Explore Nature by Day, Relax at Night
EKHO Lake House Polonnaruwa’s location offers convenient access to several of Sri Lanka’s renowned national parks, making it an excellent base for wildlife and nature enthusiasts.
Kaudulla National Park Jeep Safari
This park is a part of the elephant corridor, which also includes Minneriya, and it’s especially popular for seeing large herds of elephants. The best time to visit is between August and December when elephants gather around the reservoir.
Minneriya National Park Jeep Safari
Similar to Kaudulla, Minneriya is famous for the “Gathering,” where large groups of elephants come to the Minneriya Tank, a large reservoir, during the dry season (July to September). It’s one of the most spectacular natural events in the world.
Hurulu Eco Park Habarana Jeep Safari
Less known compared to Minneriya and Kaudulla, Hurulu Eco Park is also a great spot for elephant watching. The park is part of the Hurulu Forest Reserve and is known for its dry evergreen forest and diverse wildlife.
Wasgamuwa National Park Jeep Safari
Located a bit farther from Polonnaruwa than the other parks, Wasgamuwa is known for its biodiversity and is a great place to see a variety of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, and sloth bears, especially if you are looking for a less crowded experience.
Maduru Oya National Park Jeep Safari
This park is part of the Mahaweli development project and is known for its rich history and role in ancient civilization. It’s also a good spot for seeing elephants and a variety of bird species.
Angammadilla National Park Jeep Safari
One of the newer national parks, established to protect the drainage basin of the Parakrama Samudra, Angammadilla is less frequented by tourists and offers a more secluded environment for observing wildlife and enjoying nature.