Wasgamuwa National Park MSs- Sri Lanka
Wasgamuwa (Meaning Sloth Wood, home for sloth bears) is situated at Handungamuwa, Matale district, Sri Lanka. Spanning over 36,900 hectares and bordered by 2 rivers, Mahaweli Ganga and Amban Ganga (tributary of Mahaweli Ganga), It has around 150 varieties of flora and birds, 50 varieties of butterflies, nearly 20 varieties of mammals, reptiles and snakes and other animals .
It was declared as a game reserve (like Natural reserve but hunting is allowed) in 1907, Natural reserve (like National park, but no roads or other facilities, means not suitable for common people) in 1938 and National Park in 1984.
It is not only a natural park but also a historic place. The park has the ruins of canal built by King Parakramabahu I(ruled between 1153- 1186), Chitya (Buddhist prayer hall) built by King Mahanaga (one of the earliest rulers of SL). Battle between South Indian Chola dynasty king Elara and Sinhalese king Dutugamunu happened in this place.
This park is also popular for it's 1700 years old Tamarind tree.
Sri Lanka post recently issued 6 Miniature sheets of faunas of this park. Like the park, these stamps also very catchy.
