Udawalawe National Park — Attraction in Sri Lanka

Udawalawe National Park, situated in the southern part of Sri Lanka, is renowned for its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife. Covering approximately 30,821 hectares, the park is one of the premier destinations in Sri Lanka for wildlife viewing, particularly known for its large population of elephants.

Key Features of Udawalawe National Park:

Wildlife: Udawalawe is best known for its impressive herd of Sri Lankan elephants. The park provides a safe habitat for over 500 elephants, making it one of the best places in Sri Lanka to observe these majestic creatures. Besides elephants, the park is home to various other species including water buffaloes, sambar deer, wild boars, and a variety of monkeys. It also supports a rich birdlife, including species such as the grey-headed fish eagle, the purple heron, and the Sri Lankan junglefowl.

Landscape and Ecosystems: The park features a mix of grasslands, open plains, and sparse forested areas. Its landscape is shaped by the Udawalawe Reservoir, which provides a critical water source for the park’s wildlife, especially during the dry season. The reservoir and surrounding wetlands attract numerous bird species and support a variety of aquatic life.

Elephant Transit Home: Located near the park, the Elephant Transit Home (ETH) is an important conservation facility dedicated to the rehabilitation of orphaned and injured elephants. The ETH plays a crucial role in the protection and recovery of young elephants before they are reintroduced into the wild. Visitors can observe the elephants being fed and learn about the conservation efforts in place.

Safari Experience: The park offers guided jeep safaris that provide an opportunity to see wildlife in their natural habitat. These safaris are a popular way to explore the park’s diverse landscapes and increase the chances of spotting elephants and other animals. Morning and afternoon safaris are available, and it is advisable to book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Bird Watching: Udawalawe is also a haven for birdwatchers. The park’s varied habitats support a range of bird species, making it a great destination for observing both resident and migratory birds.

Conservation Efforts: Udawalawe National Park is actively involved in conservation efforts aimed at protecting its wildlife and natural habitats. The park is managed by the Department of Wildlife Conservation, which works to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts and ensure the sustainability of the park’s ecosystems.

Climate and Best Time to Visit: The park experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The dry season, from May to September, is the best time to visit Udawalawe, as wildlife congregates around water sources, making it easier to spot animals.

Visiting Udawalawe National Park:

Permits: Entry to the park requires a permit, which can be obtained at the park entrance or through authorized tour operators. Guides: Hiring a knowledgeable guide or joining a guided safari tour is recommended to enhance the experience and increase the likelihood of wildlife sightings. Preparation: Wear comfortable, neutral-colored clothing to blend in with the environment. Bring essentials such as water, sun protection, binoculars for birdwatching, and a camera to capture the wildlife and landscapes.

Overall, Udawalawe National Park offers a rewarding wildlife experience with its large elephant population and diverse ecosystems. It is a prime destination for nature enthusiasts and those interested in observing Sri Lanka’s rich wildlife in a relatively accessible and...

Udawalawe National Park, the sixth largest animal sanctuary of Sri Lanka is located 180 km from Colombo in south-central sector of the island.

Reaching Udawalawe National Park and access

The entrance to Udawalawe National Park is located near 11km post between Timbolketiya and Tanamanwila on Pelmadulla-Timbolketiya A18 road.

Climate at the Udawalawe National Park

Dry Monsoon forest with an annual rainfall is about 1520mm has mean day & night temperature are 29 & 24 degrees centigrade respectively. The Landscape of Udawalawe National Park

The park is situated just south of the Central Highlands, of which escarpment brings about an enrapturing backdrop. At the center of the park lies the Udawalawe Reservoir. Udawalawe National Park established in the year 1972, with the objective of protecting the catchment area of Udawalawe reservoir,which provides water for agriculture and hydro-power generation spreads over an area 30,821, resembles an African game park: it is mainly thorny-shrub jungle with grasslands.

Wildlife at Udawalawe National Park

Keeping company to the herds of elephants, the main attraction of the park are the Water Buffalo, Wildboar, Spotted Deer, Sambur Deer, Jackal, Samber, Black-naped hare, mongooses, bandicoots, foxes, s the endemic Toque Macaque and Gray Langers. Sighting a Leopard and other smaller cats like Fishing cat & Jungle cat would be a bonus.

Elephants at Udawalawe National Park

Udawalawe is undoubtedly the best place in Sri Lanka to see wild Asian Elephants throughout the year: there are about 500 elephants in the park and they often roam in herds of up to 100. Udawalawe National Park is unique in terms of consistency in numbers of elephants roaming the park: it has no a seasonal variation in herds of elephants. The best hours to visit the park are in the mornings and evenings. Late evening also affords the photographic opportunities in the backdrop of loveliest sunsets.

Birdlife at Udawalawe National Park

Udawalawe National Park is one of the best places to see Raptors in Sri Lanka and afford excellent opportunities for photography. Endemic birds include the Sri Lankan junglefowl, Sri Lanka spurfowl, Sri Lanka green pigeon, Sri Lanka grey hornbill, Sri Lanka woodshrike and Sri Lanka swallow. Among the other bird species seen are Spot-billed pelican, Little cormorant, Grey heron, Indian pond heron, Cattle egret, Great egret, Little egret, Intermediate egret, Painted stork, Woolly-necked stork, Yellow-wattled lapwing, Green bee-eater, Crested treeswift. In forested areas Sirkeer and Blue-faced malkoha are found.

During the migrant season of birds (Nov to March): Booted eagle, Common kestrel, Harris’s hawk, Rosy starling, Black-capped kingfisher, Wood sandpiper, Common sandpiper, Little ringed plover, Whiskered tern, Western yellow wagtail, Forest wagtail & Citrine wagtail.

Butterflies at Udawalawe National Park

Satin trees in the park attract butterflies: beautiful Papilio crino, Delias eucharis, Euploea core and many species of ‘Yellows and Whites’ Papilio polytes. In the riverine forest areas Graphium sarpedon are seen.

Reptiles at Udawalawe National Park

While the crocodiles doze off on the banks of the reservoir, the water monitor lizards are abound...

Udawalawe National Park is one of Sri Lanka’s premier wildlife destinations, especially renowned for its large population of Sri Lankan elephants. Here's an in-depth guide:

🐘 Wildlife & Biodiversity

Elephants: Home to around 250–600 elephants frequently seen grazing, bathing, and moving in herds—making sightings almost guaranteed .

Other mammals: Spot sambar and axis deer, wild boar, water buffalo, elephants, toque macaques, gray langurs, jackals; rarer sightings include leopards, sloth bears, rusty‑spotted and fishing cats .

Birdwatching hotspot: Boasts 180–200 bird species—endemic hornbills, junglefowl, migratory waterbirds like storks, pelicans, and eagles .

Reptiles & fish: Includes mugger crocodiles, monitor lizards, snakes, and endemic fish like Garra ceylonensis .

🏛 Elephant Transit Home

A rehabilitation centre opened in 1995 to rescue orphaned calves, with daily feeding sessions at scheduled times (9 am, 12 pm, 3 pm, 6 pm) .

Great for educational visits and observing elephant care and release programs.

🗓 Best Time to Visit

Dry season (May–September): Ideal for wildlife viewing as animals gather near waterholes .

Wet season (Oct–Apr): Lush scenery and bird migration; still worthwhile if you're into birding .

🚙 Safari Experience

Most visitors take open‑jeep safaris early morning (6–10:30 am) or late afternoon (3–6:30 pm) for best activity levels .

Park covers roughly 308 km² of grasslands, scrub, and reservoir shores .

Up to 100 jeeps enter daily—less crowded than Yala .

Guided walking safaris and boat tours on the reservoir are also possible .

🌅 Other Activities & Surroundings

Stay in tented camps or government bungalows inside the park (book early; solar‑powered amenities and limited electricity) .

Nearby attractions include Wavulpane caves, Sankapala temple, Madunagala hot springs, and local cafés .

Enjoy overnight camping under the stars with sounds of wildlife around .

📋 Visitor Tips

Book safaris through licensed guides or parkside operators; better quality and fair pricing .

Park fees & transport: Entry for foreigners US$15 + charges; jeep safari LKR 6,000–8,000 (~US$30–40) for half-day .

Bring essentials: water, sun protection, binoculars, camera, neutral clothing, power banks if staying inside .

Respect wildlife: Stay in vehicle, don’t feed or approach animals.

🚗 Getting There

About 180–200 km (4–5 hr drive) southeast of Colombo; buses to Embilipitiya then tuk‑tuk to park gate .

Accessible via private car or guided tour transfers.

✅ Summary

Udawalawe offers one of the most reliable close-up experiences with wild Asian elephants, outstanding birdlife, and engaging conservation programs like the Elephant Transit Home. It’s less crowded than Yala, more accessible from Colombo, and ideal for day safaris or multi‑night stays in camps...