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    The Best Wildlife Parks Beyond Sigiriya

    Untamed Adventures and Wildlife Safaris
    Embark on a journey beyond the more crowded Minneriya National Park to discover the hidden landscapes and the untamed nature of Sri Lanka's lesser-known wildlife safari parks. Sigiriya is the perfect base to engage in wild adventures away from the crowds, exploring the best Wildlife Parks beyond Sigiriya. Witness the tranquil beauty of these untouched parks, where the air is alive with the calls of exotic birds and the rustle of wildlife roaming freely. From encounters with majestic elephants to sightings of elusive leopards, each moment promises an intimate and unforgettable experience, making it the perfect escapade for couples yearning to connect with nature in its purest form.

    Kaudulla National Park

    Kaudulla National Park

    Kaudulla National Park

    Seek an alternative elephant-watching experience away from the crowds at Kaudulla National Park, just under an hour from Sigiriya. Surrounded by ancient irrigation tanks, this park is home to herds of Asian elephants, including several rare tuskers. Accessible only during the dry season, witness these majestic creatures amidst a breathtaking landscape dotted with cooling Kumbuk trees. In drier months, witness the spectacle of thousands of open-billed storks lurking in the park's lakes.

    The best time to embark on a safari adventure in Kaudulla National Park is during July and August, when nature presents the extraordinary phenomenon known as "The Gathering." During this period, an impressive assembly of approximately 100 to 300 elephants ( the record is around 700!) congregates near the serene lakes of Kaudulla and Minneriya National Parks, drawn by the necessity for water. Witnessing such a vast gathering of elephants is a rare spectacle, captivating visitors with magnitude and grandeur.

    From mid-September to the end of December, the region may experience rainfall, yet this does not hinder the enjoyment of game-viewing activities. During this time, your experienced safari driver will assess the elephants' movements and decide whether to explore Kaudulla or Minneriya National Park, considering that both parks are interconnected and offer remarkable wildlife encounters.


    Kalawewa National Park

    Kalawewa National Park

    Kalawewa National Park

    Experience the enchantment of Kalawewa National Park in Sri Lanka, a sanctuary steeped in history and natural splendour. Established as a national park in 2015, this vast expanse of forest encompasses the majestic Kalawewa and Balalu Wewa tanks and ancient irrigation reservoirs dating back to the 5th century, commissioned by King Dhatusena. Located about an hour from Sigiriya, it's easily accessible and can be combined with sites to Avukana and Sessuruwa Ras Vehera.

    One of the park's highlights is its resident population of Asian elephants, distinguished by an extraordinary concentration of tuskers; the highest density of tuskers on the island is found right here, in Kalawewa. With less than 7% of Asian male elephants growing tuskers, the opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures in the wild is a rare and true privilege.
    Accessible for wildlife adventures almost throughout the year, venture into the park during the dry season to witness its transformation as water levels recede, revealing lush green meadows that attract herds of elephants seeking nourishment. Accessible by jeep, this season offers an exclusive opportunity to observe elephant gatherings away from the bustling crowds of other parks.

    The park features a gorgeous landscape adorned with towering Kumbuk Trees, which provide shade and shelter to the park’s wildlife. The park is also a haven for birdlife; during certain dry seasons, it becomes a sanctuary for thousands of open-billed storks, adding to the spectacle of nature's grandeur.

    As the monsoon season approaches, typically around October-November, the grasslands vanish beneath the rising waters of the reservoirs. Resident elephants remain while migratory herds return to their native jungles. Despite the seasonal changes, the park's beauty remains intact, with its flourishing vegetation, abundant birdlife, and pristine surroundings.

    Embark on a couple's safari experience like no other, where history, wildlife, and natural beauty converge to create unforgettable moments in Kalawewa National Park.



    Wasgamuwa National Park

    Wasgamuwa National Park

    Wasgamuwa National Park

    Wasgamuwa is a wild adventure and a lesser-visited national park with untamed beauty. Originally established as a nature reserve, this pristine wilderness was designated a National Park in 1984 to provide a sanctuary for wildlife displaced by the Mahaweli Development Project.

    Echoing with a rich tapestry of history, the park is adorned with remnants of ancient irrigation tanks such as Malagamuwa, Wilmitiya, and Dasthota, as well as the legendary Kalinga Yoda Ela canal, a testament to the engineering prowess of King Parakramabahu I. Delve into the past as you encounter the hallowed battleground of Yudangana Pitiya, where the legendary clash between King Elara and King Dutugemunu unfolded, alongside the majestic ruins of Chulangani Chaitya, an enduring legacy of King Mahanaga.

    Wasgamuwa National Park encompasses a diverse dry zone habitat comprising primary and secondary riverine forests and sprawling grasslands. Renowned for its abundant wildlife, the park offers unparalleled opportunities to witness large herds of elephants, with gatherings sometimes exceeding 150 individuals per herd. The optimal time for elephant sightings is between November and May, when they migrate to nearby national parks during the dry seasons.

    Spanning an expansive 36,900 hectares in the Matale and Polonnaruwa districts, just 10 kilometres from the Northern Province boundary, Wasgamuwa National Park is easily accessible from Sigiriya, approximately two hours away. Revered as a bastion of biodiversity, the park boasts a staggering array of flora, including 150 species with economic value and a venerable 1,700-year-old tamarind tree.

    Home to an impressive array of wildlife, Wasgamuwa teems with 23 species of mammals, including the endemic purple-faced langur and toque macaque monkey, water buffalo, wild boar, sambar and axis deer, as well as elusive inhabitants like the sloth bear and leopard. The park’s reptilian population includes five endemic species, including the water monitor and mugger crocodile, alongside a captivating array of lizards.

    Flush with avian diversity, Wasgamuwa is home to 143 bird species, including endemic treasures like the Ceylon jungle fowl and red-faced malkoha. Marvel at the graceful flight of peafowl, painted stork, white-necked stork, black-headed ibis, and Eurasian spoonbill, among countless other feathered inhabitants that grace the skies above Wasgamuwa.

    Gal Oya National Park

    Gal Oya National Park

    Gal Oya National Park

    Nestled in the picturesque district of Ampara within Sri Lanka's Eastern Province lies the captivating Gal Oya National Park, a haven of natural splendour and wildlife wonders. Accessible from Sigiriya with a scenic three-hour drive, this park offers a truly distinctive adventure as the sole destination where visitors can embark on a boat safari to encounter wildlife and witness the famous ‘swimming elephants’ phenomenon.

    Established in 1954, Gal Ola National Park serves as the primary catchment area for the Senanayake Samudra, Sri Lanka's largest reservoir, created by damming the Galoya River. Positioned alongside the reservoir at the Inginiyagala entrance, the park presents a breathtaking spectacle for visitors. A leisurely boat ride across its serene waters provides a unique perspective of the park and its myriad islands.

    Encompassing an expansive 25,900 hectares, Gal Oya National Park is renowned for its thriving elephant population, which can be observed year-round. During a boat safari, visitors are treated to the majestic sight of herds of elephants gracefully traversing the reservoir, swimming from island to island in search of food, a unique phenomenon only found in Gal Oya. This spectacle reaches its zenith between March and July each year, offering a unique wildlife encounter. Additionally, the boat ride presents opportunities to witness flocks of birds nesting on the aptly named "Bird's Island."

    While Gal Oya National Park welcomes visitors throughout the year, the dry season from April to September provides optimal conditions for elephant sightings along the banks of the Senanayake Samudra reservoir, enveloped by the park’s pristine wilderness. Whether by jeep or boat safari on the reservoir, expert guides ensure visitors are positioned at the right place and time for unforgettable wildlife viewing experiences.

    The park’s diverse vegetation encompasses shrublands, grasslands, and forests, abundant with valuable medicinal herbs utilised in Ayurveda. Gal Oya is home to an impressive array of wildlife, with 32 recorded mammal species, including elephants, leopards, langurs, endemic toque macaques, sloth bears, wild boars, Sri Lankan sambar deer, axis deer, and water buffalo. Reptile enthusiasts can marvel at sightings of mugger crocodiles and star tortoises, while the park’s avian residents include nearly 150 bird species, both migratory and endemic. Endemic treasures such as the lesser adjutant, spot-billed pelican, and red-faced malkoha grace the skies alongside waterfowl like the lesser whistling duck, Indian cormorant, orient darter, and grey heron. Gal Oya National Park also boasts a vibrant array of butterflies, amphibians, and raptors, enriching the immersive experience of exploring this remarkable wilderness.

    Maduru Oya National Park

    Maduru Oya National Park

    Maduru Oya National Park

    A barely visited hidden gem, Maduru Oya National is among Sri Lanka's cherished natural reserves. Established on November 9th, 1983, as part of the Mahaweli development project, this expansive sanctuary spans an impressive 58,849 hectares and serves as a vital catchment area for the Maduru Oya Reservoir. Located in the arid dry zone, it is approximately a two-hour and twenty-minute drive from Sigiriya.

    Renowned for its thriving elephant population, Maduru Oya National Park offers a haven for diverse wildlife. Amidst its rugged terrain, visitors may encounter majestic creatures such as leopards, sloth bears, sambhur, spotted and barking deer, wild boar, and wild buffalo. The park is also a sanctuary for various primate species, including the toque macaque, purple-faced langur, and the elusive slender loris. Additionally, sightings of porcupines, black-naped hares, Indian pangolins, and many squirrel species add to the park's rich biodiversity.
    Maduru Oya National Park is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, boasting over 100 species of avian residents. Among them, the majestic lesser adjutant, woolly-necked stork, openbill, painted stork, racket-tailed drongo, yellow-fronted barbet, Sri Lankan jungle fowl, and spur fowl grace the skies, adding melody to the wilderness.

    Conclusion

    This featured list of Sri Lanka’s lesser-known wildlife parks will enrich your experience beyond the more crowded Yala, Wilpattu and Minneriya parks. Sigiriya offers the perfect base to explore these untamed landscapes in the North Central Province, with authentic untamed experiences of the island’s mesmerising wildlife.

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