Discover the Untamed Beauty of Ruhuna National Park
Experience the wild heart of Sri Lanka at Ruhuna National Park, where nature's wonders await every explorer.
A brief summary to Ruhuna National Park
- J9R3+57F, Thalakolawewa, LK
- Monday 6 am-6 pm
- Tuesday 6 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 6 am-6 pm
- Thursday 6 am-6 pm
- Friday 6 am-6 pm
- Saturday 6 am-6 pm
- Sunday 6 am-6 pm
Ruhuna National Park, one of Sri Lanka's most renowned national parks, is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Spanning over 10,000 hectares, this spectacular park is home to an array of flora and fauna, including elephants, leopards, and an impressive variety of birds. Visitors can embark on thrilling safari adventures, where the chance to encounter majestic wildlife in their natural habitats is ever-present. The park's diverse ecosystems, ranging from dry forests to wetlands, make it a hotspot for biodiversity, providing a unique opportunity to witness the intricate balance of nature. In addition to its rich wildlife, Ruhuna National Park offers stunning landscapes that vary from shimmering lakes to lush greenery, ideal for photography and nature walks. The park is particularly famous for its picturesque scenery, especially during sunrise and sunset, when the light casts a magical glow over the terrain. Tourists can also explore several trails that wind through the park, providing a closer look at the diverse ecosystems and the chance to spot hidden wildlife. For those seeking a more immersive experience, guided tours are available, allowing visitors to learn about the park's unique habitats and the conservation efforts in place. With its tranquil atmosphere and magnificent surroundings, Ruhuna National Park is an essential stop for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of Sri Lanka. Whether you're an avid birdwatcher, a photography enthusiast, or simply in search of adventure, this national park promises an unforgettable experience.
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best wildlife sightings.
- Bring binoculars for birdwatching; the park is home to over 200 species.
- Wear comfortable shoes and stay hydrated while exploring the trails.
- Consider hiring a local guide to enhance your experience and knowledge of the park.
- Respect the wildlife; maintain a safe distance and avoid feeding animals.
Getting There
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Car
From the center of Ruhuna, head south on the A2 highway towards Matara. Continue along the A2 for approximately 37 km. Look for signs leading to Thalakolawewa, where you'll take a right turn onto the local road. Follow the local road for about 10 km until you reach the entrance of Ruhuna National Park at J9R3+57F, Thalakolawewa. Make sure to check for park opening hours, as the park is open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
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Public Transportation (Bus)
From the main bus station in Ruhuna, take a bus heading to Matara. Inform the conductor you intend to visit Ruhuna National Park. After about 30-40 minutes, disembark at the junction for Thalakolawewa. From there, you can either hire a tuk-tuk or walk approximately 10 km to the park entrance. Ensure you have some cash for the tuk-tuk fare, which should be around 500-1000 LKR.
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Tuk-tuk
If you're already in Ruhuna, you can hire a tuk-tuk directly to Ruhuna National Park. Negotiate a fare beforehand; expect to pay around 1500-2500 LKR for the round trip, depending on your starting point and waiting time. The driver will take you directly to the entrance at J9R3+57F, Thalakolawewa.
Attractions Nearby to Ruhuna National Park
- Maligawila Buddha Statue
- Budugallena Forest Monastery - බුදුගල්ලෙන ආරණ්ය සේනාසනය.
- Dematamal Viharaya| දෙමටමල් විහාරය
- Veheragala Temple / වෙහෙරගල ඉපැරණි විහාරය
- Elephants crossing Yala
- Yala National Park Sri Lanka
- Sellakatharagama Dewalaya
- Yala National Park
- Kiri Vehera Temple
- Kirivehera mawatha
- Kataragama Holy Sanctuaries
- Weheragala National Park
- Katharagama Maha Dewalaya
- Thissamaharamaya
- Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Dewalaya
Landmarks nearby to Ruhuna National Park
- Mahagodayaaya
- Yala Safari Team / Jeep Safari in Yala National park
- Maragala mountain view point (siripathula)
- Yala Safari Service Kataragama
- Mahoora
- Camp Leopard - Yala Safari Glamping
- Leopard Safaris Yala
- Monaragala Ganapathi Kovil
- Seethakanda Ancient Monastery at Monaragala
- Sri Sambodhi Viharaya, ශ්රි සම්බෝධි යෝගාශ්රමය
- Mahoora Tented Safari Camps - Yala
- Big Game Camp Yala
- Siripathula Mountain, Moneragala
- Yala cozy safari tours
- Therappahuwa Rajamaha Viharaya