Wildlife & Nature
Somawathiya National Park
A riverside sanctuary around a sacred stupa.
Why Visit
A less-visited park combining elephant safaris with a riverside pilgrimage site, away from the more crowded southern parks.
A national park along the Mahaweli River, centred on the Somawathiya stupa, one of Sri Lanka's most venerated Buddhist shrines.
History
The Somawathiya stupa at the heart of the park is traditionally said to have been built in the 2nd century BCE by King Kavantissa of the ancient Ruhuna kingdom, to enshrine a relic of the Buddha given, according to tradition, to his queen, Vihara Maha Devi — the same royal couple credited elsewhere in Sri Lankan chronicles with laying the groundwork for the later, more famous reign of their son, Dutugemunu. The stupa fell into disrepair and jungle overgrowth over the centuries before being rediscovered and restored in the 20th century, and it remains one of Sri Lanka's sixteen most venerated Buddhist pilgrimage sites (the Solosmasthana). The surrounding forest along the Mahaweli River, the island's longest river, was declared a national park in 1986 largely to protect the elephant populations and wetland habitat around the shrine, combining an ancient pilgrimage site with a modern conservation area.
Things to Do
- Safari for elephants along the Mahaweli River
- Visit the Somawathiya stupa
- Birdwatch along the riverbanks
- Take a boat safari on the Mahaweli River
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Somawathiya National Park known for?
A less-visited park combining elephant safaris with a riverside pilgrimage site, away from the more crowded southern parks.
When is the best time to visit Somawathiya National Park?
The best time to visit Somawathiya National Park is May to September, in the drier season.
What can you do in Somawathiya National Park?
Popular things to do in Somawathiya National Park include safari for elephants along the Mahaweli River, visit the Somawathiya stupa and birdwatch along the riverbanks.
Where is Somawathiya National Park located in Sri Lanka?
Somawathiya National Park is located in Wildlife & Nature, Sri Lanka.
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