The Horagolla National Park is one of the newest national parks in Sri Lanka. It is so-called because of the abundance of Dipterocarpus xylonicus (Hora) trees. The site was declared a wildlife sanctuary on September 5, 1973, because of its biodiversity. It was later upgraded to the National Park in Horagolla on 24th June 2004. The park covers an area of 13.36 hectares and is under the Department of Wildlife Conservation. Horagolla is the only urban park in the western part of Sri Lanka. This park is 40 km (25 mi) from Colombo.
Horagolla is a low country evergreen forest. The garden has a humus-like structure, with warm temperatures throughout the year. Dipterocarpus selenicus (Hora), Canarium selenicum (Kekuna), Dilenia reutusa (Godfather), Cariota urens (Kithul), Pericopsis muniana (Nedun), Mangifera silenica (Atambha), Sacred Tree, attana), Acronychia pedunculata (ankenda), Vitex pinnata (milla), Mimusops elengi (moonamal), bread nuts and Pterospermum canescens (Velang). Also you can see the various Liana Entrada Redi (Pus-Vel). The forests of the park are dominated by Gmelina arboria (Edemamata), Philisium desipiens (Pihimbia), mahogany, teak and golden shower tree (Ohela).
Mammals found in the park include fishing cats, Sri Lankan spotted chevrolets, gold foxes and giant squirrels. Horagolla is considered a bird watching destination. There are 68 bird species recorded from the park. The most common are the Paraquat, the Black Badge Bulbs, the Barbat and the Asian Coel. Other bird species found in the park include Sri Lanka’s Hornbill, Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot, Layer’s Parakeet and Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher. Rare Clipper, Ceylon Birdwing and Blue Mormon are some of the best known butterflies in the park. Many threatened species, including tortoises, are found in Horagolla. Pythons and cobras are among the many reptiles found in the park.
Rather than animals, this is an ideal place to see and observe extensive information on trees and vegetation.
