Wasgamuwa National Park Safari from Kandy: Elephant Herds

Elephant herds gather at water pools in the evening, when the park comes alive.

A full-day safari from Kandy to Wasgamuwa National Park with private jeep transport, English-speaking guide and hotel pickup and drop-off. The park holds over 150 plant species, 23 mammals including large elephant herds and sloth bears, and 140 bird species across dry tropical forest and water pools. Evening departures offer the best chance to watch elephants bathing and birds settling for the night. The tour runs 10 hours, departing at 11:00 and returning by 20:30.

Step-by-step itinerary

Wasgamuwa National Park Safari from Kandy

• Depart hotel in Kandy at 11:00
• Drive to Wasgamuwa National Park
• Explore dry tropical forest and wildlife
• Enjoy safari ride spotting elephants and other animals
• Photograph aquatic life at water pools
• Return to hotel by 20:30

The experience

The safari departs from your Kandy hotel at 11:00 in a private air-conditioned jeep with an English-speaking guide, heading to Wasgamuwa National Park near Polonnaruwa. The park's dry tropical forest and scattered water pools create the conditions that draw wildlife: elephants come to bathe and drink, crocodiles and water monitors sun themselves on the banks, and birds congregate in the trees. The Marsh elephant, a subspecies found only near the Mahaveli River, roams here alongside leopards, sloth bears, and two endemic monkey species. Over 140 bird species inhabit the park, from the endemic red-faced malkoha and Sri Lankan junglefowl to painted storks and black-headed ibis.

Evening safaris are timed to catch elephants at the water pools and birds heading to their roosts, which is when the park's activity peaks. The jeep moves slowly through the landscape, giving you time to spot wildlife and photograph the reptiles (mugger crocodiles, water monitors, skinks and snakes) that live along the water's edge. The best sightings happen between November and May, when elephant herds are largest and most visible.

You return to your Kandy hotel by 20:30. The tour includes the jeep safari, all taxes and service charges, a bottle of water per person, and transport in the air-conditioned vehicle. Entry tickets are available as an add-on at checkout. If you choose Transport Only, you'll arrange park admission separately.

What’s included

• Jeep safari in Wasgamuwa National Park.
• private air-conditioned vehicle transport from your Kandy hotel.
• English-speaking guide.
• hotel pickup and drop-off.
• bottle of water per person.
• all taxes and service charges.

Options for this experience

2 options

Transport only (tickets not included)Guide in English · 10:30Includes pickup

Transport with ticketsGuide in English · 10:30Includes pickup

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:30

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (7 to 80 years) · Under 7: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Lakpura LLC

Is this one for you?Book the Transport with Tickets option if you want entry arranged at checkout. Choose Transport Only if you prefer to purchase park admission on arrival or have already arranged it separately. The evening departure at 11:00 is timed so you reach the park during the day and catch the peak wildlife activity at water pools as evening falls.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What animals am I most likely to see on a Wasgamuwa safari?

Wasgamuwa is known for large elephant herds, especially in the evenings when they gather at water pools to bathe. You may also encounter leopards, sloth bears, water buffalo, endemic monkeys, crocodiles, and over 140 bird species including painted storks, black-headed ibis, and the endemic red-faced malkoha.

Why is evening the best time for this safari?

Evening is when elephants come to the water pools to bathe and drink, and birds head to their nests for the night. The park's activity concentrates around these water sources, giving you the best chance to see large herds and photograph wildlife.

Does the tour include entry to Wasgamuwa National Park?

Entry is optional and added at checkout. You can book Transport Only and arrange admission yourself, or add tickets to your booking for seamless entry when you arrive.

How long is the full safari experience?

The tour runs 10 hours total, departing your Kandy hotel at 11:00 and returning by 20:30. This includes the drive to the park, the safari itself, and the return journey.

Is this safari suitable if I'm visiting Polonnaruwa or Dambulla?

Yes. Wasgamuwa lies near Polonnaruwa, so the safari fits well into an itinerary that includes both sites. The park adds wildlife and adventure to a cultural tour of the region's ancient cities and temples.