Udawalawe National Park Sri Lanka – A Complete Travel Guide

Udawalawe National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Sri Lanka, showcasing the natural beauty and wildlife heritage of the country. Home to free-roaming elephants, the park has attracted many local and international tourists. Udawalawe National Park is a magnificent sanctuary where one can experience nature, wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. Located in the southern part of Sri Lanka, Udawalawe is particularly famous for its large wild elephants and its beautiful open grasslands.

Established in 1972, the park was originally created to provide a safe habitat for animals displaced by the construction of the Udawalawe Reservoir. Today it has become one of the best national parks in Sri Lanka for wildlife safaris and nature tourism. Travelers from all over the world visit this park to observe elephants, birds, reptiles, and many other animals in their natural environment.

For nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers, Udawalawe National Park offers an unforgettable safari experience.

Location and geographical background.

Udawalawe National Park is located on the boundary of Sabaragamuwa Province and Uva Province. The park covers an area of about 30,821 hectares, making it one of the largest protected wildlife areas in Sri Lanka.

The landscape of Udawalawe is unique compared to other national parks on the island. Instead of dense jungle, much of the park consists of open grasslands, scattered forests, and shrubland. This open terrain makes it easier to observe animals, which is one of the main reasons the park is so popular for safari tours.

At the heart of the park lies the beautiful Udawalawe Reservoir, a massive water body surrounded by wildlife. The reservoir attracts many animals, especially during the dry season, when they come to drink water. The surrounding scenery, with mountains in the distance and wide plains, creates a stunning natural environment for visitors.

Wildlife in Udawalawe National Park

Udawalawe National Park is best known for its large population of Sri Lankan elephants. Visitors have a very high chance of seeing elephants during a safari. Herds of elephants can often be seen grazing, bathing in water, or walking peacefully across the grasslands.

Besides elephants, the park is home to a variety of other wildlife species including Water buffalo, Spotted deer, Sambar deer, Wild boar, Jackals, Crocodiles and Monitor lizards.

The park is also an excellent destination for birdwatching. Over 200 species of birds have been recorded in the area. Some commonly seen birds include peacocks, eagles, kingfishers, herons, and storks.

Safari Experience

A safari in Udawalawe National Park is one of the most exciting experiences for travelers visiting Sri Lanka. The park can be explored by 4x4 safari jeeps with experienced guides who know the best locations for spotting animals. There are usually two main safari times,

Morning Safari: Around 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM

Evening Safari: Around 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

These times are ideal because animals are most active during the cooler hours of the day.

During the safari, visitors travel along dirt roads across grasslands and forests while observing animals in their natural habitats. Seeing a herd of elephants walking freely just a few meters away is an unforgettable moment for many travelers.

Elephant Transit Home (Ath Athuru Sevana)

The Elephant Transit Home can be described as a must-visit location during a trip to Udawalawe. It is situated in the south of the island, approximately 5 km from the western boundary of the Udawalawe National Park. Established in 1995 by the Department of Wildlife Conservation, it focuses on the welfare and protection of orphaned elephants.

Visitors can observe feeding times, where baby elephants gather to drink milk. Watching these playful young elephants is a heartwarming experience and also helps raise awareness about wildlife conservation. Here orphaned elephant calves are cared for until they are independent (up to 5 years of age) and are released back into the wild. More than 200 elephants were cared for at present and around 40-50 elephants can be cared at once

Elephant Feeding Sessions

There are three feeding sessions daily at 10:30 AM, 2:30 PM, and 6:00 PM. Local and foreign tourists have the opportunity to visit these feeding sessions. A secure viewing center is established for watching on behalf of visitors.

Travel Tips for Visitors

To enjoy the best experience in Udawalawe National Park, travelers should keep the following tips in mind,

• Bring binoculars and a camera for wildlife photography
• Wear light and comfortable clothing
• Carry sun protection, such as hats and sunscreen
• Follow the park rules and respect wildlife
• Always travel with an experienced safari guide

Responsible tourism helps protect the park and its animals for future generations.

Conclusion

Udawalawe National Park is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to experience wildlife and nature. Its vast grasslands, beautiful reservoir, and incredible population of elephants make it a must-visit destination for travelers. Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast, a photographer, or simply a nature lover, a safari in Udawalawe offers a unique opportunity to witness animals living freely in their natural habitat. Combined with the important conservation work at the Elephant Transit Home, the park plays a vital role in protecting Sri Lanka’s wildlife heritage. A visit to Udawalawe National Park will undoubtedly be one of the most memorable experiences during a journey through Sri Lanka.