Flood Plains National Park

Located in the North Central Province, the Flood Plains National Park lies within the Mahaweli protected area complex. By linking the Wasgamuwa National Park in the south to the Somawathiya Chaitiya National Park in the north, this park area is an essential habitat and refuge for elephants and both resident and migratory waterfowl species. The mighty Mahaweli Ganga splits the 17,350 ha park from north to south saturating the soil and characterising the park's unique landscape.

You'll discover on your exciting journey through Flood plains that its sodden landscape is unique because so few trees can grow there, making it appear barren. Instead marvel at the swamp forests, marshland and characteristic villus, unique shallow depressions filled with fresh water, which are particularly important as dry season grazing areas. The rich water-tolerant vegetation growing in and around the floodplains attract large numbers of animals such as the fishing cat, jungle cat, rusty-spotted cat, jackal, wild boar, spotted deer and buffalo that you may quite clearly see since there are few obstructions to your view. The marshes support reptiles such as the giant mugger and estuarine crocodiles, which always make for exciting viewing.

In the villus live both freshwater shark and climbing perch while a trip through the marshy floodplains may result in you glimpsing any of up to 75 migrant species of birds that include the marsh sandpiper, Asiatic golden plover and osprey that are attracted to it. Resident birds include the eastern large egret, purple coot, Indian darter and black-winged stilt.