Udawalawe, located in the southern part of Sri Lanka, is one of the island's premier wildlife destinations. The area is most famous for Udawalawe National Park, a vast sanctuary covering nearly 31,000 hectares and home to one of the largest elephant populations in the country. It’s a must-visit location for nature enthusiasts, offering incredible opportunities for safaris, wildlife photography, and eco-tourism.
Udawalawe
Udawalawe National Park was established in 1972 to provide a safe habitat for wildlife, especially elephants, and to protect the Udawalawe Reservoir. The park’s landscape is a mix of open plains, scrub jungles, and marshland, with the backdrop of the Sabaragamuwa Mountain Range creating stunning views. The park is well-known for its year-round elephant sightings and is considered one of the best places in Asia to view elephants in the wild.
Udawalawe is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to observe wild elephants. The park is home to over 500 elephants, and visitors can see herds of elephants roaming freely, especially around the Udawalawe Reservoir.
Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home
Located just outside the park, this facility is a rehabilitation center for orphaned elephants. The elephants are cared for here until they are old enough to be released back into the wild. Visitors can witness the feeding times, which provide an up-close and educational experience with these gentle giants.
Birdwatching
The park is also home to over 200 species of birds, including both resident and migratory birds. Common sightings include the Sri Lankan junglefowl, grey-headed fish eagle, crested serpent eagle, and various species of kingfishers.
Diverse Wildlife
Apart from elephants, Udawalawe is home to water buffalo, spotted deer, wild boar, jackals, crocodiles, and occasionally leopards. The diversity of animals makes it a great location for a safari experience.
The most popular activity is embarking on a jeep safari. Safaris in Udawalawe are typically done in either the early morning or late afternoon when animals are most active. A guided tour will take you deep into the park, where you can spot not only elephants but also a wide variety of other animals and birds.
Visit the Elephant Transit Home
As mentioned earlier, this facility is one of the top attractions in Udawalawe. It's a great place to learn about the conservation efforts in Sri Lanka and observe young elephants being cared for by professionals.
Photography Safaris
Udawalawe's scenic beauty, combined with its abundant wildlife, makes it a perfect destination for photography enthusiasts. Whether you’re interested in capturing elephants bathing, birds in flight, or the park's stunning landscapes, the opportunities are endless.
Nature Trails and Eco Tours
While safari drives are the most common way to explore Udawalawe, some tours offer walking safaris or eco-tours outside the national park's boundaries, where visitors can learn more about the region's unique flora and fauna.
In addition to elephants, Udawalawe is home to a wide variety of mammals. These include sloth bears, leopards (though sightings are rare), sambar deer, and mongoose.
Reptiles
Udawalawe is also home to mugger crocodiles, water monitors, and various species of snakes, including python.
Bird Species
The park is a birdwatcher's paradise, with sightings of the white-bellied sea eagle, malabar pied hornbill, and black-winged stilt being common.
Wilpattu’s landscape is diverse and stunning, with its unique combination of willus (lakes), dense forests, and grasslands. The lakes reflect the surrounding trees and skies, creating a peaceful and picturesque environment. The varied vegetation supports a range of ecosystems, from tropical dry-zone forests to wetlands.
One of the most captivating aspects of Wilpattu is the contrast between the lush greenery around the lakes and the dry, scrubby terrain elsewhere. This diversity of habitats makes the park visually striking and ideal for wildlife photography.
Udawalawe offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets:
Luxury Safari Lodges
For those seeking a premium experience, several eco-friendly safari lodges are located close to the park entrance. These lodges often offer all-inclusive packages, including meals and safari tours.
Eco Resorts and Camps
For nature lovers, staying at an eco-resort or luxury camp can enhance the wilderness experience. Many campsites are designed to minimize their impact on the environment while offering all modern comforts.
Budget Guesthouses
Travelers on a budget can find comfortable guesthouses and homestays in nearby towns, offering easy access to the park at affordable rates.
The best time to visit Udawalawe is during the dry season from May to September, as animals are more likely to gather around water sources, increasing the chances of sightings. However, the park is open year-round, and elephant sightings are almost guaranteed regardless of the season.
Why Visit Udawalawe?
Udawalawe is an ideal destination for wildlife enthusiasts and anyone seeking an authentic safari experience. The combination of elephants, diverse wildlife, bird species, and stunning landscapes makes it one of the top national parks in Sri Lanka. Whether you're on a short trip or an extended holiday, Udawalawe offers something for everyone, from thrilling safari adventures to tranquil nature walks.
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