2018 Aug 21
Sri Lanka, a land that is now reaching the peak of its developing phase, has undergone rapid urbanization not only in the commercial capital, Colombo, but also in other major cities all around the country. In doing so, natural jungles are sadly being replaced with concrete jungles. The consequences associated with the acquisition of land, destruction of natural habitats and exploitation of natural resources will soon leave the country facing problems like health issues and poorer quality of life. However, hope is not lost! The increased number National Parks in the country not only attracts tourists, but more importantly, aims to conserve the ‘wild nature’ that thrives beautifully in our tiny little island. Hands down, the popular parks like Wilpattu, Yala, and Udawalawe National parks are the pioneers today. However, it is now time to shine some light on the unsung heroes, in the form of lesser known national parks that are also serving this honorable cause for the good of our country.
1. Bundala National Park
Located in the Southern close to the city of Hambantota, this park was declared a National Park in 1993 and is famous for its migratory water bird flocks, especially the great flamingo. Furthermore, the Bundala National Park was named a designated biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 2005.
For more details, contact : +94 473 489 070
2. Wasgamuwa National Park
Graded as a National Park in the early 1970s, the Wasgamuwa national park is known for its large herds of elephants. It is situated 225 km from Colombo and spreads across the Matala and Pollonaruwa districts. Within the park premises are the ruins of irrigation tanks and tanks built by King Parakramabahu.
For more details, contact : +94 663 669 046
3. Kaudulla National Park
King Mahasen, known in Sri Lankan history for his irrigation wonders, had used Kaudulla as one of his many tanks. Declared as a National Park in 2002, the abandoned tank and its surroundings is now a diverse ecosystem of flora and fauna and is acknowledges as an ‘Important Bird Area’. The park is in the Polonnaruwa District, 197 km from Colombo.
For more details, contact :+94 71 888 8057
4. Gal Oya National Park
Serving as the river basin of Sri Lanka’ s largest inland reservoir, Senanayake Samudhraya, Gal Oya National park attracts tourists all year long for the herd of elephants it shelters. Moreover, ayurvedic medicine relies on this park for its indigenous flora. Being established as a National Park in 1954, it is located in the Uva province, 314 km from Colombo.
For more details, contact : +94 632 242 002
5. Kumana National Park
Famous for its migratory water birds and 200-hectare estuary, this park is situated near the coast of the Ampara district – 391 km from Colombo. This park has had its fair share of dark days due to the civil war attacks and the tsunami of ’06. Formally part of the famous Yala National Park, the Kumana National Park emerged as its own standalone National Park in 2006.
For more details, contact : +94 77 347 6288
6. Lunugamvehera National Park
Serving to protect the Lunugamvehera water reservoir and its surrounding ecosystems, this park is 261 km southeast of Colombo and was declared in 1995. Bull elephants are seen to cross this area as they migrate between the Yala and Udawalawe National Parks. Caught in the middle of heavy drought and heavy monsoon rain, the river basin forming this park is crucial in maintaining the water level of all reservoirs downstream of the famous Kirindi Oya.
For more details, contact: +94 47 3 489159
7. Maduru Oya National Park
288 km from the city of Colombo, the Maduru Oya National Park shelters a group of indigenous people, or “veddhas” at its boundary in Henanigala. The park was stated in 1983, and is facing many problems ever since, namely poaching of fauna and illegal deforestation by timber industries. Inspite of this, the Maduru Oya National Park is one of the more quiet and peaceful choices for a safari and elephant spotting.
For more details, contact +94 273 279 207
8. Pigeon Island National Park
Named after the rock pigeons that use it as a breeding ground, this is one of the two marine national parks in the country. Consisting of two islands, this national park lies on the island’s east coast, 280 km from Colombo. Since its establishment in 1963, this park has attracted tourists in heaps for its scenic boat rides, snorkeling facilities and lush coral reefs.
For more details, contact: +94 267388388
9. Galway’s Land National Park
One of the smaller parks maintained by the Department of Wildlife Conservation and dedicated to preserving the mountainous ecosystems of the island, this national park is situated within reach of the Nuwara Eliya town, 170 km from Colombo. The former sanctuary gained National Park status in 2006, receiving even more attraction for its significant bird watching site.
For more details, contact: +94 11 2 888 585 (Department of Wildlife Conservation)
10. Lahugala Kitulana National Park
Home to a herd of elephants and a variety of birds, the Lahugala Kitulana National park is one of the smallest in the country. Being 318 km east of Colombo, this park attained its ‘National Park’ status from ‘Sanctuary’ in 1980.
For more details, contact: +94 63 3 730685
11. Flood plains National Park
Receiving its name from its geographical position in the flood plain of the Mahaveli River, this park is 220km from Colombo and was named a National Park in 1984. The rich fertile soil in the flood plain exhibits a diverse ecosystem of flora as well as herbivore fauna, spotted deer and elephants being the highlight.
For more details, contact: +94 71 707 5266
12. Hikkaduwa National Park
A popular tourist destination 115km from Colombo, the town of Hikkaduwa hosts one of the marine national parks in Sri Lanka. The park was named a National Park in 1988 and gives visitors the opportunity to snorkel, dive or even have a glass-bottomed boat ride to see one of the most beautiful and biodiverse fringing coral reefs in the island.
For more details, contact: +94912275186
13. Chundikkulum National Park
Affected by the civil war and former bird sanctuary 346km from Colombo, the Chundikkulum National Park was gained its status in 2015. Mangrove and Palmyra plantations thrive in this park and attracts a number of water bird species.
For more details, contact: +94 11 2 888 585 (Department of Wildlife Conservation)
