Wildlife Parks & Reserves to Visit from Belihuloya

Udawalawe National Park

Udawalawa National Park is renowned for its thriving elephant population, offering visitors a chance to observe entire herds, including playful adults and adorable calves, as they bathe, feed, and roam freely in their natural habitat. The park is also a haven for birdwatchers, boasting a rich diversity of avian species.

Spanning 30,821 hectares across the Sabaragamuwa and Uva Provinces, in the Ratnapura and Monaragala Districts, Udawalawa National Park showcases the natural beauty of Sri Lanka's wildlife and landscapes.

The route to Udawalawa from Belihuloya takes you through Balangoda, Godakawela, Pallebedda, and Thimbolketiya, covering approximately 56 kilometers. Consider extending your adventure by booking a stay at one of our Belihuloya properties and our own Big Game Camp Udawalawe for an immersive two-day experience in nature.

Contact us for more details on this exhilarating adventure, which can be booked from any of our hotels in Belihuloya.

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Horton Plains National Park from Belihuloya

Perched at an elevation of 2,100 meters above sea level, Horton Plains is the highest plateau in Sri Lanka. Discovered in the 1820s and named after Sir Robert Wilmot Horton, this expansive plain spans 3,159.8 hectares and was declared a National Park on March 16, 1988. Its landscape is characterized by the towering peaks of Kirigalpotta (2,398 meters) and Thotupolakanda (2,357 meters), the second and third highest peaks in the country.

Horton Plains is renowned for its natural wonders, including the iconic Baker’s Falls, named after Samuel Baker, the English explorer who discovered it in 1842. The breathtaking Big World's End features a dramatic sheer drop of 2,900 feet. This area is also famous for its "Sambhur Counting" and boasts a rich biodiversity with a variety of highland and endemic birds, mammals, butterflies, land snails, lizards, and amphibians. Notably, the leopard population in Horton Plains is thriving, and spotting one during daylight hours is increasingly common.

The usual route to Horton Plains from Belihuloya passes through Haputale, Boralanda, and Ohiya, covering approximately 68 kilometers. For the adventurous souls, there exists another challenging trail via Bambarakanda Waterfall and West Haputale.

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Thangamale Bird Sanctuary

The Thangamale Bird Sanctuary in Haputale offers a remarkable sight of migrating birds from around the world. Accessible via three entry points, the highest being at Thangamale Temple with an elevation of 1,780 meters, visitors can ascend via an asphalt road leading to a small Buddhist temple. From there, a network of narrow trails allows exploration of the sanctuary in about 1-2 hours.

From the eastern edge of the sanctuary, breathtaking vistas unfold, showcasing the lowlands with the Namunukula range, the 500-meter-deep Mawella Basin and lagoon, and the Great Basses reef and lighthouse. On clear days, the southeastern coast and the vast sand dunes of Hambantota come into view.

Amidst lush greenery and pristine landscapes, the sanctuary hosts a variety of native bird species. Colorful parakeets, elusive junglefowl, majestic hornbills, and melodious wood pigeons are among the highlights, offering wildlife lovers and photographers alike a rewarding experience. Thangamale Sanctuary epitomizes the rich biodiversity that defines Sri Lanka's natural heritage.

Contact us for more details on this exhilarating adventure, which can be booked from any of our hotels in Belihuloya.

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Peak Wilderness Sanctuary

This extensive wet zone forest, spanning 22,379 hectares, is dominated by the pilgrimage mountain Sri Pada, towering at 7,360 feet. Known as a sacred site, Sri Pada attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims annually during its pilgrimage season from December to April. This biodiverse region is renowned for its high species diversity and endemism, serving as a habitat for a wide range of wildlife, from majestic elephants to the tiniest insects.

The ascent to the peak typically takes around six hours. The closest route from Belihuloya passes through Ellarawa, Bogawantalawa, and Maskeliya, covering a distance of 72 km, which usually takes about 2.5 hours by road. The sanctuary's boundary is a mere 20-minute drive from River Garden Resort, offering guided day and night walks to observe the diverse mammals and birds inhabiting the area.

Contact us for more details on this exhilarating adventure, which can be booked from any of our hotels in Belihuloya.

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Wavulpane Limestone Cave

Originating from the pre-Cambrian era, the Wavulpane Limestone Cave is a fascinating natural wonder that features stunning formations of stalagmites and stalactites, a thunderous waterfall, and a serene pool. The cave is home to thousands of bats, giving it the name Wavulpane, derived from the Sinhala word for bat, "wavula."

For those seeking things to do from Belihuloya, a visit to Wavulpane Limestone Cave is an adventurous addition to your itinerary. The cave is located approximately 51 km from Belihuloya, requiring a 42 km journey to Pallebedda and an additional 9 km to Wavulpane Cave. The scenic drive through lush landscapes adds to the overall experience.

Additionally, this trip can be combined with a visit to Udawalawe National Park, enhancing your exploration of Sri Lanka's natural beauty. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or an adventure seeker, Wavulpane Limestone Cave offers a unique and memorable experience, showcasing the geological and biological wonders of the region.

As one of the notable places to visit from Belihuloya, Wavulpane Limestone Cave promises an intriguing journey into the depths of Sri Lanka's ancient geological past, making it a must-visit destination for any traveler.

Contact us for more details on this exhilarating adventure, which can be booked from any of our hotels in Belihuloya.

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