Nilgala Makara Pivisuma

The Nilgala Makara Pivisuma, which belongs to both the Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Department of Forest Conservation, is located on the border of the Galaoya National Park near the town of Uva and Ampara in the Eastern Province. The total land area is about 26,000 hectares.

It is called Nilgala because of the meaning of Nilaparvata. There are several peaks in the Nilgala forest and the highest mountain is known as "Yakun Hela" which is about 700 meters. Buddhist monasteries and archeological monuments of prehistoric value can be seen throughout the Nilgala Makara Pivisuma.

Nilgala Makara Pivisuma covers a catchment area of the Senanayaka Samudra and is located in the Galaoya National Park. Galaoya is said to be the main source of water in the Senanayaka Samudra and falls into the Senanayaka Samudra through Nilagala.

The place where Galaoya passes through the Nilgala reserve and falls into the sea of Senanayaka Samudra is called Makara. According to the legend associated with this, There was a natural tunnel at the point where it fell into the Senanayaka Samudra passing through the Galaoya Nilgala Reserve and because of the water flowing through it, it was known as the "Dragon's Mouth" or Dragon's Mouth and later became the Dragon.

Nilgala forest is a dry mixed evergreen forest. The climate is moderately cool. During the northeast monsoon, this condition changes to a humid climate.

In the Nilgala forest, Aralu, Bulu, Nelli, Kumbuk, Kon, Kaluwara, trees are common. Kudumberia, Kukurumana, Pangirimana, Mana and Iluk are abundant in the savannah grasslands.

The Nilgala forest is home to a large number of animals Elephants roam in large numbers. The Nilgala forest is one of the most popular bird sanctuaries.

The forest conservation office maintains 4 camps in the Nilgala forest

1. Seenukgala Campground
2. Mahadorova Campground
3. Pigeon Array Campground
4. Dragon camp territory

You are only allowed to enter the Nilgala forest of archaeological value with a wildlife officer. The wildlife officer will explain to you the archaeological value of the reserve, its antiquities and related treasures.

It usually takes more than two days to visit the entire reserve and there is also a bungalow at Galaoya National Park in Lockaloya for accommodation. The bungalow can accommodate up to 10 people.

Access to Nilagala forest is between Bibil - Inginiyagala road. Km from Injiniyagala. 42 km and from the city of Bibile. The diversion will take place at Bulupitiya, 21 km away.

How to reach: The closest city to this place is Bibile. This place is located about 21.4 km from the town of Bibile.

Traveling Time:

• Bibile - 21.4 km (25 minutes)
• Ampara - 57.7 km (1 h 2 minutes)

Reserving the Nilgala camp site can be a challenge.
Contact Information:

• Phone: 0632242002 / 077 421 5181
• Address: B527

Famous for:

• Camping
• Scenery
• Trekking
• Photography
• Best for enjoying and relaxing
• Nature has gifted for you this place to enjoy
• Memorable place

Special remark:

• It is important to take a thoughtful journey as there are a lot of elephants roaming around.
• Must visit under an officer of the Department of Wildlife Conservation
• Ride in safari rides designed for travel
• Avoid traveling in small cars, vans and motorcycles