Somawathiya National Park

Somawathiya National Park Somawathiya National Park Somawathiya National Park

Somawathiya National Park is a protected area located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, along the banks of the Mahaweli River. It is part of the Polonnaruwa and Trincomalee districts and is named after the sacred relic of Somawathi, a revered figure in Sri Lankan history. The park was declared a national park in 1995, making it one of the newer additions to Sri Lanka’s network of wildlife reserves.

The park covers an area of approximately 32,500 hectares and features a mix of dry evergreen forests, riverine forests, and shrublands. Its diverse ecosystems make it a haven for a wide range of flora and fauna. Visitors can expect to see elephants, sambars, leopards, sloth bears, and various species of deer, along with a rich birdlife that includes peacocks, kingfishers, and eagles.

One of the unique aspects of Somawathiya National Park is its connection to the Mahaweli River, which not only enhances the park’s scenic beauty but also supports its wetlands and aquatic life. Seasonal boat safaris along the river are popular among tourists, offering a chance to view crocodiles, otters, and numerous waterbirds in their natural habitat. The park is relatively less crowded than other major national parks, giving visitors a more tranquil and immersive wildlife experience.

In addition to its natural beauty, the park also has cultural significance. The nearby Somawathiya Chaitya is an important Buddhist site, and the area is steeped in local legends and religious history. This combination of wildlife, landscapes, and cultural heritage makes Somawathiya National Park a unique destination for eco-tourism in Sri Lanka.

Somawathiya National Park Somawathiya National Park Somawathiya National Park

About Polonnaruwa District

Polonnaruwa is the 2nd largest city in north central province in Sri Lanka. The ancient city of Polonnaruwa has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO Polonnaruwa has a great history of conquest and struggle behind it and rightfully forms the third element in the Cultural Triangle. Located about 140 kms north east from Kandy,Polonnaruwa offers hours of endless pleasure for history and culture lovers, as there are numerous sights of significance.

Much of the physical ruins standing today are credited to King Parakrama Bahu I who spent many royal resources on town planning, including parks, edifices, irrigation systems and so on. The period of his rule is considered a golden age where the kingdom thrived and prospered under a visionary ruler. The Parakrama Samudra is a mammoth tank and named after its patron. The popular kings Royal Palace, the Audience Hall encircled by beautifully carved stone elephants and the Bathing Pool reflect the superior engineering capabilities of the time.

About North Central Province

North Central Province which is the largest province in the country covered 16% of total country's land area. North Central Province consist two districts called Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapure. Anuradhapura is the largest district in Sri Lanka. Its area is 7,128 km².

North Central Province has numerous potentials for Investors to start their Businesses, especially Agriculture, agro based industries and Livestock sectors. More than 65% of North Central Province's people depend on basic Agriculture and agro base industries. NCP also called "Wew Bendi Rajje" because there are more than 3,000 medium and large scale tanks situated in the province. Sri maha bodiya, Ruwanweli seya, Thuparama dageba, Abayagiri Monastry, Polonnaruwa Rankot wehera, Lankathilake are scared

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