Maduru oya
Maduru oya is one of the major streams established in Ampara district. This gives an iconic view of the ancient earthen dam and sluice built there, during the reign of King Mahasena. The reservoir that spreads seamlessly reflects the clear blue skies and by evening it simmers with hues of pinks and purples. Beside this stream stands a majestic buddha statue that brings in more peace to anyone that visits this place.
In the closer vicinity, there is this rich Maduru Oya National park. The park covers 58,849 hectares providing a sanctuary to the above wild animals and birds protecting the catchments of five reservoirs.
This consists of numerous endemic species that give richness to the national park. Elephants (population around 150 - 200), sloth bears, leopards, water buffalos, toque monkey, common langur, jackal, fishing cat, wild boar, Indian muntjacs, spotted deer, sambar, porcupine, black-naped hare, Indian pangolin, European otter, slender grey loris are some reported mammal species. Painted stork, white-bellied sea eagle, grey pelican, great cormorant, little cormorant, Sri Lanka jungle fowl, broad-billed roller, common tailorbird, shama, black-hooded oriole, woodpecker, red-faced malkoha are some of the birds harbored in Maduru Oya. Watching and enjoying the behaviors of these species will give the most excellent satisfaction.
A group of Vedda people, who are known to be the indigenous ethnic group, lives within the park boundary in Henanigala, Kandungan Wela, Kotatalawa, and Dambana. They lived in Sri Lanka long before the arrival of the Sinhalese people from India in 543 BC. They possess an ancient traditional culture of hunting, gathering, and small cultivation. Traveling around this national park will create an opportunity to get to know these Vedda people.
There is a well-arranged wildlife museum at the park entrance. There are two circuit bungalows and one dormitory constructed in front of the Maduru Oya reservoir. Tourists can enjoy the campsite available in Ulhitiya, where they can experience nature's taste.
