(7 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5)
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| Size | 13.362 hectares |
| Main attraction | Flora and Fauna |
The latest National Park in the country, “Horagolla” is the smallest under the Department of Wildlife Conservation. The preliminary works were completed for opening the Horagolla National Park officially to the public after it was promoted to a National Wildlife Park in 2004. This 13.362-hectare National Park is located in the Nambadaluwa village in Udagampattuwa of the Siyane Korale in the Gampaha District. In the 1970s the land belonged to the state, but on October 05, 1973, it was declared as a wildlife sanctuary considering the rich biodiversity prevalent in the area under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance. Under the same Ordinance, this natural sanctuary was later upgraded to the Horagolla National Park on July 28, 2004.
Horalgolla National Park is a low country evergreen forest with a humus soil structure and has a hot temperature throughout the year. Growing in abundance in this National Park are a variety of tree species locally known as Hora, Kekuna, Godapara, Diyapara, Kithul Cane, Nandun, Etamba, Bo, Ruk, Ankenda, Milla, Munamal, Del and Velang. A wide variety of Pus-wela are also found in large numbers. A variety of plant species and grass are found covering the landscape throughout the park. The diverse flora in the park provides food for birds, animals and reptiles in this habitat where ample water resources are also available.
A large variety of Fauna generally found in evergreen forests are also found which include the Fishing Cat, Mouse Deer, Fox, Giant Squirrel etc. and bird life includes species such as Parakeets, Black Headed Bulbuls, Barbets, Asian Koels etc. A large number of reptile species are found in the park including different species Pythons and Cobras.
The Horagolla National Park could be reached by travelling 35km on the Colombo Kandy road. Turning in at Nittambuwa and travelling one kilometre towards Veyangoda is the Pinnagolla junction. The Park office is found 6 kilometres from this junction.
Horagolla National Park Ticket Prices
| Description (Category 3 Park) | Price |
|---|---|
| Local – Adults | LKR 40 |
| Local – Children (6-12 years) | LKR 20 |
| Local – Student | LKR 20 |
| Local – Children (below 6 years) | FOC |
| Local – Group Fee (per vehicle) | LKR 400 |
| Foreign – Adults | USD 5 |
| Foreign – Children (6-12 years) | USD 3 |
| Foreign SAARC Countries – Adults | USD 4 |
| Foreign SAARC Countries – Children (6-12 years) | USD 2 |
| Foreign – Children (below 6 years) | FOC |
| Foreign – Group Fee (per vehicle) | USD 10 |
| Taxes on total cost | 15% |
| Entrance Fee per vehicle | LKR 300 |
for example, for 2 foreigners with 1 child between 6-12 will have the cost of
| Description | Amount |
|---|---|
| 2 adults | USD 24.00 |
| 1 child | USD 6.00 |
| Group Fee | USD 10.00 |
| Total | USD 40.00 |
| Tax (15%) | USD 6.00 |
| Total | USD 46.00 |
Payments can be made in USD or equivalent LKR by foreigners. You can call 1919 (government information center) for the latest ticket prices. If you are hiring a private safari Jeep, the prices vary from LKR 11,000 to LKR 15,000 for a half day (4 hours) based on the park. For a full day, its double the cost of a half day.
Also See
Map of Horagolla National Park
The map above also shows other places of interest within a approximately 20 km radius of the current site. Click on any of the markers and the info box to take you to information of these sites
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Travel Directions to Horagolla National Park
| Route from Colombo to Horagolla National Park |
| Through : Kadawatha – Yakkala Distance : 42 km Travel time : 1.5 hours. Driving directions : see on google map |
Secrets of Horagolla National Park
Daily News
Horagolla is a well known place in Sri Lanka due to it being the ancestral home of the famous Bandaranaike family, which produced three Sri Lankan Prime Ministers. The Horagolla Estate was once a vast extent of land to which in 1973 former Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike donated 33 acres under the Land Acquisition Act to the State.
The rich Bio-diversity of the donated land led the Wildlife Department to convert it into a sanctuary which on July 28, 2004, was named the Horagolla National Park.
The area is called Horagolla due to the abundance of Hora trees found in the vicinity. If you travel about one kilometre from Nittambuwa to Veyangoda, you will arrive at the Pinnagolla junction. About 600 m on the left turn at the junction is the entrance to the park. This is the smallest National park in Sri Lanka. It is situated about 40 km from Colombo.
A magnificent lake by the entrance unfolds before your eyes. Its spectacular scenery, such as the green forest cover and pristine water area treat for the eyes. The temperature at Horagolla which belongs to the low-country wet zone, ranges between 27 to 29 C and the South West monsoon brings the rain. The roads inside the park are attractively paved with stones and numbered with arrows to enable visitors to find their way with ease. The full length of this path runs through the forest about one and a half kilometres.
The tall trees are well covered overhead with their thick spread of leaves providing a canopy and the desired effect of darkness in the forest. At every crossroad in the interior, stone benches provide seating accommodation for tired visitors.
The mammals include the Fishing cat, Sri Lankan Spotted Chevrotain, Golden Jackal and Grizzled giant squirrel which have been recognized as permanent residents in the Horagolla National Park. Visitors are advised to keep to the path in this revere. Silence and patience is a must. Otherwise, you will not be able to see the animals.
Horagolla National Park is very rich with flora and fauna which include Hora (Dipterocavpus zeylanicus), Kekuna (Canrium zeylanicus), Godapara (Dillenia rrtusa), Kithul (Caryota urens), Nedun (Pericopsis mooniana), Atamba (Mangifera zeylanica), Ruk Attana, Ankenda, Milla (Vitex pinnata) and moonamal. Invasive species such as Indian del are also common.
A giant Puss Wela (Liana rheedii) which is more than 250 years old also can be seen. Among the vine creepers are Korasawel, Garadia wel, Suduwel and Bambara wel found in this park. Also, Wenivel, which is in the herbal category and Watessa plant that covers most of the wet ground.
About 64 bird species are found in the Horagolla National Park. The most common of them are the Parakeet, Black-crested bul bul, Barbet asian koel and Asian brown flycatcher.
The Sri Lankan grey Hornbill, Sri Lankan Hanging parrot and Layard’s parakeet can also be spotted. The park also records various kinds of butterflies such as the Ceylon bird wing, Blue Mormon, and rare clipper.
As in most sanctuaries, Horagolla is a haven for reptiles. Russell’s viper, Green wipe snake, Pythons, Cobra, Cat snake and Kangaroo Lizard (pinum kattussa same name) are also found at Horagolla National Park.
Adjoining the Horagolla Wewa is a beautiful summer hut built for visitors to rest at the end of their walk through the forest. In the same location is an Animal museum and centre which treats injured animals. At the breeding centre is a pair of Stunted Deer (Olu Muwa).
This National Park at Horagolla is a place where people can enjoy the beauty of nature. It is indeed a place of value for students of the flora and fauna. No special permission is required for an ordinary visit other than for research or scientific experiments.
The Horagolla National Park is truly worth a visit by both young and old and is certain to etch in-erasable memories.
Special thanks to wildlife officers Sumith and Indika for their guidance through the sanctuary..