Angamedilla National Park, national park in Sri Lanka
Angammedilla National Park is a large protected area near Polonnaruwa with forests, open grassland, and several waterways. The landscape consists of dry evergreen forest with native trees and provides habitat for elephants, deer, wild boars, and many bird species.
The area was established as a forest reserve in 1988 and became a national park in 2006 to protect water sources and the land around ancient irrigation systems. A stone weir called Raja Bamma, built over 900 years ago, stands as evidence of the region's long history of water management.
The park connects to ancient irrigation practices of Sri Lanka's kings, who built water channels and reservoirs across this land centuries ago. These historical works remain visible today as part of the landscape that shapes how people understand the region's past.
The best time to visit is during the dry months from May to September, when animals gather around water sources and are easier to spot. Wear comfortable clothes, bring insect repellent, and use sun protection for a more comfortable experience.
The park connects to Wasgamuwa National Park through a narrow corridor of land that allows animals to move freely between the two protected areas. This wildlife passage is crucial for maintaining healthy animal populations and genetic diversity across the protected landscape.
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