About this experience
Your private jeep threads ten kilometres of track through Lahugala Kitulana National Park on a three-hour circuit connecting three reservoirs — Lahugala, Kitulana, and Sengamuwa. The route crosses wetlands, grasslands, and forest, and wild elephants graze openly along the reservoir banks. The park draws far fewer vehicles than Sri Lanka's larger reserves, which means your driver and tracker can read the waterline and tree edge without the noise and congestion that crowds out detail elsewhere. Leopards and aquatic birds are also recorded here, and the unhurried pace gives photographers and wildlife watchers the room to work properly.
The entire jeep is reserved for your party alone — between one and six guests, private throughout. At booking, choose "Jeep with Tickets" to have Lakpura handle park entrance fees, or "Jeep without Tickets" if you would rather pay at the gate yourself. You may add a guide as an optional extra on either ticket option for a closer reading of the wildlife and habitats along the way. Complimentary pickup and drop-off is included within five kilometres of the park entrance gate, and water is provided on board.
Frequently asked questions
What wildlife can I see in Lahugala Kitulana National Park?
Lahugala Kitulana is one of Sri Lanka's smallest national parks, a short drive inland from Arugam Bay. Elephants come to the Lahugala and Kitulana reservoirs to feed on the tall beru grass, and the park is also good for water birds.
When is the best time to visit Lahugala Kitulana National Park?
The drier months, roughly from May to September, usually give the best viewing, when elephants gather around the reservoirs.
What is included in the price?
A private safari jeep (up to six passengers), an experienced driver who is also your tracker, free pickup and drop-off from anywhere within 5 km of the park gate, and water. Park entrance tickets are included when you choose Tickets: Yes. Not included: hotel pickup and drop-off beyond 5 km of the park entrance gate, food and drinks, and gratuities.
Are the park entrance tickets included?
You choose when you book. With Tickets: Yes, the park entrance tickets are included in your booking. With Tickets: No, you book the jeep only and buy the entrance tickets yourself at the park gate, paid in cash.
Do children pay the park entrance fee?
Park entrance fees are set by the Department of Wildlife Conservation. Children under 6 years old enter the national park free of charge. Children aged 6 to 12 inclusive pay the child ticket rate, which is lower than the adult rate and is set separately for Sri Lankan, SAARC and other foreign visitors. Visitors aged 13 and over pay the adult rate for their category. The department revises its fees from time to time, and the rate in force on the day of your safari applies.
Can young children join the safari?
Every child takes a seat and counts towards the jeep's maximum of six passengers. Game drives are long and bumpy, so bring water and snacks for children.
Is the jeep private?
Yes. The jeep is reserved for your group alone, with up to six passengers, and you choose the number of guests (1 to 6) when you book. A group of more than six needs a second jeep.
Is hotel pickup included?
Pickup and drop-off are free from anywhere within 5 km of the park gate. They are not included if you are staying further away.
Do I get a guide?
Your driver is experienced and also acts as your tracker, spotting animals and finding the best viewing places. You can also add a guide when you book by choosing Guide: Yes.
What should I bring?
A hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellent, a light jacket for an early-morning drive, and a camera and binoculars. Wear comfortable, light clothing in neutral colours. Food and drinks are not included, so bring snacks if you want them.
Traveller reviews
This is a newer experience and doesn’t yet have published traveller reviews. Be among the first — book today and share your story.
Lahugala Kitulana National Park on TripAdvisor
Rating, photos and reviews below are for this place on TripAdvisor — not for the experience itself.
4.2 / 5 · 11 reviews
#7 of 13 things to do in Ampara
●●●●●
Hidden gem right next to Arugam Bay
A real gem that is seemingly spurned by all the Arugambay fans and to my delight because we were the only ones there. Wonderful for watching birds in particular, I have never seen so many Brahmin harriers in the air and…
Ratings, photos and reviews provided by TripAdvisor for Lahugala Kitulana National Park.
