Udawalawe National Park
The Elephant Paradise
Udawalawe National Park is one of Sri Lanka’s most famous wildlife reserves, best known for its large population of Asian elephants. Located in the southern dry zone, the park spans 308 square kilometers and is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including leopards, crocodiles, and over 200 bird species.
This savanna-like landscape with open grasslands, scrub jungles, and the Udawalawe Reservoir makes it an ideal safari destination for nature lovers, wildlife photographers, and adventure travelers.
🌟 Why Visit Udawalawe National Park?
🐘 1. One of the Best Places to See Elephants in the Wild
✔ Home to over 600 wild elephants, seen in large herds.
✔ Unlike other parks, Udawalawe offers year-round elephant sightings.
✔ Elephants can be seen bathing, feeding, and playing near waterholes.
🐆 2. Other Wildlife You Can See
✔ Leopards – Rare but sometimes spotted in the park.
✔ Crocodiles – Found near the Udawalawe Reservoir. 🐊
✔ Water Buffalo & Sambar Deer – Common sightings. 🦌
✔ Wild Boar & Jackals – Frequently seen on safaris. 🐗🐕
🦜 3. A Paradise for Birdwatchers
✔ Over 200 species of birds, including:
Serpent Eagles 🦅
Sri Lankan Junglefowl (Sri Lanka’s national bird) 🐓
Peacocks 🦚
Kingfishers & Bee-eaters
🍼 4. Visit the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home
✔ A wildlife rehabilitation center for orphaned baby elephants.
✔ Operated by the Department of Wildlife Conservation.
✔ Visitors can watch baby elephants being fed and prepared for release into the wild.
📸 Best Time for Photography in Udawalawa
✔ Early morning (6:00 AM – 9:00 AM) and evening (3:00 PM – 6:00 PM) provide the best light for capturing wildlife.
✔ Dry season (May – September) is the best time for seeing elephants in large numbers.
🚙 How to Explore Udawalawe? (Safari Details)
✔ 4×4 Jeep Safaris are the best way to explore the park.
✔ Safari Times:
- Morning Safari: 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM (best for elephants & birds).
- Evening Safari: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM (best for dramatic sunsets & wildlife).
✔ It is recommended to hire an experienced guide for a better safari experience.
🛎️ Tips for Visiting Udawalawe National Park
✔ Book your safari in advance to secure the best jeep tours.
✔ Wear neutral-colored clothing (khaki, green, or brown) for better wildlife encounters.
✔ Bring binoculars & a camera with a zoom lens for birdwatching & elephant photography.
✔ Follow park rules – No feeding animals, no loud noises, and respect nature.
🌍 Why Udawalawe Should Be on Your Bucket List?
✅ Best place in Sri Lanka to see wild elephants up close 🐘
✅ Scenic landscapes with grasslands, wetlands & reservoirs 🌿
✅ A fantastic birdwatching destination 🦜
✅ Great for families, nature lovers & wildlife photographers 📸
🌿 Experience the magic of Udawalawe – Sri Lanka’s Elephant Paradise! 🐘
