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by Chanuka Mannapperuma and Nisansala Aryachandra

Tucked away behind a bustling village along the
Kandy-Colombo Road the Horagolla National Park is 'Serendipity' in real life.For, to enter this park, the only National Park in the Western Province is to stumble on to happy discoveries that could truly hold you spellbound. Scheduled to be opened to the public shortly, the park is home to a range of birds, butterflies and mammals, not often seen in the country.

There are many rare species of fauna and flora here. The Indian jak tree, Kumbuk and Nedun trees are some of them. Certain areas have been allocated for students and for those interested in researching on fauna and flora.

There are 10 species of mammals and 64 varieties of birds, including the Laya Sudu Pilihuduwa, Ran Pilihuduwa, Podhu Karamala, Laya Sudu Korawakka, Rehenmara, Kobeiya, Neela Kobeiya, Layathebili Korawakka, Spilornis Cheela and Sri Lanka Yellow-eared Bulbul (Pycnonotus penicillatus) .

It is also home to 64 species of butterflies. In addition to this, you will also see 26 kinds of migrant species of which six varieties are indigenous to Sri Lanka.

Other rare species are Argyreus hyperbius (butterfly of Indian origin), Katakaluwa (Calotes nigriladris), Dabola Russellii (type of python), Macaca Sinica (monkey), Rana Griacilis (toad), Melanochelys Trijuga Trijuga (turtle), Unahapuluwa, etc.

The fishing cat commonly known as Handun Diviya (Felisvi Verrinas) is an endemic species. 'Vatassa' a carnivorous plant which feeds on ants and termites is also found in the park.

The National Wild Life Department has assigned guides to help the people inside the park. The 'Horakele Wewa' which has many rare fishes and aquatic plants, flows through the park.

Within the boundaries of the park the management has initiated a sub project that intends to safeguard and protect the endangered species of 'wilmuwa'. Through the wilmuwa project a collection of deer will be selected, mainly from the Galle District. The area blocked out for this project consists of a large pond surrounded by trees and bushes of rare origins.

The National WildLife Department is in charge of the conservation project of the park which costs Rs. 3 million. The park is situated within 1 1/2 hours drive from Colombo city and is in close proximity to the Katunayake Airport.

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