Khuean Srinagarindra National Park

Khuean Srinagarindra National Park (Thai: อุทยานแห่งชาติเขื่อนศรีนครินทร์, RTGS: Utthayan Haeng Chat Khuean Si Nakharin, pronounced [ʔùt.tʰā.jāːn hɛ̀ŋ t͡ɕʰâːt kʰɯ̀a̯n sǐː ná(ʔ).kʰā.rīn]; "Srinagarind Dam 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.

Khuean Srinagarindra National Park
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
Area	1,532 km2 (592 sq mi)
Established	December 1981
Visitors	145,254 (in 2019)
Governing body	Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation

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 957,500 rai ~ 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.^[2]

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.^[2]

Srinagarind Reservoir formed on completion of the Srinagarind Dam in 1980. On 23 December 1981, Khuean Srinagarindra was designated a national park.^[3]

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.^[2][3]

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.^[2][3]

Flora and fauna

Waterfall in the park

The park's mountain forests are evergreen and deciduous.^[2] Tree species include Hopea ferrea, Pterocarpus macrocarpus, Afzelia xylocarpa, Dalbergia oliveri, Shorea obtusa, Xylia xylocarpa, Shorea siamensis, Schleichera oleosa, Lagerstroemia calyculata and Tetrameles nudiflora.^[4] Park animals include Asian elephant, tiger, gaur, lar gibbon, Phayre's leaf monkey and sambar.^[4] Bird life features species such as olive-backed sunbird, Oriental pied hornbill, red junglefowl, scaly-breasted munia, scarlet-backed flowerpecker and thick-billed green pigeon.^[4] Freshwater fish species in the park include giant snakehead, ocellated featherback (Chitala ornata), greater brook carp (Tor tambroides), yellow mystus and transverse-bar barb.^[4]

Location

Khuean Srinagarindra National Park in overview PARO 3 (Ban Pong)

5) Khuean Srinagarindra National Park in overview PARO 3 (Ban Pong)   National park   1 Thai Prachan   2 Chaloem Rattanakosin   3 Erawan   4 Khao Laem   5 Khuean Srinagarindra   6 Lam Khlong Ngu   7 Phu Toei   8 Sai Yok   9 Thong Pha Phum   Wildlife sanctuary  10 Mae Nam Phachi  11 Salak Phra  12 Thung Yai Naresuan West      Forest park  22 Phra Thaen Dong Rang  23 Phu Muang  24 Tham Khao Noi   Non-hunting area  13 Bueng Kroengkawia– Nong Nam Sap  14 Bueng Chawak  15 Khao Pratap Chang  16 Phantai Norasing  17 Somdet Phra Srinagarindra  18 Tham Khang Khao– Khao Chong Phran  19 Tham Lawa– Tham Daowadueng  20 Wat Rat Sattha Kayaram  21 Wat Tham Rakhang– Khao Phra Non

See also

• List of national parks of Thailand
• List of Protected Areas Regional Offices of Thailand