Declared a National Park in 2015, it embraces the imposing Kalãwewa and Balaluwewa water tanks, built by King Dhatusena in the 5th century. This Park of over 6000 hectares, is home to elephants but with a notable feature - the herd has a great concentration of tuskers; male elephants with tusks (which are ivory). Roughly only about seven percent of the male elephant population have them, making tuskers a magnificent sight to see.
Being in the dry zone, when the water levels recede from the tank beds, a lush grassland reveals itself – which is much sought after by the elephants. Resident herds and migratory herds from nearby jungles all congregate, to enjoy the grass. As the Park is only open during the dry season, the chances of such sightings are very promising. And this is in addition to seeing large flocks of open-billed storks.
The monsoons arrive around October – November and the grasslands disappear to give way to filled up reservoirs. While the resident elephant herds remain, the migratory elephants return. The Park’s beautiful kumbuk trees and vegetation complement the reservoirs, birdlife and pristine surroundings.
Lined with massive kumbuk trees, Kalawewa National Park is a beautiful expanse of forest surrounding the giant Kalawewa and Balalu Wewa tanks, constructed by King Datusena in the 5th Century. Expanding over 6000 hectares, this park has the largest concentration of tuskers in Sri Lanka.
Kalawewa was designated as national park in 2015, and it is the perfect destinations for the wildlife enthusiasts who love the untouched wilderness. During the dry season, when the water levels recedes and the tank bed becomes a lush grassland providing the animals with fodder, the big herds of up to 50 elephants gather around the banks of the reservoirs. The park has a fascinating birdlife too. During the driest months of the year, large flocks of thousands of open-billed storks can be seen at once.
About 2 kilometres from Kalãwewa National Park is a temple thought to be built by King Dutugemunu and is believed to be the Vijithapura Rajamaha Viharaya.
Historians suggest that this location was important as a trading point during the early stages of the Anuradhapura Kingdom, connecting several trade routes. The temple has many old ruins which are believed to belong to the Anuradhapura Era. The highlight is the “Kadu ge Gala”. Legend has it that this granite stone was used by King Dutugemunu and his army to sharpen their swords prior to battle.
Tour in brief
Initial meeting with the Eco Team crew and the safari guide, a brief of the tour will take place in the entrance to the Kalawewa Safari. For the morning half-day tour, the starting time will be at 6 a.m. while the afternoon tour begins at 2.30 p.m.
After entering the national park with your guide in a jeep, you will be able to spot several species of birds and other animals that have made their homes in this sanctuary. The guide will explain about the various interesting attributes as you will learn and enjoy about the flora and fauna of Kalawewa.
You will be taken through most of the Kalawewa National Park, covering the wetlands, grasslands, forest patches, etc. We will make longer stops at certain watering holes for unique photography opportunities.
Finishing the safari, either round 11 a.m. or around 6 p.m. you will be dropped at the park entrance.
Tour Itinerary
Schedule
- Arrival in Kalãwewa National Park
- Half Day Safari at Wasgamuwa National Park
- A Jeep tour on the muddy road and a boat tour in the lake
- Discovering the Park’s flora and fauna
- Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel
