Horowpathana National Park, Protected area in North Central Province, Sri Lanka.
Horowpathana National Park is a protected area spanning dry forest and open grassland with rocky outcrops and scattered water sources that support wildlife. The landscape mixes woodland patches with clearings and provides space for elephants, leopards, monitors, and numerous bird species to roam.
The park received official designation in 2011 after an environmental directive issued 6 years earlier. This formal protection status changed how the land was managed and conserved.
Local communities gather honey and collect firewood from nearby forest areas, maintaining practices that have shaped how they use the land for generations. Visitors walking through the park's surroundings notice these activities and understand how people depend on and move through this landscape.
Getting there requires planning ahead as roads are unpaved in sections and can be difficult in rainy seasons. Hiring a local guide helps you navigate safely and spot wildlife more easily along the forest trails.
The park contains a large enclosed facility built specifically for elephant observation and care operations. This dedicated space allows researchers to study elephant behavior and contributes to conservation efforts across the region.
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