Polonnaruwa is an ancient city located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. It was the capital of the country from the 11th to the 13th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While Polonnaruwa is primarily known for its rich historical and archaeological significance, it also boasts a diverse range of natural beauty and wildlife.
Minneriya National Park is one of the main attractions for wildlife enthusiasts.Apart from elephants, the park is home to a variety of other wildlife, including sambar deer, sloth bears, leopards, and numerous bird species. Kaudulla National Park is another important wildlife sanctuary in the region. Like Minneriya, it is known for its elephant population and offers similar wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors can embark on safari drives to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.Hurulu Eco Park is a protected area that provides a haven for diverse wildlife. The park is especially known for its significant population of Sri Lankan elephants.Wasgamuwa National Park is another prominent wildlife sanctuary in Sri Lanka. This park is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to elephants, leopards, sloth bears, and many other animals. The Parakrama Samudra, the largest tank in Polonnaruwa, is a significant attraction known for its scenic beauty and birdwatching opportunities.
Visiting Polonnaruwa provides a unique blend of ancient history and natural wonders, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the rich wildlife and natural landscapes of the region.
Table of Contents
- Minneriya National Park
- Kaudulla National Park
- Wasgamuwa National Park
- Hurulu Eco Park
- Parakrama Samudraya (Sea of Parakrama)
Minneriya National Park
Minneriya National Park is located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, approximately 182 kilometers from Colombo.
Wildlife: Minneriya National Park is home to a wide range of wildlife species. The park’s most iconic inhabitants are the elephants. During the dry season, as water sources in the surrounding areas diminish, herds of elephants gather near the Minneriya Tank, creating a remarkable spectacle. It is estimated that hundreds of elephants can be seen during this gathering, making it one of the largest elephant gatherings in the world. Apart from elephants, visitors may also spot other mammals such as sambar deer, spotted deer, wild boar, water buffalo, and even leopards.
Birdlife: The park is a haven for bird enthusiasts, with over 170 species of birds recorded. Both resident and migratory birds can be found here. Among the notable bird species are painted storks, great white pelicans, spot-billed pelicans, open-billed storks, Sri Lanka grey hornbills, and various species of herons, eagles, and kingfishers.
Flora and Vegetation: Minneriya National Park encompasses a mix of ecosystems, including dry mixed evergreen forests, grasslands, and wetlands.
Safari Experience: Visitors to Minneriya National Park can embark on thrilling safari drives to explore the park and its wildlife. Safaris are usually conducted in 4×4 vehicles, with experienced guides who have extensive knowledge of the park’s flora and fauna. These safaris offer an opportunity to observe elephants at close range, witness other wildlife in their natural habitat, and enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the park.
Timing and Accessibility: The best time to visit Minneriya National Park is during the dry season, which typically runs from July to October when “The Gathering” of elephants takes place.
Minneriya National Park is a remarkable destination for wildlife enthusiasts, offering an unforgettable experience with its elephant gatherings, diverse birdlife, and stunning natural surroundings.
Kaudulla National Park
Kaudulla National Park is a protected area located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, approximately 190 kilometers from Colombo.
Wildlife: The park is home to a wide range of wildlife species. Its most famous inhabitants are the elephants, which migrate from the surrounding areas to Kaudulla National Park during the dry season (usually from August to December). Visitors have the opportunity to witness herds of elephants, often numbering in the hundreds, as they gather near the Kaudulla Tank to feed and bathe.
Birdlife: Kaudulla National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 200 species of birds recorded within its boundaries. The park’s wetlands and surrounding forests provide ideal habitats for a diverse range of avian species. Some notable bird species found in Kaudulla include the endemic Sri Lanka junglefowl, painted storks, spot-billed pelicans, black-headed ibis, open-billed storks, and various species of eagles, kingfishers, and waterfowl.
Flora and Vegetation: The park consists of a mix of habitats, including grasslands, scrublands, forests, and wetlands. The vegetation in Kaudulla National Park includes tropical dry mixed evergreen forests and dry monsoon forests.
Kaudulla Tank: The Kaudulla Tank, an ancient reservoir, is the centerpiece of the national park. It was built in the 3rd century by King Mahasena and serves as a vital water source for the park’s flora and fauna. The tank and its surrounding grasslands attract a variety of wildlife, including elephants, sambar deer, axis deer, wild boar, and various water birds.
Safari Experience: Jeep safaris are the most common way to traverse the park and observe animals in their natural habitat. These safaris are typically led by experienced guides who have extensive knowledge of the park’s wildlife and can provide insights about the flora, fauna, and conservation efforts within the park.
Accessibility: Kaudulla National Park is easily accessible from major cities like Colombo and Sigiriya. The park is open for visitors throughout the year, but the best time to visit is during the dry season when the elephant gatherings occur. It is recommended to book a safari in advance and follow the guidelines and regulations set by the park authorities to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
Wasgamuwa National Park
Wasgamuwa National Park is a protected area located in the Matale and Polonnaruwa districts of Sri Lanka. Spanning across approximately 36,900 hectares, the park is renowned for its rich biodiversity, diverse landscapes, and abundant wildlife.
Wildlife: The park is known for its elephant population, and visitors have the opportunity to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Other commonly spotted animals include Sri Lankan sloth bears, leopards, sambar deer, spotted deer, wild boar, water buffalo, and several species of monkeys.
Birdlife:The park boasts a diverse avian population, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Over 150 species of birds have been recorded in Wasgamuwa National Park.
Flora and Vegetation: Wasgamuwa National Park encompasses a variety of ecosystems, including grasslands, dry mixed evergreen forests, riverine forests, and wetlands.
Mahaweli River: The Mahaweli River, the longest river in Sri Lanka, flows along the western border of Wasgamuwa National Park. The river and its tributaries provide a water source for the park’s wildlife, creating an essential habitat for various species.
Safari Experience: Wasgamuwa National Park offers exciting safari experiences for visitors to explore its wildlife and natural landscapes. Jeep safaris are the primary means of traversing the park, and experienced guides accompany visitors to ensure a safe and informative trip. The safaris allow visitors to get up close to the wildlife, observe their behavior, and capture memorable photographs.
Wasgamuwa National Park provides a fantastic opportunity to witness the natural beauty of Sri Lanka and experience its wildlife diversity. Whether it’s observing elephants in their natural habitat, spotting rare bird species, or immersing oneself in the park’s scenic landscapes, a visit to Wasgamuwa National Park is sure to be an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Hurulu Eco Park
Hurulu Eco Park, also known as Hurulu Forest Reserve, is a protected area located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, close to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. Spanning an area of approximately 26,000 hectares, the park is known for its diverse flora and fauna, with a particular focus on elephant conservation.
Wildlife: Visitors to Hurulu Eco Park have a high chance of spotting elephants, often in large herds. Apart from elephants, the park is also home to other wildlife species, including sambar deer, Sri Lankan axis deer, Sri Lankan sloth bears, leopards, wild boar, and various species of monkeys.
Birdlife: The park boasts a rich diversity of bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Over 150 species of birds have been recorded in Hurulu Eco Park. Bird enthusiasts can spot a variety of resident and migratory species, such as painted storks, Asian open-bill storks, black-headed ibis, Sri Lanka grey hornbills, Indian peafowls, and various species of eagles, kingfishers, and waterfowl.
Flora and Vegetation: Hurulu Eco Park features a mix of ecosystems, including dry zone forests, grasslands, and wetlands.The vegetation in the park includes trees such as palu (Manilkara hexandra), ebony (Diospyros ebenum), weera (Drypetes sepiaria), satin (Chloroxylon swietenia), and bulu (Terminalia arjuna).
Safari Experience: Safari drives are the primary means of exploring Hurulu Eco Park. Visitors can embark on guided jeep safaris to navigate through the park and encounter its wildlife. Experienced guides provide insights about the park’s flora, fauna, and conservation efforts, enhancing the overall safari experience. It is advisable to book safaris in advance to secure a spot and ensure a more personalized experience.
Accessibility: Hurulu Eco Park is easily accessible from Polonnaruwa and other nearby cities in the North Central Province. The park is open for visitors throughout the year.The best time to visit is typically during the dry season, from May to September.
Parakrama Samudraya (Sea of Parakrama)
Parakrama Samudraya, also known as the Sea of Parakrama, is a massive reservoir located in the Polonnaruwa District of Sri Lanka.
Historical Significance: Parakrama Samudraya was constructed during the reign of King Parakramabahu I (1153-1186 AD), who was the ruler of the Polonnaruwa Kingdom. The king was known for his impressive hydraulic engineering projects, and the construction of this reservoir was one of his most remarkable achievements. It was built by diverting water from the Amban River to create a massive reservoir, which served as a vital water source for agriculture and irrigation in the region.
Size and Capacity: Parakrama Samudraya covers an extensive area of approximately 12,000 acres (49 square kilometers) and has a capacity of about 134 million cubic meters of water.
Water Management: The reservoir has a well-designed system of bunds (earthen embankments) and canals that help control the water flow. This sophisticated hydraulic system enables the efficient distribution of water to the agricultural fields located downstream, facilitating irrigation for paddy cultivation and supporting the livelihoods of the local communities.
Scenic Beauty: Parakrama Samudraya offers breathtaking natural beauty. The vast expanse of water, surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills, creates a picturesque landscape. Visitors can enjoy the serene ambiance and take in the scenic views by the reservoir. The reservoir and its surroundings attract numerous bird species, especially during the migratory season.
Parakrama Samudraya stands as a testament to the advanced engineering skills of ancient Sri Lanka and serves as a vital water source even today. It combines historical significance, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities, making it an intriguing and enjoyable destination for visitors.
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