The Somawathie Chaitiya Sanctuary lies in the east of the country, with its expanse covering most of the delta of the Mahaweli River, Sri Lanka’s longest. Its vegetation is dominated by riverine grass plains, dotted with numerous shallow rain-fed water bodies known as villus, making the wetland system a prime habitat for a wide range of birdlife both resident and migratory. Commonly found resident bird species in the wetlands include painted stork, openbill stork, pheasant-tailed jacana, white ibis, and black-winged stilt, while the forested areas are home to the Malabar pied hornbill, peafowl, crimson-fronted barbet and golden-fronted leaf bird amongst others. Migratory species which commonly visit the park are garganey, marsh sandpipers, wood sand piper, and pintail snipe. The park also protects a large elephant population which is believed to be 400-strong, along with sambhur, water buffalo, wild boar, fishing cat, and rusty spotted cat. The historic Somawathiya Chaitya, believed to hold a tooth relic of the Buddha lies within the boundaries of the park.

Written by Jonathan Roelofsz for Travel Lanka Compass