Horagolla National Park, National park in Attanagalla, Sri Lanka
Horagolla National Park is a 33-hectare protected area covered in low-country evergreen forest with diverse plant life. The dense woodland features multiple native tree species that create the park's natural character and structure.
The area was first set aside as a wildlife sanctuary in September 1973 before becoming a national park in 2004. This change reflected growing efforts to protect the forest landscape for future generations.
The park sits next to Horagolla Walauwa, a former residence connected to one of Sri Lanka's most prominent political families. This proximity shapes how locals and visitors understand the area's role in the country's past and present.
The park sits roughly 40 km from Colombo and can be reached via the Kandy Road. The route passes through several small towns that serve as useful landmarks for finding the way.
Horagolla is the only urban national park in Sri Lanka's Western Province, and it takes its name from the hora trees (Dipterocarpus zeylanicus) that grow there in abundance. The rare clipper, Ceylon birdwing and blue Mormon butterflies are among the species recorded in its forest.
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