Visit an Elephant Conservation Centre and Guided Safari in Wasgamuwa National Park
A rewarding day which combines a safari exploring Wasgamuwa National Park, one of Sri Lanka’s most ancient forests, and a visit to a conservation centre specialising in reducing human-elephant conflict.
Area
Ancient Cities
Type
Community & Culture
Wildlife & Nature
Grade
Standard
Who
Adults
Teens
Difficulty
Moderate
Duration
Half Day
Wasgamuwa National Park is one of Sri Lanka’s oldest forests, protected since 1928 and home to a really varied ecosystem including grasslands, swamps and evergreen tropical forests. The variety of habitats makes it an appealing home to a wide range of mammals including elephant, bear, spotted deer and leopard. You’ll find a dazzling array of bird species to discover, too, from the endemic golden hornbill, to more common birds such as peacock and black eagle.
You will set off on an afternoon jeep safari to explore the park, accompanied by field researchers from the Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society (SLWCS) who have been working for 30 years to mitigate human-wildlife conflict between rural communities and elephant populations. As the demands on wild places grows from growing numbers of both people and wildlife, elephants start to roam outside the national parks and reserves in search of food, often raiding farms.
The SLWCS works closely with these rural communities to ensure both they and the elephants thrive. Ranging from educational programmes to practical farming solutions such as planting fruit that elephants dislike eating, to creating safe spaces to seek shelter along pathways that both elephants and villagers traverse, you’ll be inspired to hear about their work. Your experience includes a donation to help fund the great work of the society.
Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
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View AccommodationUga Ulagalla
Set in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, Uga Ulagalla blends restored heritage with contemporary and sweeping reservoir views, a serene sanctuary where culture, nature, and authentic experiences unfold at your pace.
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View AccommodationVil Uyana
Vil Uyana offers spacious luxury dwellings, built over a wetlands area just a few kilometres from Sigiriya. The perfect destination as part of a wider Sri Lankan itinerary, this is a place to relax, unwind, pamper yourself and get back to nature.
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View AccommodationAliya Resort & Spa
Aliya Resort and Spa is a modern property with stunning views of the majestic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, one of the most important landmarks in the Cultural Triangle. Aliya is surrounded by greenery and the design is inspired by the Asian elephant.
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View AccommodationRoo Mansala
A boutique retreat in Sigiriya’s Cultural Triangle with six bespoke rooms, dramatic views of Sigiriya and Pidurangala, refined dining, and lush natural surroundings. Perfect for couples, culture lovers, and nature seekers alike.
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View AccommodationWater Garden Sigiriya
Water Garden Sigiriya is an oasis of natural beauty in the heart of The Cultural Triangle, inspired by the ancient water gardens of Sigiriya. Expect luxury in a very open and natural setting with the mountainous Sigiriya Rock Fortress as your backdrop.
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View AccommodationCinnamon Lodge
Cinnamon Lodge is a series of small chalet-style buildings dotted around a 27-acre wooded area and next to a lake. The two-storey chalets have recently been refurbished and the property is well-located for exploring the Cultural Triangle.
More Experiences in This Area
Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.
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View ExperienceBreakfast on Pidurangala Rock
Located just a short distance from the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Pidurangala Rock offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and is the perfect spot to watch the sunrise while enjoying a delicious breakfast spread.
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View ExperienceSpiritual journey with Hermit Monks
Enjoy an insider's tour of the birthplace of Buddhism and engage in meaningful interactions with a resident monk, and conclude with experiencing herbal tea and traditional snacks.
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View ExperienceUlagalla - Organic Garden Tour & Cookery Demonstration
Enjoy a guided tour of the organic herb and vegetable garden during your stay at Ulagalla. Here you can pick ingredients for lunch, and then help prepare a traditional Sri Lankan lunch using this fresh produce and an array of spices.
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View ExperienceMinneriya National Park
The amazing Minneriya National Park is renowned for its elephant populations and beautiful scenery. Enjoy a safari drive in search of the Asian elephant, a highlight for many during their tour through this fascinating teardrop isle.
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View ExperiencePolonnaruwa Ancient City
The ancient city of Polonnaruwa dates from the 10th century AD. Originally planned as an expression and statement of imperial power, the city was eventually abandoned in 1288. Many of the remains are still in excellent condition.
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View ExperienceAnuradhapura Ancient City
Anuradhapura dates from the sixth century BC and is one of Buddhism's holiest sites, containing the 2,200 year old Sri Maha Bodhi tree, grown from a cutting of the Indian tree beneath which Buddha found Enlightenment.
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View ExperienceAnuradhapura Cycling Tour
This bicycle tour of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, brings you to the stupas of Ruwanweliseya, Abayagirl, Jethavana and Samadhi Buddha statue.
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View ExperienceSigiriya Rock
The Sigiriya rock rises majestically from the jungle floor. It is famous for its ‘mirror wall’, so called because of its highly polished surface. Half-way up there are galleries with frescoes in brilliant tempera. Sigirya dates from the 5th century AD.
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View ExperienceSafari Jeep to Minneriya National Park
Enjoy a jeep safari to Minneriya Nataional Park , famous for its wild elephants.
Call us on +852 3579 2478 to start planning