times for safaris are early in the morning or late in the afternoon, as the animals are more active during these cooler hours.
Birdwatching:
The park is a fantastic spot for birdwatching, with hundreds of species of birds to spot. It is especially popular with photographers looking to capture the vivid colors of the Sri Lanka Junglefowl, Painted Storks, Crested Hawk-eagle, and more.
Visitors can bring binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens to capture close-up views of the birds and other wildlife.
Nature Walks:
While safaris are the main way to explore the park, visitors can also enjoy nature walks around the park’s boundaries, especially near the waterholes and wetlands. Guided walks help visitors better understand the flora and fauna of the park and its ecological significance.
Photography:
Lunugamwehera National Park is a photographer’s paradise. From dramatic sunsets over the reservoirs to close-up shots of wildlife like elephants and leopards, there are plenty of opportunities to capture the natural beauty of Sri Lanka.
Wildlife photographers will find the park to be a less-crowded alternative to more popular parks like Yala and Udawalawe.
Facilities and Amenities
Entrance Gate and Visitor Center:
The park has an entrance gate where visitors are required to register before entering. The visitor center provides basic information about the park and its wildlife. It also offers maps and a small souvenir shop.
Safari Jeeps and Guides:
Safari jeep rentals and guides are available at the entrance. It is recommended to book a jeep and guide in advance, especially during the peak tourist season (December to April).
Guides are knowledgeable about the park's wildlife, flora, and the best places to spot animals.
Rest Areas:
The park has designated rest areas and picnic spots where visitors can relax and enjoy the serene surroundings. Visitors are encouraged to pack snacks and water, as there are limited facilities within the park itself.
Basic Amenities:
There are basic toilet facilities at the park’s entrance and some rest areas, but there are no extensive facilities within the park. Visitors are advised to carry water, sunscreen, and hats, especially during the day when the weather can be hot.
Travel Information
Getting There:
By Car: Lunugamwehera National Park is approximately 30 km from Tissamaharama and can be accessed by private car or taxi. The drive offers beautiful views of the southern countryside.
By Public Transport: Public transport to the park is limited, so a private vehicle or taxi is the most convenient way to reach the park.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Lunugamwehera National Park is from November to April during the dry season. The animals tend to congregate around waterholes during this time, making wildlife sightings more frequent.
The park is open year-round, but the wet season (from May to October) can make the roads and tracks difficult to navigate.
Entry Fees:
The park has an entrance fee, which may vary depending on whether you're a local or foreign visitor. Additional fees for jeep safaris and guides may also apply.
It’s best to check for up-to-date fee structures before your visit.
Conclusion
Lunugamwehera National Park is an excellent choice for visitors looking to experience Sri Lanka’s wildlife in a quieter, less commercialized setting. With its rich biodiversity, elephant sightings, and birdwatching opportunities, the park provides a memorable and peaceful experience for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Whether you’re on a safari jeep ride, photographing animals, or simply enjoying the natural surroundings, Lunugamwehera offers a great alternative to Sri Lanka’s more popular national parks
