UDAWALAWE NATIONAL PARK
Udawalawe National Park is a premier wildlife sanctuary, famous for its high density of elephants and spectacular birdlife. It protects the catchment area for the Udawalawe reservoir.
This park offers one of the best safari experiences in Asia, rivalling the great parks of Africa. It is a vital conservation spot for Sri Lanka’s wild elephant population.
Most Popular Attractions
Wildlife and Natural Features:
Udawalawe Reservoir: The large central body of water that attracts abundant wildlife, especially during the dry season.
Walawe River: The river flowing through the park, a crucial water source and a common sighting spot for crocodiles.
The Park’s Open Grasslands: Vast, savannah-like plains that provide an unobstructed view of large elephant herds.
Forest Patches & Scrubland: Denser areas offering shelter to leopards, sloths, and deer, providing habitat diversity.
Elephant Transit Home (ETH): Located just outside the park, a facility that cares for orphaned elephant calves with the aim of releasing them back into the wild.
The Park Entrance Gate: Often a bustling hub for wildlife sightings as animals traverse between the park and the surrounding areas.
“Elephant Swimming Hole”: A specific, reliable spot where guides often take visitors to witness elephants bathing and playing.
Seasonal Waterholes (Villus): Small, temporary pools of water that become magnets for birds and animals when other sources are scarce.
The Rock Formations (Kudawela): Distinctive, rocky outcrops that offer a change of scenery and potential lookout points for raptors.
The Tall Termite Mounds: Scattered throughout the park, these large mounds are natural landmarks and sometimes home to monitor lizards.
The Observation Towers: Elevated points offering a wider panorama of the park, perfect for birdwatching and landscape photography.
Key Animal Sightings (The Big Five of Udawalawe):
The Wild Elephants: Udawalawe is best known for its resident herd of over 600 elephants, often seen in large family groups.
Sri Lankan Leopard: Though rare, this shy apex predator is sometimes sighted in the thicker scrub or near rocky areas.
Sloth Bear: An elusive species, primarily active at night, but occasionally seen during the day foraging for insects.
Water Buffalo: Large herds are commonly seen wallowing in the mud near the reservoir and waterholes.
Sambar Deer: One of the largest deer species in the park, often found grazing near the water’s edge.
Bird and Smaller Wildlife:
Painted Storks: Large, distinctive wading birds frequently seen near the reservoir and wetlands.
Peafowl (Peacocks): India’s national bird is abundant, with males often displaying their magnificent plumage.
Crested Serpent Eagle: A common raptor, often spotted perched on dead trees overlooking the grasslands.
Mugger Crocodile: Frequently seen basking on the banks of the Walawe River and reservoir.
Grey Langur: Agile, silver-grey monkeys found in the park’s tree patches.
Jackals: Opportunistic predators often seen hunting in the open grasslands, especially in the early morning.
Activities & Experiences
Go on a Morning Game Drive: Begin your day early (around 6:00 AM) to catch the wildlife at its most active, including elephants, water buffalo, and a variety of birds.
Take a Sunset/Evening Game Drive: Experience the park as the light changes and nocturnal or semi-nocturnal animals begin to stir. This is often an excellent time for leopard spotting (though rare).
Visit the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home (ETH): Observe the feeding and care of orphaned elephant calves before they are released back into the wild. This is a crucial conservation project and a heartwarming experience.
Guided Bird Watching Tour: Hire a local bird guide to explore the park’s diverse birdlife, which includes endemic species like the Sri Lanka Junglefowl and over 180 other species.
Stay at a Safari Camp or Lodge: Experience the jungle ambiance by staying in accommodation bordering the park, often enjoying the sounds of the wilderness at night.
Visit the Udawalawe Reservoir: Take time to observe the large herds of elephants that congregate near the water sources, particularly during the dry season.
Hike to the Bambaragala Viharaya: Explore a nearby ancient Buddhist temple located in a cave, offering a glimpse into the local history and panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Engage with a Local Village Experience: Arrange a visit to a nearby village to learn about the traditional way of life, local cuisine, and farming practices.
Photograph the Landscapes and Wildlife: Dedicate time to capturing the stunning, open savannah-like landscapes and the iconic sight of elephants against the backdrop of the mountains.
Observe a ‘Tank’ Ecosystem: Spend time near one of the park’s man-made reservoirs (known locally as ‘tanks’) to watch the complex interactions of animals coming to drink.
Learn About Elephant Conservation: Speak with your safari guide about the challenges and successes of elephant conservation efforts in Sri Lanka, gaining a deeper understanding of the local environment.
Local Tips & Transport
Hiring a Safari Jeep is Essential: The only way to enter and traverse the national park is via a registered 4×4 safari jeep with a local driver/guide. These can be hired at the park entrance or arranged through your accommodation.
Getting to Udawalawe:
- By Car/Taxi: The most comfortable way to reach Udawalawe from major cities like Colombo, Galle, or Ella. The journey can take 4-7 hours depending on the starting point.
- By Bus: The park is accessible by public bus to the nearby town of Udawalawe Junction. From there, you will need a tuk-tuk or taxi to your accommodation or the park entrance.
- From Mattala Airport (HRI): While HRI is the closest international airport, ground transport is still required, typically via a pre-booked taxi or airport transfer.
Local Transport: For short distances outside the park, tuk-tuks are the primary and most convenient mode of transport for getting around the local area (e.g., between your hotel and the Elephant Transit Home). Always agree on the fare before starting your journey.
Respect the Wildlife: Maintain a respectful distance from the animals and strictly follow the instructions of your guide. Never attempt to feed the wildlife.
Park Regulations: The park gate opens at 6:00 AM and closes at 6:00 PM. Game drives usually last 3-4 hours. It is strictly prohibited to leave your vehicle except at designated spots.
Clothing and Gear:
- Wear neutral-colored clothing (greens, browns, khakis) to blend into the environment and avoid bright colors.
- Bring a hat, sunglasses, and high-factor sunscreen. The open jeep offers little shade, and the sun is intense.
- A rain jacket or poncho is advisable, as tropical rain showers can occur quickly.
- Binoculars are essential for spotting birds and distant wildlife.
Tipping Culture: Tipping is customary for safari drivers and guides. A good rule of thumb is to tip based on the quality of the service and the number of sightings.
The Elephant Transit Home (ETH): This is a rescue and rehabilitation center, not a petting zoo. Viewing is strictly limited to observation from a distance during feeding times to minimize human imprinting and maximize their chance of successful re-release into the wild.
Best Time to Visit: The dry season (May to September) offers the best visibility, as vegetation is less dense and animals congregate around the shrinking water sources. The early mornings are the best time for game viewing year-round.
Language: The main languages spoken in the area are Sinhala and Tamil. Your safari guide will speak good English, but knowing a few basic phrases like Ayubowan (hello/may you live long) will be appreciated by locals.