Maduru Oya National Park

Maduru Oya National Park is a large protected area in eastern Sri Lanka covering tropical dry forests with five major reservoirs and hill ranges throughout. The terrain displays a mix of forest patches, water bodies, and elevated areas that together create a varied landscape.

The reserve was established in 1983 to protect ancient remains including a sluice system built before the 6th century BC. These old water structures show the long history of human activity in this region.

The indigenous Vedda community lives traditionally in Henanigala, having shifted from hunting and gathering to small-scale farming over time. Visitors can witness this living connection between people and forest during their time here.

The park is accessible from several locations including Matale, Hettipola, Mahiyangana, and Polonnaruwa, with each entry point offering different views of the area. The best time for wildlife watching falls between March and September when conditions for exploring are most favorable.

The area is home to several tree species from the Dipterocarpaceae family that grow only in Sri Lanka's dry zone and are found nowhere else on the island. These special trees make the park an important location for protecting rare forest plants.