Horagolla National Park is
one of the latest national parks in Sri Lanka. It is so called because of an
abundance of Dipterocarpus zeylanicus trees.
The park expands approximately about 13.3 hec. It is
located in the Nambadaluwa village of Udagampaththuwa of Siyane Korale site.
The land is professed as a sanctuary in 1973.
The rich Bio-diversity of the donated land led to the
Wildlife Department to converting it into a sanctuary which on July 28, 2004
was named as the Horagolla National Park.z_p20-Secrets02.jpg
The area is called Horagolla due to the abundance of Hora
trees found in the vicinity. If you travel about one kilometre from Nittambuwa
to Veyangoda, you will arrive at the Pinnagolla junction. About 600 m on the
left turn at the junction is the entrance to the park. This is the smallest
National park in Sri Lanka. It is situated about 40 km from Colombo.
A magnificent lake by the entrance unfolds before your
eyes. Its spectacular scenery, such as the green forest cover and pristine
water area treat for the eyes. The temperature at Horagolla which belongs to
the low-country wet zone, ranges between 27 to 29 C and the South West monsoon
brings the rain. The roads inside the park are attractively paved with stones
and numbered with arrows to enable visitors to find their way with ease. The
full length of this path runs through the forest about one and a half
kilometres.
z_p20-Secrets03.jpgThe tall trees are well covered
overhead with their thick spread of leaves providing a canopy and the desired
effect of darkness in the forest. At every cross road in the interior, stone
benches provide seating accommodation for tired visitors.
The mammals include the Fishing cat, Sri Lankan Spotted
Chevrotain, Golden Jackal and Grizzled giant squirrel which have been
recognized as perment residents in the Horagolla National Park. Visitors are
advised to keep to the path in this revere. Silence and patience is a must.
Otherwise you will not be able to see the animals.
This park is very rich with flora and fauna which include
Hora (Dipterocavpus zeylanicus), Kekuna (Canrium zeylanicus), Godapara
(Dillenia rrtusa), Kithul (Caryota urens), Nedun (Pericopsis mooniana), Atamba
(Mangifera zeylanica), Ruk Attana, Ankenda, Milla (Vitex pinnata) and moonamal.
Invasive species such as Indian del are also common.
A giant Puss Wela (Liana rheedii) which is more than 250
years old also can be seen. Among the vine creepers are Korasawel, Garadia wel,
Suduwel and Bambara wel found in this park. Also Wenivel, which is in the
herbal category and Watessa plant that covers most of the wet
ground.z_p20-Secrets04.jpg
About 64 bird species are found in the park. The most
common of them are the Parakeet, Black-crested bul bul, Barbet asian koel and
Asian brown flycatcher.
The Sri Lankan grey Hornbill, Sri Lankan Hanging parrot
and Layard's parakeet can also be spotted. The park also records various kinds
of butterflies such as Ceylon bird wing, Blue mormon, rare clipper.
As in most sanctuaries, Horagolla is a haven for
reptiles. Russell's viper, Green wipe snake, Pythons, Cobra, Cat snake and
Kangaroo Lizard (pinum kattussa same name) are also found at Horagolla National
park.
z_p20-Secrets05.jpgAdjoining the Horagolla wewa is a
beautiful summer hut built for visitors to rest at the end of their walk
through the forest. In the same location is an Animal museum and centre which
treats injured animals. At breeding centre is a pair of Stunted Deer (Olu
Muwa).
This National park at Horagolla is a place where people
can enjoy the beauty of nature. It is indeed a place of value for students of
the flora and fauna. No special permission is required for an ordinary visit
other than for research of scientific experiment.
The Horagolla National Park is truly worth a visit by
both young and old and is certain to etch in-erasable memories.
Credits - Daily News
