Lunugamvehera National Park

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Situated between Yala and Udawalawe, Lunugamvehera National Park is a serene wildlife sanctuary that bridges Sri Lanka’s great elephant corridor. Covering over 23,000 hectares, it protects migratory routes used by hundreds of elephants, deer, leopards, and countless bird species. Unlike the more crowded parks, Lunugamvehera offers an intimate safari experience — tranquil lakes, thick forests, and open plains where you can watch herds move gracefully against a golden sunset.

What to See & Do

  • Elephant Watching 🐘🌳: Observe herds by the reservoir 🏞️ and forest edges 🌲👀
  • Jeep Safaris 🚙💨: Enjoy quiet drives through woodlands 🪵 and open grasslands 🌾😌
  • Birdwatching 🐦🔭: Spot peacocks 🦚, hornbills, and migratory water birds 🦢💧
  • Nature Photography 📸🌄: Capture perfect landscapes of lakes 🌊, hills ⛰️, and wildlife 🐾✨

How to Get There

  • From Thanamalvila 🚗💨: A quick 15 minutes by car ⏱️✅
  • From Wellawaya 🛣️: An easy 1-hour drive ⏳😌
  • From Colombo 🏙️➡️: Approx. 6 hours via the A4 highway 🗺️🤓
  • Parking 🅿️: Conveniently available near the park office 📍✔️

Travel Tips

  • Camera & Binoculars 📸🔭: Bring a good camera and binoculars for wildlife shots 🐘🐦✨
  • Safari Guide 🚙🧑‍🏫: Hire an authorized jeep and ranger for the safari 🗺️✅
  • Carry Supplies 💧🍎: Bring water and snacks 🚫— there are no shops inside the park 🤫
  • Extend Your Trip 🏞️🌅: Combine your visit with Gal Oya National Park or Kataragama for a 2-day nature escape 🏕️😌

Suggested Itinerary

Half Day Safari
  • Morning Safari 🐘☀️: **6:00 AM** – Enter Lunugamvehera for a morning jeep safari and prime wildlife viewing 📸✅
  • Breakfast Viewpoint ☕🏞️: **9:00 AM** – Enjoy a relaxing breakfast at a designated viewpoint near the reservoir 😌
  • Ranger Walk 🚶‍♀️🐦: **10:30 AM** – Take a short, guided walk with a ranger to observe birdlife and learn about the flora 🌿💡
  • Lunch & Departure 🍽️👋: **12:00 PM** – Have lunch before departing toward Thanamalvila or Tissamaharama 🚗💨

Opening Hours & Entry

Open:

Daily: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Entry Fee:

Approx. LKR 1,000 (locals) / LKR 4,000 (foreign visitors) + guide and vehicle fee

Best Time to Visit:

May – September (dry season with frequent wildlife sightings)

Location

📌 Lunugamvehera National Park, Thanamalvila, Monaragala District, Sri Lanka

👉 View on Google Maps 

Located about 15 km from Thanamalvila and 1 hour from Tissamaharama. The main entrance is at Lunugamvehera junction on the A18 road.

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