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Lunugamvehera National Park — Monaragala

Cover photo: Sachindra Chalaka (Unsplash)

District

Monaragala

Province

Uva

Best for

Off-beat safari fans; elephant herds and buffalo on quiet reservoir plains

Map

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About this place

Park spanning Monaragala and Hambantota districts around the Lunugamvehera reservoir, linking Yala and Udawalawe corridors. Jeep safaris from the Thanamalwila or Lunugamvehera gates see elephants, water buffalo and endemic birds with very few vehicles. Half-day jeeps booked via local operators; park fees apply. Best in dry months June-September; bring binoculars and full-day water.

Visitor brief

Good to know before you go

• Quiet off-beat safari park around the Lunugamvehera reservoir; elephants, water buffalo and endemic birds with very few vehicles.
• Key elephant corridor between Yala and Udawalawe; dry months roughly June-September are best.
• Half-day jeeps only, booked via local operators; park entry plus jeep hire apply — confirm the itemised total.
• Bring binoculars, sun cover and a full day's water; no shops inside.
• Early morning or late afternoon drives give the best sightings.

How to travel there

Gates near Thanamalwila (Hambantota-Wellawaya road) and Galge (Sella Kataragama-Buttala road); reach by car or arranged vehicle from Thanamalwila, Buttala, Wellawaya or Tissamaharama. Book a half-day jeep via a local operator; no public transport to the gates.

Where to stay

Thanamalwila or Buttala: safari lodges, eco-lodges and budget guesthouses; Tissamaharama (under 1 hr) for more choice.

Nearby places

Thanamalwila town, Buttala and the Buttala elephants viewpoint, Yala National Park, Udawalawe National Park (west)

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