Kalawewa National Park spreads across more than 6,000 hectares of dry-zone landscape in Sri Lanka's North Central Province, embracing two large man-made reservoirs — Kalawewa and Balaluwewa. The park supports a rich diversity of flora and fauna, and is particularly noted for its elephant population. It has a reputation for an unusually high concentration of male elephants bearing tusks, a genuinely rare sight given that only a small proportion of Asian elephants carry ivory.
The rhythm of the park is shaped by the seasons. During the dry period, water levels in the tanks recede and expansive grasslands emerge in their place, drawing both resident and migratory elephant herds to graze. This is the prime time to visit, and the park opens to the public during this window. When the monsoon arrives, the reservoirs fill and the grasslands disappear beneath the water, transforming the landscape into a haven for birdlife instead.
Tickets booked through Lakpura include a guided safari service, allowing visitors to make the most of the park's wildlife and terrain. Citizens of SAARC member countries are eligible for a discounted entrance rate; a valid passport should be presented to confirm eligibility. Further details about the park, its ecology and what to expect on a visit can be found on the Kalawewa National Park page.
