Plan a visit to Wasgamuwa National Park. Sri Lanka has a handful of national parks scattered across the country, Wasgamuwa is known specifically for its wild elephants. The park spans almost forty thousand hectares that is spread between the Polonnaruwa and Matale Districts. The mighty Mahaweli River flows to the east of the park, the northern and western boundaries are drawn by the Amban River, while the Dunuwila Lake is located on the south side.

A wildlife safari at the Wasgamuwa National Park can be arranged through Mahoora Tented Safari Camps, bringing you up close to the wild animals that roam the jungles. Apart from the Sri Lankan elephants, a variation of the Asian elephant; there are sloth bears, leopards and abundant bird life to be encountered when exploring the area. Large numbers of peacocks reside inside the park and can occasionally be seen with their iridescent tails spread in fans, performing the mating dance. The elephants often wander outside the borders of the park to neighbouring national parks.

There are man-made reservoirs within the park that were built in ancient times and have stood the test of time. These watering holes draw large herds of deer and buffalo, crocodiles who rest on the banks and elephants who seek out water, especially during the drier months when there is little rainfall. The dry season, which is at its peak from July through to September, sees large gatherings of animals making their way from Wasgamuwa National Park to the nearby Minneriya Nationals Park. The parkland around Minneriya reservoir has grass that is more fertile and can last the months of drought. The herds of elephants that converge on the park can amount to as many as five hundred at a time.

Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world.

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