Wasgamuwa National Park, Sri Lanka

Wasgamuwa is one of Sri Lanka's quieter national parks, lying between the Mahaweli and Amban rivers south of Polonnaruwa. It doesn't get the jeep traffic of Yala or Minneriya, so it's a good choice if you want a slower safari with fewer vehicles.

What you might see

• Elephants — herds are often seen, especially near water in the dry season.
• Sloth bears — shy and hard to find, but this is one of the better parks for them.
• Birds — many waterbirds along the rivers and tanks, and forest species too.
• Other wildlife — spotted deer, water buffalo, crocodiles and monkeys. Leopards are present but rarely seen.
• Scenery — sandy river banks and forest, with hills on the horizon.

Visiting tips

• Book a jeep through your accommodation or at the park entrance. Read our safari guide for how safaris work.
• Early morning and late afternoon are best.
• Allow a half-day safari.
• Stay in the jeep, keep quiet and give elephants plenty of space. See our elephant guide.
• Bring water, sun protection and binoculars.

When to visit

June to September, the dry season, is best for elephants gathering near water. The park can be wet around November to January.

Getting there

Wasgamuwa is about 2.5 to 3 hours by road from Kandy or Sigiriya. Roads near the park are slow and public transport is limited, so a private driver is the easiest option. A few simple lodges and campsites are close to the entrance.