lunugamvehera national park

Lunugamvehera National Park Nestled in the beautiful Monaragala district of Sri Lanka’s Uva Province, Lunugamvehera is a hidden gem for wildlife enthusiasts. This enchanting national park, located 261 km from Colombo and accessible through Tissamaharama in the Southern province, promises a safari experience like no other.

Established in 1995, Lunugamvehera National Park serves as a crucial catchment area for the Lunugamvehera Reservoir and provides a sanctuary for diverse wildlife. It acts as a vital elephant corridor, connecting Yala National Park to the east with Udawalawe National Park to the west, making it a prime destination for elephant sightings.

Covering an extensive 23,498 hectares, the park features a dry mixed dense evergreen forest with diverse flora like Weera, Pallu, Teak, Eucalyptus, and Kon. Vast grasslands and scrublands complement the natural beauty, with the highlight being the serene Lunugamvehera reservoir spanning 3,283 hectares.

Lunugamvehera National Park offers various safari options for nature enthusiasts. Choose from morning, afternoon, or full-day safaris, each providing unique opportunities to witness diverse wildlife, captivating landscapes, and the wonders of nature. Embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of Lunugamvehera’s wilderness, where every safari promises awe-inspiring moments.

The park teems with rich biodiversity, housing mammals like elephants, wild buffaloes, Wild Boar, Sambar deer, Fishing cat, Asian Palm civet, Grey mongoose, Sloth bear, and Mouse deer. It also boasts 21 fish species, 12 amphibians, and 33 reptile species.

For birdwatchers, Lunugamvehera is a paradise with nearly 200 species, including the Jungle fowl, Sri Lanka Woodshrike, Chestnut-headed bee-eater, and Spot-Billed pelican. The park’s dry zone forest experiences temperatures around 30 degrees centigrade, with rainfall between November and January, making it a year-round destination.

Explore Lunugamvehera’s abundant wildlife through a pre-arranged Jeep Safari, offering an up-close encounter with the wilderness. What sets Lunugamvehera apart is its status as a less-visited national park, providing a unique opportunity for almost private shows of nature’s wonders. Imagine the thrill of spotting a magnificent leopard during your safari, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime.