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Why Visit Somawathiya National Park?
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Somawathiya National Park is currently not open to the public.

  • Discover more
    • Overview
    • Bundala National Park
    • Flood Plains National Park
    • Gal Oya National Park
    • Horton Plains National Park
    • Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary
    • Kumana National Park (Yala East)
    • Lahugala National Park
    • Lunugamvehera National Park
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    • Somawathiya National Park
    • The Knuckles Range
    • The Sinharaja Rainforest
    • Udawalawe National Park
    • Wasgamuwa National Park
    • Wilpattu National Park
    • Yala National Park

Situated in the east of Sri Lanka, south of Trincomalee, Somawathiya National Park was declared a national park on the 2nd September 1986, having been previously designated a sanctuary in 1966. Somawathiya affords protection to a unique habitat of riverine villus and floodplains, as well as the largest concentration of elephants in the country, along with Flood Plains National Park.

Somawathiya National Park spans the East and North Provinces and has an area of 37,762 hectares. The water-filled basins in the central floodplains are characterized by the abundance and predominance of water-tolerant grasses and aquatic plants.

The ecological importance of Somawathiya is due mainly to the abundance of elephants, which is estimated to be around 400 within the park and its immediate environs, and also due to its abundant birdlife. Noteworthy mammals include the golden jackal, fishing cat, rusty-spotted cat, leopard, wild boar, Sambar, water buffalo, porcupine and the black-naped hare.

Typically, the marshes of the flood plains have an interesting and abundant avifauna. Around 75 migrant species are known to head here to the marshes in winter, including species such as garganey, marsh sandpiper, pintail snipe and whiskered tern. Resident birds include the painted stork and purple coot among others.

 

Selected Wildlife Holiday Ideas:

Nature Trails and Cultural Tales

Nature Trails and Cultural Tales

Unique two-day walking trail in the hills with an off-the-beaten-track safari and Sri Lanka's ancient cultural sites.

Natural & Wild Sri Lanka

Natural & Wild Sri Lanka

Enjoy the incredible wildlife of animals without missing the astonishing scenery, glorious beaches and local life.

Sri Lanka's Big Mammals

Sri Lanka's Big Mammals

Calling wildlife enthusiasts. Travel off-the-beaten-track with expert guides in search of elephants, leopards, whales and far more.

Birdlife and Natural Wealth of Sri Lanka

Birdlife and Natural Wealth of Sri Lanka

This holiday is ideal for those who love nature, especially birdlife. Visit the beautiful rainforests, coast, and wetlands of Sri Lanka.


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020 7924 7133 Get in touch

Call
  • Destinations
    • South Asia
      • Sri Lanka
      • The Maldives
      • India
      • Bhutan
    • South East Asia
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
      • Cambodia
      • Laos
      • Myanmar
      • Indonesia
      • Borneo
    • Middle East
      • Oman
  • Holidays in Sri Lanka
    • Essential Holidays
    • Family Holidays
    • Sri Lanka & Maldives Holidays
    • Luxury Holidays
    • Slow Holidays
    • Nature & Wildlife Holidays
    • Immersive Holidays
  • Guide to Sri Lanka
    • Sri Lanka Guide
    • Weather & When to go
    • Hotel inspiration
    • Experiences inspiration
    • Sri Lanka Travel Blog
  • Places in Sri Lanka
    • Regions of Sri Lanka
      • Overview
      • The Cultural Triangle
      • Colombo, Negombo & Around
      • Kandy and Around
      • The Hill Country
      • West Coast Beaches
      • Galle and Around
      • The South Coast
      • Puttalam & the North West
      • The East Coast
      • Jaffna & The North
    • National Parks & Sancturaries
      • Overview
      • Bundala National Park
      • Flood Plains National Park
      • Gal Oya National Park
      • Horton Plains National Park
      • Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary
      • Kumana National Park (Yala East)
      • Lahugala National Park
      • Lunugamvehera National Park
      • Maduru Oya National Park
      • Minneriya National Park
      • Somawathiya National Park
      • The Knuckles Range
      • The Sinharaja Rainforest
      • Udawalawe National Park
      • Wasgamuwa National Park
      • Wilpattu National Park
      • Yala National Park
  • About us
    • Why choose ETG?
    • Our Story
    • Meet the Team
    • Reviews
    • In the Press
    • Our Offices
    • Our Brochure
    • Travel Blog
    • Newsletter Signup
  • How it works
    • Get in touch
    • Booking with confidence
    • How much does it cost?
    • Financial protection
    • What happens if something goes wrong on my holiday?
    • Working with in-country partners
    • My Booking
    • Come and see us
  • Immersive Holidays
    • Immersive Family Holidays
    • Immersive Honeymoons
    • Ideas & Inspiration
    • Holidays by month
    • Family Holidays by Month
    • Download Free Country Guides
  • Sustainability
    • Travel Better
    • Our Counter-Carbon Pledge
    • One bottle at a time
    • Building a Sustainable Future
    • Giving Back
  • Come and see us
  • My Booking
  • Brochure
  • Travel Blog