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Maduru Oya National Park

Polonnaruwa, Eastern

Wild elephants at Maduru Oya National Park, home to around 150-200 resident elephants
Photo: Anton Croos / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Established in 1983 as part of the Mahaweli irrigation project, Maduru Oya protects the catchment of five reservoirs and shelters around 150-200 wild elephants alongside leopards, sloth bears, and over 100 bird species. What sets it apart from Sri Lanka's bigger-name parks is its living connection to the Vedda people, the island's indigenous community, some of whom still live within the park boundary at Henanigala and trace their ancestry back to the earliest inhabitants of Sri Lanka. Scattered through the park are ancient ruins and Brahmi rock inscriptions dating back over two thousand years, adding a layer of history most safari parks don't have.

Wildlife safarisAncient cities & archaeology

Best time to visit

Dry season safari drives, typically May to September, when animals gather more predictably near the reservoirs.

Visitor tip

Wildlife sightings are unpredictable; enter with authorized operators and follow park rules.

Local pick

Ask about visiting or learning from the Vedda community at Henanigala — a rare opportunity to connect with Sri Lanka's indigenous people directly rather than just passing through their ancestral land.

Quick answers

Where is Maduru Oya National Park?

Maduru Oya National Park is in Polonnaruwa, Eastern Province, Sri Lanka.

When is the best time to visit Maduru Oya National Park?

Dry season safari drives, typically May to September, when animals gather more predictably near the reservoirs.

How far is Maduru Oya National Park from Colombo?

About 171 km in a straight line. Road journeys are longer, so check current travel times before you go.

What is near Maduru Oya National Park?

Nearby places include Ancient City of Polonnaruwa (about 33 km away), Polonnaruwa Vatadage (about 35 km away), Lankatilaka Image House, Polonnaruwa (about 36 km away), Rankoth Vehera (about 36 km away).

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