Wasgamuwa’s charm lies in its untamed spirit. Established in 1984, the park spans 36,900 hectares of varied habitats, scrub jungles, grasslands and riverine forests. Its location between the Mahaweli and Amban rivers makes it rich in biodiversity and water resources. 

Wild elephants are Wasgamuwa’s stars, with herds often seen grazing or bathing along riverbanks. Unlike in more popular parks, encounters here feel raw and unhurried. Sloth bears, leopards, sambars and water buffalo also roam freely, while over 140 bird species fill the skies, from painted storks to Sri Lanka junglefowl. 

The park also hides traces of Sri Lanka’s ancient civilization. Remnants of irrigation canals and ruins of forgotten temples dot the wilderness, whispering stories of kingdoms past. For explorers, this fusion of history and nature deepens the experience. 

Less crowded than Yala or Minneriya, Wasgamuwa appeals to those seeking solitude in nature. Jeep safaris here move through landscapes that shift from dense forests to open plains, each alive with wildlife. With its dual identity as both sanctuary and time capsule, Wasgamuwa offers a safari unlike any other, immersive, historical and profoundly wild.