Khuean Srinagarindra National Park
Khuean Srinagarindra National Park | |
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อุทยานแห่งชาติเขื่อนศรีนครินทร์ | |
IUCN category II (national park) | |
Srinagarind Reservoir | |
Park location in Thailand | |
Location | Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand |
Nearest city | Kanchanaburi |
Coordinates | 14°44′39″N 99°2′10″E / 14.74417°N 99.03611°ECoordinates: 14°44′39″N 99°2′10″E / 14.74417°N 99.03611°E |
Area | 1,532 km2 (592 sq mi) |
Established | December 1981 |
Governing body | Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation |
Khuean Srinagarindra National Park (Thai: อุทยานแห่งชาติเขื่อนศรีนครินทร์), also known as Si Nakharin National Park, is a national park in Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand. The park, centred on the Srinagarind Reservoir, is part of the Western Forest Complex protected area.
Geography
Khuean Srinagarindra National Park is 105 kilometres (65 mi) northwest of Kanchanaburi town in Sai Yok, Si Sawat and Thong Pha Phum districts. The park's area is 1,532 square kilometres (592 sq mi).[1]
At the heart of the park is the Srinagarind Reservoir, a reservoir created by the damming of the Khwae Yai river by the Srinagarind Dam.[1]
History
The park's caves, particularly Tham Phra Prang, were used by Thai soldiers as a hiding place during the Thai - Burmese wars of the 18th century.[1]
Srinagarind Reservoir formed on completion of the Srinagarind Dam in 1980. On 23 December 1981, Khuean Srinagarindra was designated a national park.[2]
Attractions
Khuean Srinagarindra's most popular attraction is Huay Mae Khamin waterfall, a waterfall of seven levels which eventually flows to the Khwae Yai River. The waterfall's source is in the mountains in the east of the park. Other park waterfalls include Pha Sawan and Pha Tat.[1][2]
The park contains numerous cave systems. The 150 metres (490 ft) long Tham Sawan features prehistoric cave paintings. Tham Neramit is dome-like in appearance and features stalactites and stalagmites. Tham Phra Prang, also featuring stalactites and stalagmites, hosts a Buddha image inside. Other caves include Tham Nam Mut and Tham Phra Kho.[1][2]
Flora and fauna
The park's mountain forests are evergreen and deciduous.[1]
Animal species include leopard cat, civet, slow loris, squirrels and bats. Bird life includes green peafowl, osprey, parakeets, kingfishers, orioles and barbets.[1]
References
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Khuean Sri Nakarin National Park. |