There are many beautiful national parks across the length and breath of the country. Though now the flourishing Wasgamuwa National Park has many visitors, there is enough historical evidence to suggest that this woodlands were occupied by man during the ancient Sinhala kingdoms before the birth of Christ. The signs are a pointer to the fact that here prosperity reigned at one point of time. A huge canal, Kalinga Yodha Ela, was built during the reign of King Parakramabahu whose reign was in the 12th century. The remains of Malagamuwa, Wilmitiya, Wasgamuwa and Dasthota tanks are all relics of past prosperity. Pay a visit to Kalinga Island or Kalinga Duwa which too has areas of interest. Kadurupitiya, Dagoda, Baduruwayaya Buddha Statue, Malagamuwa stone pillars and other ruins emphasize the past glory of this area.
Within the Wasgamawa National Park, Yudanganapitiya, where the armies camped during the battle of the kings Durugemunu and Elara is a place of historical significance and should be on the “must see” list. There are at least twenty three species of mammals in this national park.
Around 150 elephants have made this park their home. Wild buffaloes, spotted Deer are very common here. It is possible to see a leopard or a sloth bear. There are also water monitors and crocodiles in the water holes in the park.
Innumerable species of birds are found here. In Sri Lanka there are around 428 species of birds. Some migratory birds too make the island their home. Since the island is a tropical paradise, it is not surprising that several birds of tropics are found here. All of them are brightly colored and some are song birds. About 143 species of birds are found in Wasgamawa National Park.
Several facilities are offered by the parks for the visitor wanting to stay the night. This park is open each day from 6.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. You have to make the reservation of Circuit Bungalows or Camp Sites from the Head office. There are three bungalows within the park and two bungalows outside the park. Seven campsites for nature lovers to study the natural environment are available within the park. The Wasgamuwa National Park lies within the Polonnaruwa and Matale districts and the Mahaweli River and Amban River flow as its eastern and western boundaries.
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