SRI LANKA NEW -Wild park at  Ridiyagama Safari Park

It was a one-day trip to cover a holiday which fallen in middle of the week. 

Visit was multipurpose such as visit our friend’s homes, taste homemade “ruhunu meekiri” (Curd), have a sea bath in southern coast and last but not least to visit “Ridiyagama Safari Park”.

Park Entrance

Ridiyagama Safari Park is the latest tourist attraction in Walawe basin closed proximity to Ridiyagama Tank located nearly 250 k.m from the capital.

Map

These are the three routes shown in google map from Tangalle – RSP. We used route number 3 via Ambalantota on our arrival and route number 1 via Padalangala, Barawakumbuka, Wetiya Junction, Angunakolapelessa, Ranna on return trip.

Road conditions

Route No1 and Route No2            -              GOOD

Route No3                                     -              POOR (Ambalantota Ridiyagama section)

However, Route No3 is along the Ridiyagama Tank is a good experience. You can have a bath from the canal which take water out from the Ridiyagama Tank as villagers, that would be really enjoyable.

RSP

Its first phase has just commenced out and more facilities are yes to develop. Following sections are functioning right now.

Lions area                            - Around 8 lions live in the bounded area

Herbivores area                    - This is the richest section various type of deers, Zebra, Camel, donkey, hippopotamus  live there. It seems most of animals have well adopted to the environment as they live very freely as jungle.

RSP is bordered by Ridiyagama Tank

Elephants area                  - This area is still under construction. Four elephants live there under inspection of their masters.  These elephants are mainly from Pinnawala and Dehiwala national Zoological Garden. 

RSP operation

They use special bus service to provide rides to visitors. On busy days when demand increased they take additional busses outside (seems not a good approach) and allow private vehicles along with guides.

It takes around hour to complete the ride. In busy days you may need to wait in queue (max one hour) due to lack of busses.

Operational staff is young, friendly and helpful and guides are very resourceful, they increase the awareness of the visitors while making some fun out of it.

Photo Credit
Sajith Samarasena

Nearby Places

Madunagala buddhist hermitage and Madunagala hot water wells