Udawalawe - Where giants roam

Udawalawe National Park, located in the Uva Province of Sri Lanka, is one of the country’s most celebrated wildlife reserves, known primarily for its large population of Asian elephants. Spanning approximately 30,821 hectares, the park is characterized by a blend of grasslands, scrub forests, and wetlands, making it an ideal habitat for a wide range of animals and birds. The park is a popular destination for wildlife safaris due to its diverse ecosystem and ease of access from major cities.

Udawalawe is most famous for its herds of Asian elephants. It is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, and the park’s elephant population is especially high in certain areas, making sightings relatively common. The elephants are often seen grazing along the Udawalawe Reservoir, where they congregate to drink and bathe. Other notable species in the park include water buffaloes, crocodiles, spotted deer, sambar deer, and the Sri Lankan sloth bear. Predators such as the leopard and jackals also reside in the park, though sightings of leopards are rarer compared to other national parks like Yala. For birdwatching enthusiasts, Udawalawe is home to over 200 species of birds, including Indian peafowls, painted storks, herons, and eagles, making it an excellent location for spotting both migratory and endemic species. Best Time to Visit The best time to visit Udawalawe National Park is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. This is when the weather is relatively cooler and wildlife sightings are at their peak as animals gather around the park’s water sources. The dry conditions also make it easier to spot animals, as the vegetation thins out and animals are more concentrated near the waterholes. The rainy season, from October to December, can make the park more challenging to navigate due to heavy rainfall and muddy conditions. However, this is also when the park’s vegetation flourishes and when birdwatching is particularly rewarding, as migratory birds flock to the park.

Distance from Major Cities

• From Colombo: Udawalawe is approximately 165 kilometers southeast of Colombo. The journey takes about 3.5 to 4 hours by car.
• From Galle: The park is about 110 kilometers from Galle, which takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours by road.
• From Tissamaharama: Udawalawe is located around 30 kilometers away from Tissamaharama, which takes about 45 minutes by car.

How to Visit

• The park is best explored by jeep safari, which is the most popular way to see the wildlife up close. There are several entry points to the park, with the most common being the Main Gate and the Sithulpawwa Gate. Visitors can choose from morning or afternoon safaris, which typically last about 3 to 4 hours.
• The Udawalawe Reservoir area is particularly popular for elephant sightings, where the elephants come to drink and bathe, providing excellent photo opportunities. Visitors can also spot other wildlife while driving through the park’s roads, where sightings of water buffalo, crocodiles, and deer are common.

Accommodations and Nearby Attractions

Udawalawe offers a range of accommodation options, from eco-lodges and guesthouses to mid-range hotels. Many visitors stay in the nearby town of Tissamaharama, which offers a variety of lodging options and easy access to the park. Additionally, while visiting Udawalawe, you can also explore nearby attractions such as the Ruhuna National Park and the Sithulpawwa Rock Temple. Ruhuna National Park is known for its birdlife, while Sithulpawwa offers cultural insights with its ancient Buddhist temples.