Udawalawe National Park

Covering approximately 308 square kilometers, the park offers some of the most consistent sightings of elephants in their natural habitat, with herds of these magnificent creatures often seen roaming the grasslands. The park’s open savannah-like terrain, framed by mountain ranges, makes it an ideal spot for wildlife watching, not only of elephants but also of water buffalo, spotted deer, and various bird species, including the endemic Sri Lankan spurfowl and grey hornbill.

Visitors to Udawalawe have the unique opportunity to observe elephants at close quarters, thanks to the park’s Elephant Transit Home, where orphaned elephant calves are rehabilitated before being released back into the wild. The best times for wildlife viewing are early mornings and late afternoons, and safari tours are well-organized, offering educational insights into the lives of the park’s inhabitants and the conservation efforts in place. Beyond its wildlife, Udawalawe is also a place of scenic beauty, with the reservoir itself providing picturesque views and a vital water source for the park’s fauna. It serves as a critical example of wildlife management and habitat conservation in Sri Lanka.