Wasgamuwa National Park:

Paradise for Nature Lovers

by Beverley Jansz

There is historical evidence to the effect that this area had been inhabited by man during the ancient Sinhala Kingdoms in BC.

Giant canal of Kalinga (Kalinga Yodha Ela) built in the reign by king Parakramabahu in the 12th century while the remains of Malagamuwa, Wilmitiya, Wasgamuwa and Dasthota tanks bear witness to the past prosperity of the area. Kalinga island (Kalinga Duwa) too is an interesting place to visit.

Kadurupitiya, Dagoda, Baduruwayaya Buddha Statue, Malagamuwa stone pillars and other ruins also bear witness to the past glory of the area.

Yudanganapitiya where the armies camped during the battle of kings Dutugemunu and Elara is yet another place of historical importance within the Wasgamuwa National Park. Twenty three (23) species of mammals in Sri Lanka have been reported from this park.

The most important of them is the wild elephant, the population of which is approximately 150. In addition, one could see the wild buffaloes grazing in the grassland while spotted Deer roam in the open areas. There are also water monitors and crocodiles very often roaming in the water holes within the park. Of the 428 species of birds reported to be found in Sri Lanka, 143 species are found at the Wasgamuwa park.

Wasgamuwa National Park located in the districts of Matale and Polonnaruwa and bordered by the 'Mahaweli' and 'Amban' rivers, and stretches an impressive 36,948 hectares. It was declared a National Park in 1984, making it the only one in the Central Province.

Home to a huge variety of flora and fauna (23 species of mammal - including elephants and bears, 143 birds, 8 amphibians, 17 fresh water fishes, 17 reptiles, 50 butterflies and 150 plants) this Park is truly a paradise for the nature lover. With many small scale ancient tanks and several other ruins and ancient religious sites, the Park also has significant historical importance. For keen hikers, it is also home to the 'Sudu Kanda' mountain range (about 470m above sea level).

Long before wildlife conservation became fashionable, Sri Lanka already had areas of jungle marked out for conservation. One such case is that of the Wasgamuwa National Park, a portion of which was declared a Strict Nature Reserve as early as 1938.

It's not terribly fun just reading names, is it? Much better to just take that three-hour car ride and see for yourself the amazing assortment of life teeming in Wasgamuwa National Park.

Vinset Holiday Resort

Vinset Holiday Resort is built within walking distance to the Wasgamuwa Wildlife Sanctuary, which is considered to be one of Sri Lanka's chief eco. tourism venues.

The resort is also in close proximity to the fascinating 'Knuckles' range of mountains, in the Matale district. The cottage type resort has four bedrooms and is being given out as one unit, specially to Sri Lankan families to spend a memorable holiday at Wasgamuwa where elephants roam. Vinset Holiday is a popular stopover for tourists visiting the Park and the resort offers delicious packeted meals.

Managing Director, Vinset Holiday Resort, K.A.V. Dharmasiri built this resort as his family bungalow but due to the demand from tourists visiting Wasgamuwa Wildlife Sanctuary, he decided to convert it to a resort.

The resort offers jeep safaris to the Wasgamuwa Park, and to the 'Knuckles' range of mountains. Another main attraction offered to tourists is dip in the mighty Mahaweli River which runs adjacent to the resort. Vinset Holiday Resort can be reached via. E-mail [email protected]