Visit an Elephant Conservation Center 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 center specializing 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 programs 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.
Revenue from this experience directly supports both wildlife conservation efforts as well as this vital work with rural villages.
Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
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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 personalized 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 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.
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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 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.
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 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 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 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 ExperienceDambulla Buddhist Caves
Dambulla is an ancient historical site set on a large granite outcrop. The caves at Dambulla are famous for their temples and have been repainted several times in the 11th, 12th and 18th centuries with secular and Buddhist scenes.
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View ExperienceSafari Jeep to Minneriya National Park
Enjoy a jeep safari to Minneriya Nataional Park , famous for its wild elephants.
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View ExperienceA Community Beekeeping Experience
Step beyond Sri Lanka’s well-trodden paths with Buzz & Bloom, a community-led experience near Anuradhapura that offers an authentic glimpse into rural village life. Meet the inspiring women transforming their futures through ethical beekeeping.
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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 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 ExperienceSinhalese Village and Farm Experience
Slow down and immerse yourself in the traditional rural Sinhalese way of life near Habarana. Accompanied by a farmer, spend time learning about paddy cultivation, watch birdlife on a lake and enjoy a multi-course home cooked lunch in a family home.
Call us on 212 372 7009 to start planning