Maduru Oya National Park

About Maduru Oya National Park

Maduru Oya National Park is a protected area in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka that includes the Maduru Oya Reservoir and surrounding dry-zone forests. The park is designated to conserve wildlife and the watershed of the reservoir.

The park supports populations of large mammals including Asian elephants as well as a variety of bird and reptile species typical of Sri Lanka’s dry-zone ecosystems. Visitors access the park for wildlife viewing and to see the reservoir and associated landscapes.

The national park was established to protect the reservoir catchment and associated biodiversity and is managed under Sri Lanka’s protected-area framework.

Located in eastern Sri Lanka at approximately 7.5252 N, 81.2564 E, the park lies inland from the eastern coast and is part of the network of national parks in the country.

Reservoir and wildlife: Centrepiece Maduru Oya Reservoir provides water storage and a focal point for wildlife viewing; the park supports dry-zone forest and elephant populations.

When to Go

Best Time to Visit Maduru Oya National Park

Dry months (May-September) are best for wildlife viewing; check park advisories for access and vehicle requirements.

Dry season (May-Sep)

May-Sep · 24-32 °C

Easier game viewing as animals gather near remaining waterholes.

Inter-monsoon (Oct-Nov)

Oct-Nov · 24-30 °C

Good for birdwatching; some rain but generally accessible.

Wet season (Dec-Apr)

Dec-Apr · 24-30 °C

Lusher landscapes and lower observability of large mammals due to broader water availability.

Weather & Climate near Maduru Oya National Park

Climate

Maduru Oya National Park's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 33°C. Abundant rainfall (1925 mm/year), wettest in December with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 63 Moderate

Best Time to Visit

JuneFebruaryMarch

Temperature & Rainfall

Temperature Range

40°

Warmest Month

15°

Coldest Month

Monthly Conditions

Month	Comfort	Temp	Feels	Rain	Sky	Humidity	Wind	UV	Daylight
January	Good	22° - 29°	25°	274 mm	overcast	88%	2.0 m/s	1.7 very high	11.6h
February	Very Good	22° - 30°	26°	144 mm	partly cloudy	84%	1.6 m/s	2.1 extreme	11.8h
March	Very Good	23° - 32°	30°	104 mm	partly cloudy	79%	1.8 m/s	2.5 extreme	12.0h
April	Very Good	24° - 32°	32°	123 mm	partly cloudy	78%	1.7 m/s	2.4 extreme	12.2h
May	Very Good	25° - 33°	33°	72 mm	partly cloudy	77%	2.8 m/s	2.3 extreme	12.3h
June	Very Good	25° - 33°	33°	17 mm	partly cloudy	74%	2.8 m/s	2.3 extreme	12.4h
July	Good	24° - 33°	32°	78 mm	overcast	70%	2.4 m/s	2.3 extreme	12.4h
August	Good	24° - 33°	31°	84 mm	partly cloudy	68%	2.4 m/s	2.4 extreme	12.2h
September	Good	24° - 33°	31°	105 mm	partly cloudy	69%	2.0 m/s	2.4 extreme	12.1h
October	Good	23° - 31°	30°	221 mm	partly cloudy	77%	1.6 m/s	2.2 extreme	11.8h
November	Good	23° - 30°	26°	296 mm	overcast	87%	1.6 m/s	1.7 very high	11.7h
December	Good	22° - 29°	25°	407 mm	overcast	89%	1.4 m/s	1.6 very high	11.6h

Getting There & Around

How to Get to Maduru Oya National Park

Maduru Oya National Park is approximately 260 km east of Colombo; by road, access is usually via the coastal A4 and internal roads, with the nearest larger towns being Polonnaruwa and Dambana. Local tour operators in eastern Sri Lanka run safaris and guided visits.

Tips for Visiting Maduru Oya National Park

Go on early-morning or late-afternoon game drives for better animal activity and cooler temperatures.
Bring binoculars and a camera with a long lens - elephants and water buffalo are common, and birdlife is rich.
Check for seasonal road closures during peak rains; some tracks become impassable in the wet season.

Maduru Oya National Park