Lunugamvehera National Park National Park
Dry-zone Sri Lankan park supporting elephants and reservoirs
Dry-zone park in Sri Lanka's Uva Province protecting scrub forest, reservoirs and elephant corridors. Visitors join guided safaris to see elephants, waterbirds and seasonal wetlands.
Lunugamvehera National Park at a Glance#
Address: Lunugamvehera National Park, Uva Province, Sri Lanka
Hours: Typically daylight hours (dawn-dusk)
Admission: LKR 500-1,000 for entrance (approx.)
How to Get to Lunugamvehera National Park#
The park lies approximately 20-30 km from Hambantota and is accessible by road. From Colombo, take the Southern Expressway (E01) toward Hambantota, then local roads east toward the park - total drive time is roughly 3-4 hours. Local safari operators in Hambantota or Tissa (Tissamaharama) frequently run day trips and overnight excursions.
Tips for Visiting Lunugamvehera National Park#
- Animals concentrate around waterholes in the dry season-early morning and late afternoon are best for sightings.
- Combine a Lunugamvehera trip with Yala or Udawalawe for broader wildlife viewing and to understand elephant corridors.
- Road conditions inside the park vary - a 4WD is recommended for deeper exploration.
Best Time to Visit Lunugamvehera National Park#
Late dry season is generally best for wildlife viewing, especially elephants gathered around shrinking water sources.
Weather & Climate near Lunugamvehera National Park#
Lunugamvehera National Park's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 23°C to 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1070 mm/year), wettest in November with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 23°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 23°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Regular rainfall (88 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (128 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is the hottest month, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. The driest month with just 15 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Moderate rainfall (32 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (143 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (230 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (157 mm) and mostly overcast skies.