58,849 hectares in size and located in the dry zone, 45kms from Hotel, Maduru Oya is renowned for its elephant population. One can spot elephants, leopards, sloth bears, Sāmbhar, spotted and barking deer, wild boar and wild buffalo roaming in their natural habitat. Torque Macaque, Purple-faced leaf monkey and nocturnal slender Loris are also observed in the park. Lesser Adjutant, Woolly-necked stork, Open-bill, painted stork, Racket-tailed Drongo, Yellow-fronted Barbet, Sri Lanka jungle fowl and spurfowl are among the over 100 species of birds found within the park.

Maduru Oya National Park was open to the public recently, thus giving a more authentic feel of a game safari. The Ulhitiya campsite is available for nature lovers and there is alternate accommodation a stone’s throw away from the reservoir.

☑ Large herds of wild elephants
☑ Maduru Oya reservoir
☑ The elephant comb (ali panawa) tree

Transport – included in the package
Tips – wear shoes, take water, a camera is a must.