Central & North Central Provinces · Sri Lanka
Wasgamuwa National Park
Safari
A remote, quiet park between two rivers, with elephant herds, sloth bears and very few jeeps. Tell us where you are staying and we will arrange your private Wasgamuwa safari.
About Wasgamuwa National Park
The wilderness
of the bears
Wasgamuwa National Park, Sri Lanka, lies between the Mahaweli and Amban rivers, east of the Knuckles hills. Its name comes from the old words for “wilderness of bears”, and it has been a national park since 1984.
A Wasgamuwa National Park safari is for travellers who want space. The park is large and well off the main tourist route, so you often have the tracks to yourself while you watch elephant herds, wild buffalo and, with luck, a sloth bear.
Comparing parks? See Minneriya National Park, all national parks in Sri Lanka, or our Sri Lanka safari packages.
Inside the park
How Wasgamuwa
is laid out
Wasgamuwa covers about 390 square kilometres of dry forest, grassland and riverbank. Jeeps usually enter from the Hasalaka side and follow tracks through open plains and along the rivers.
The rivers
The Mahaweli and Amban rivers form the park’s borders and draw wildlife in the dry months.
Open plains
Grassland where elephant herds and buffalo graze in the open.
Dry forest
Thick forest that hides sloth bears, leopards and many birds.
Animals to look for
Elephants, bears
and wild buffalo
Elephant herds
Family groups move between the forest and the rivers, especially from June to September.
Sloth bears
Wasgamuwa is one of the better parks for bears, though sightings are never guaranteed.
Birds and buffalo
Wild water buffalo, peacocks, hornbills and over 140 bird species.
Safari times
Wasgamuwa National Park safari times
The park is usually open from about 6 am to 6 pm. Every Wasgamuwa National Park safari we arrange is a half-day safari in your own private jeep.
6:00 – 11:00 amMorning
Morning safari
Cool hours and the best chance of a sloth bear crossing the track.
2:30 – 6:00 pmAfternoon · our pick
Afternoon safari
Elephant herds come out to the plains and rivers later in the day.
Times are approximate, and we confirm everything when you book.
Arrange a Wasgamuwa National Park safari
Arrange your
Wasgamuwa safari
We arrange every Wasgamuwa safari to order, with pickup from your hotel. Tell us where you are staying and your dates, and we will send an itemised quote.
01
Price on request
Private jeep and transfer · pickup anywhere in Sri Lanka
Pickup from your hotel
Staying in Kandy, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya or nearby? We arrange the transfer, the jeep and the timing for you.
- Pickup from your hotel in Kandy, Polonnaruwa or the Cultural Triangle
- Morning or afternoon safari in a private jeep
- Add a night near the park for a slower pace
Park tickets are charged per person, plus vehicle fees and taxes, and are listed separately in your quote. Pay on the day of the tour or in full in advance. Free cancellation until 24 hours before pickup.
Around Wasgamuwa
Worth adding
to your trip
Wasgamuwa sits between the hill country and the Cultural Triangle, so it fits well between Kandy and Polonnaruwa.
Where to stay
Bases for
your Wasgamuwa trip
Near the park
A few simple lodges and campsites close to the gate, ideal for an early start.
Polonnaruwa
Hotels near the ancient city, about 1.5 hours away.
Kandy
Plenty of hotels, about 3 hours away, for a long day trip.
We can book your hotel as part of your trip, or arrange pickup from wherever you are staying.
Travel tips
Tips for a better
Wasgamuwa visit
Go in the dry season
June to September is usually best, when animals gather near the rivers.
Allow time
The roads in are slow, so plan a full day or stay nearby.
Pack for the heat
Bring water, a hat and sunscreen; the plains can be very hot at midday.
Wildlife first
Stay in the jeep, keep a respectful distance and never feed animals.
FAQs
Your Wasgamuwa questions
When is the best time for a Wasgamuwa National Park safari?
Usually from about June to September, in the dry season, when elephants and other animals gather near the rivers.
Can I see sloth bears in Wasgamuwa?
Yes, Wasgamuwa is one of the better parks for sloth bears, especially in the early morning, but sightings are never guaranteed.
How far is Wasgamuwa from Kandy?
About 3 hours by road, and about 1.5 hours from Polonnaruwa.
Is Wasgamuwa busy?
No. It is one of the quietest parks in Sri Lanka, so you often see very few other jeeps.
Can NH Lanka Holidays arrange a private trip to Wasgamuwa?
Yes. NH Lanka Holidays is a licensed, Sri Lankan-owned tour operator based in Negombo. Tell us where you are staying and we arrange the transfer, jeep, park tickets and hotel pickup, or include Wasgamuwa in a longer private tour. You can pay on the day of the tour or in full in advance, and cancellation is free until 24 hours before pickup.
Nearby: Polonnaruwa · Minneriya National Park · Kandy · All national parks in Sri Lanka
Ready when you are
Plan your Wasgamuwa trip
with local experts
Tell us your dates and where you are staying. Our Negombo-based team will reply within 24 hours.