Maduru Oya National Park is located in the Dry zone and is 314 km away from Colombo. It is situated by Kuda Sigiriya a great eco location yet to be explored. Maduru Oya well known for its elephant habitat other than elephants, leopards, sloth bears, sambhurs, spotted and barking deer, wild boar and wild buffalo are also found here. Torque Macaque, Purple face leaf monkey and nocturnal slender Loris is also found in the park. Lesser Adjutant, Woolly necked stork, open bill, painted stork, Racket tailed Drongo, Yellow fronted barbet, Sri Lanka Jungle fowl and Spur fowl are among the over 100 species of birds found within the park. Ruins at Henanigala, Kudawila, Gurukumbura, Uluketangoda, Werapokuna and several other places include ancient Buddhist shrines, temples, Dagobas, statues, Devales and hermitages from different eras in Sri Lankan history. An ancient sluice dating prior to the 6th century BCE was discovered recently on the old breached earthen bund of the Maduru Oya. Early Brahminical inscriptions dating from the 3rd century BCE are found at Kandegamakanda. Maduru Oya can be reached through Matale and Hettipola or from Dehiattakandiya coming from Polonnaruwa or from Mahiyangana. Maduru Oya is closer to Wasgamuwa National park. Another route from Colombo (165 miles/265 km) is via Kurunegala, Dambulla, Habarana, Polonnaruwa and Manampitiya. Main access from the north is from Manampitiya (16 miles/25 Km) located on the Polonnaruwa-Batticaloa highway. There are two circuit bungalows and one dormitory at the park office in front of Maduru Oya reservoir. Ulhitiya campsite is available for nature lovers. There is a well-arranged wildlife museum at the park entrance. Location Eastern and Uva Provinces, Sri Lanka Nearest city Polonnaruwa Coordinates 7°34′33″N 81°08′34″ECoordinates: 7°34′33″N 81°08′34″E Area 58,850 hectares (227.2 sq mi)[1] Established 1983 Governing body Department of Wildlife Conservation