Flood Plains National Park

Flood Plains National Park

Province :  North-Central  Area : 173 sq. km Altitude: 20 - 60 m Vegetation : River marshes and grasslands

Flood Plains National park is situated along the Mahaweli flood plain and is considered a rich feeding ground for elephants. It is an elephant corridor for the elephants migrate between the grazing lands of Wasgamuwa and Somawathiya national parks.

The Mahaweli River flows from south to north through the centre of the park. The central riparian flood plains have many grasslands and marshes surrounding old river channels. The flood plains of rich alluvial soil flanking the river are characterized by numerous shallow marshy depressions known as “villus”. 

The rich vegetation in the villu attracts large number of grazing animals and birds. The Food Plain, with their abundant supply of water and grasslands, mammals are commonly found in the Food Plains and the marshes support large populations of reptiles are present in here. The Food Plains are particularly important for the diversity and abundance of their avifauna, particularly migrant birds it is estimated that around 75 migrant species spend their winter time in the marshes of the Food Plain.

History : About 8 km from the park, the Dimbulagala monadnock (545 m) rises above the plains . It has several pre-historic caves, and an ancient Buddhist temple. The park has several rock engravings with inscriptions dating back to between 2nd and 7th century BC have been found. West of the park is the fortress, Vijithapura, famous for one of the bloodiest battle fought in Sri Lankan history.

Wildlife: The park’s major attractions are its elephants and resident and migrant waterbirds.  The migrant birds are best observed from October to March, during the rainy season.  Elephants move through this area on their migration between Wasgamuwa NP and Somawathie NP.

Main Attraction : Elephants & bird-life