Wildlife at Polonnaruwa

Maduru Oya National Park

  • Area: about 588 km2
  • Status: Established 09 November 1983, and enlarged in area, 16 September 1985.
  • Main entrance: Off  the Polonnaruwa–Batticaloa Road (A11), turn off at  Mannampitiya town, southward towards Maduru Oya  through Aralaganvilla.
  • Travel from PRS (monkey camp): 90 minutes

Geography and Habitat: 15 % of the park’s surface area is taken up by water bodies, mainly the huge Maduru Oya reservoir.  Rolling parklands surround the reservoir. There are many exposed rock outcrops and monadnocks, one notably up to 8 km long.

History and Culture: The reservoir was first built by damming the Maduru Oya river in 272 AD.  The remnants of the ancient sluice gate still exists. The land was formerly home to the first humans to settle Sri Lanka, the Vedda tribe of hunters and gatherers.  The historical sites off interest, Dimbulagala, Silumini Seya, and Kandegama cave temple are on route to the park.

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Wildlife: Elephants number about 150-250 individuals.  Other wildlife typical of the dry zone is supported there.  There is a large population of water birds.