Lunugamvehera National Park
Lunugamvehera National Park, reservoir, and wildlife area first opened its doors to the public in 2005, following the conclusion of the civil war in Sri Lanka. This park aims to safeguard the catchment area of the Lunugamvehera reservoir and serves as a corridor for elephants to travel between Yala National Park and Udawalawe National Park.
The park spans approximately 23,498 hectares, of which 3,283 hectares comprise the reservoir. Located in the Uva and Southern provinces, Lunugamvehera lies within the dry zone of Sri Lanka and experiences annual droughts. Despite this, the park boasts a rich biodiversity, featuring scrublands and grasslands that provide sustenance for its herbivorous inhabitants. While larger national parks like Yala are more popular with tourists, the wildlife experiences offered by Lunugamvehera National Park are equally significant, hosting a mixture of 21 fish species, 12 amphibians, 33 reptiles, 183 birds, and 43 mammals.
Under blue skies, occasionally dotted with clouds, herds of wild elephants and buffaloes are common sights. Additionally, Sri Lankan sambar deer, wild boars, and grizzled giant squirrels can be observed, alongside endemic amphibians and aquatic reptiles like the mugger crocodile. The tufted grey langur can also be spotted in its natural habitat, providing a rare and delightful sight for visitors.
