Galwila Eco Park in Puttalam | AmazingLanka.com

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Size	30,000 hectares
Main attractions	Large herds of Elephants

Situated about 155 km from Colombo, Galwila Eco Park is a recent addition to the wildlife safari destinations, aiming to draw visitors exploring the Puttalam and Wilpattu regions. The park’s entrance lies 22 km from Puttalam Junction, along a route that passes the scenic and historic Tabbowa Wewa Reservoir.

The Galwila Eco Park was officially opened in 2020 and spans approximately 30,000 hectares, encompassing the reserved forests of Vanniayagama, Weerakkodicholai, and Ipalogama, which fall under the purview of the Department of Wildlife Conservation.

The park encompasses both primary and secondary forests, providing visitors with the chance to observe a diverse array of wildlife, such as elephants, leopards, various reptiles, and numerous bird species.

The park also serves as a corridor for elephants, connecting the Thabbowa Sanctuary with the Kahalla-Pallekele Sanctuary. This eco-park is considered beneficial not only for tourists but also for researchers and environmentalists to explore and study the region’s flora, fauna, and wildlife.

Travellers visiting Galwila Eco Park can explore three designated sites where they are allowed to step out of their vehicles for hiking and exploration:

Lunugala Historic Caves and Ruins
This hike takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the pace and the time spent exploring the caves and enjoying the view from the summit. The trail offers a glimpse into the ancient ruins and a spectacular 360-degree view of the surroundings.
Kuveni Sohona (Tomb)
A brief hike through a jungle path brings visitors to this remarkable site, characterized by a circular arrangement of stones enclosed by a larger ring of massive boulders. According to legend, this is believed to be the tomb of Kuveni, the queen of the Yaksha tribe and the consort of King Vijaya.
Aryan Settlements of King Vijaya
This hike ventures deeper into the jungle, leading to a rocky area with caves. The site is believed to be linked to early Aryan settlements during the reign of King Vijaya.

Ruins of Lunugala

The highest point within Galwila Eco Park is a stunning rocky plateau known as “Lunugala,” which rises approximately 300 feet. The area is dotted with rock shelters featuring drip-ledges, year-round water-retaining rock pools, and the ruins of ancient monastic structures, including a stupa that has suffered damage from treasure hunters. These remnants, believed to date back to the early Anuradhapura period, are scattered throughout the hill.

Lunukanda offers climbers a one-of-a-kind experience, with its summit serving as an ideal viewpoint for breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding landscape. From this vantage point, visitors can see prominent landmarks such as the Puttalam Lagoon, Kalpitiya Wind Farm, Norochcholai, Ritigala, Galkiriya Mountain, Paramakanda, and Rathmalgala. The hill also provides a unique opportunity to explore the diverse ecosystems associated with these regions.

Galwila Eco Park Ticket Prices

Since the Eco Parks are managed by the Forest Conservation Department, ticket prices differ from those of national parks, which are overseen by the Wildlife Department.

Description	Price
Local – Adults	LKR 210
Local – Children	LKR 110
Foreign – Adults	LKR 2,060
Foreign – Children	LKR 1,030
Entrance Fee per vehicle	LKR 800

Ticket Price Schedule as of January 2025

The Galwila Eco Park consists of a bungalow and a camping site which could be reserved

Payments are in LKR. You can call 1919 (government information centre) for the latest ticket prices. If you are hiring a private safari Jeep, the prices are about LKR 7,500-10,000 for a half day (3 hours).

Plenty of safari jeeps can be found in Habarana. Some safari vehicles for hire are parked at the entrance as well.

Galwila Eco Park Accommodation

Galwila Eco Park offers a bungalow and an open campsite located on a rocky plateau, both of which can be reserved by reaching out to the contacts listed below.

District Wildlife Office – Puttalam: 0322 265 360
Range Wildlife Office – Puttalam: 0322 266 763
Assistant District Wildlife Officer: 071 300 4045

Opening and Closing Times of Galwila Eco Park

Description	Details
Open Days	all 365
Opening Time	7 AM
Closing Time	5 PM

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