The Lunugamwehera National Park is situated in Hambantota in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka 261 kms southwest of Colombo and was declared in 1995 with the idea of safeguarding the catchment area of the Lungamwehera Reservoir, including the wildlife of the surrounding area. The park has been home for water birds and elephants over the years and it serves as a corridor of sorts for elephants to migrate between Yala National Park and the Udawalawe National Park.
Lunugamwehera is situated in the dry zone of Sri Lanka therefore the park is hit by the annual drought during the year and relieved by the southwestern monsoons. The part rests at an elevation of 91 meters which is around 299 ft.
The park is proud of its fauna which consists of species of fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. The common mammals that inhibit the park are the Sri Lanka elephants, wild buffalo, sambar deer, wild boar, spotted chevrotain, grizzle giant squirrels etc.
The forest of Lunugamwehera National Park has many forest layers. Scrubland and grassland team up to make these forests. There are many plant species in this forest at present with teak and eucalyptus making a major breakthrough.
Don’t forget to indulge in the safari across the park where elephants and a herd of other animals roam freely.
Lunugamwehera is indeed a place that one should visit as the natural habitat that is part of the park is only what Sri Lanka can offer. A paradise of sorts, Sri Lanka has many beautiful natural forests and mountains that gives a soothing effect on anyone visiting this places, some historical and others such as the park, places that you could rest and enjoy a very good holiday.
