Lunugamvehera National Park in Sri Lanka was declared in 1995, with the intention of protecting the catchment area of the Lunugamvehera reservoir and wildlife of the area. The national park is an important habitat for water birds and elephants. The catchment area is vital to maintain the water levels of the five tanks in the down stream of Kirindi Oya and wetland characteristics of Bundala National Park.[1] This national park also serves as a corridor for elephants to migrate between Yala National Park and Udawalawe National Park.[2] The national park is situated 261 km (162 mi) southwest from Colombo. After being closed because of the Sri Lankan civil war, the national park is now open to the general public Location Uva province and Southern province, Sri Lanka Nearest city Hambantota Coordinates 6°23′N 81°14′ECoordinates: 6°23′N 81°14′E Area 23,498.8 ha (58,066.8 acres) Established December 8, 1995 Governing body Department of Wildlife Conservation HOW TO GET THERE: Colombo – Ratnapura – Pelmadulla – Godakawela – Sankapala - Turn left at the Udawalawa Junction and proceed along the National park – Tanamalwila – Turn right – Look for the park board - entrance is a few km from Tanamalwila Junction. (5 hours) BIRDS AT LUNUGAMVEHERA Chestnut-headed Bee-eater, Blue-faced Malkoha, Spot-billed Pelican, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Painted Stork, White-necked Stork, Marshall’s Iora, Jungle Owlet, Barred Bustard Quail, Indian Peafowl, Crested Honey Buzzard, Crested Hawk Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, White-bellied sea Eagle, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Indian Pitta and many more..