Hakgala Strict Nature Reserve Travel Guide
Facts and practical information
Hakgala Strict Nature Reserve, located in the Badulla region of Sri Lanka, is a breathtaking destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. The reserve is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a paradise for wildlife lovers and botany enthusiasts alike. The lush greenery and serene atmosphere of Hakgala make it the perfect place for a peaceful retreat into nature.
One of the main attractions of Hakgala Strict Nature Reserve is the Hakgala Botanical Garden, which is known for its stunning collection of orchids and roses. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the garden, admiring the vibrant colors and delicate beauty of the flowers. The garden is also home to a variety of other plant species, including rare ferns and exotic trees, providing a fascinating glimpse into the rich biodiversity of the region.
For those seeking a more adventurous experience, Hakgala Strict Nature Reserve offers opportunities for hiking and birdwatching. The reserve is crisscrossed with scenic trails that lead to stunning viewpoints and hidden waterfalls, providing ample opportunities for exploration and discovery. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the chance to spot a wide array of bird species, including colorful endemic birds such as the Sri Lanka white-eye and the Sri Lanka blue magpie.
In addition to its natural beauty, Hakgala Strict Nature Reserve also holds cultural and historical significance. The reserve is said to be the site of the legendary Ashoka Vatika, a garden mentioned in the Hindu epic Ramayana. This mythical connection adds an extra layer of intrigue to the already captivating landscape of Hakgala.
Badulla
Hakgala Strict Nature Reserve Attractions - What to See and Explore
Hakgala Strict Nature Reserve offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Hakgala. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.
Best Time To Visit Hakgala Strict Nature Reserve
Learn when is the best time to travel to Hakgala Strict Nature Reserve weather-wise and what to expect in each season.
Best Ways to Experience the Park
Wildlife
AnimalsSee what popular animal species you can meet in this location.
Fishing cat
The fishing cat is a captivating medium-sized wild cat native to South and Southeast Asia. Regrettably, it has been listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List since 2016. These cats are frequently found near wetlands, rivers, streams, oxbow lakes, swamps, and mangroves.
Mammals
Sri Lankan elephant
The Sri Lankan elephant is a distinctive subspecies of the Asian elephant, endemic to Sri Lanka. Since 1986, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified them as endangered, primarily due to habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation.
Mammals
Wild Boar, Pig, Hog
Wild boars, also known as wild swine or wild pigs, are fascinating creatures found across many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, and North and South America. Due to human activities, they have spread extensively, making them one of the most adaptable...
Mammals
Toque Monkey
The toque macaque, an Old World monkey endemic to Sri Lanka, is locally referred to as the rilewa or rilawa. This species is classified into three subspecies: *Macaca sinica sinica*, *Macaca sinica aurifrons*, and *Macaca sinica opisthomelas*, each indigenous...
Mammals
Purple-faced langur
The purple-faced langur, also known as the purple-faced leaf monkey, is a captivating Old World monkey species native to Sri Lanka. These shy, arboreal creatures are predominantly brown with dark faces and are easily identifiable by their distinctive appearance.
Mammals
Badulla