Tucked between the Mahaweli and Amban Rivers in Sri Lanka’s Central and North Central Provinces, Wasgamuwa is a place where wilderness and history intertwine. Here, elephants graze beneath ancient trees, sloth bears shuffle through the underbrush, and the ruins of forgotten kingdoms sleep beneath the forest floor. Far from the crowds of Yala or Minneriya, Wasgamuwa offers a quieter, more contemplative safari—one where every rustle in the grass could be a story waiting to be told.
The name Wasgamuwa is derived from the Sinhala words “Walas” (bear) and “Gamuwa” (village or forest), meaning “the forest of bears”2. This etymology reflects the park’s historic reputation as a stronghold for the Sri Lankan sloth bear, one of the island’s most elusive and endangered mammals. The name is not just poetic—it’s prophetic. Wasgamuwa remains one of the best places in Sri Lanka to spot this shaggy, nocturnal omnivore in the wild.
Historically, the region was part of the ancient Ruhuna and Polonnaruwa kingdoms, with archaeological sites like Yudanganapitiya—believed to be the battlefield where King Dutugemunu and King Elara once clashed—and remnants of Kalinga Yodha Ela, a 12th-century canal built by King Parakramabahu. The park’s landscape is dotted with stone pillars, dagobas, and ancient tanks, whispering of a time when this forest was both a battleground and a breadbasket.
Wasgamuwa is a biodiversity hotspot, home to 23 species of mammals, 143 species of birds, and a rich array of reptiles, amphibians, and butterflies5. Its varied ecosystems—ranging from dry monsoon forests and grasslands to wetlands and riverine forests—support a stunning diversity of life.
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The park is also home to 50 species of butterflies, 9 of which are endemic, and endangered amphibians like the Slender Wood Frog.
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Wasgamuwa’s accommodation scene blends eco-conscious design, rustic charm, and immersive wilderness. Top-rated options include:
While Africa has the Selous Game Reserve and India the Satpura Tiger Reserve, Wasgamuwa offers a uniquely Sri Lankan wilderness experience:
Wasgamuwa is not just a park—it’s a living museum of nature and history, where every trail leads to both a footprint and a footnote.
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