Udawalawe National Park
Sprawling across 32,000 hectares on the boundary of the Uva and Sabaragamuwa provinces, Udawalawe National Park is a wildlife sanctuary for Sri Lanka’s majestic elephants and a wide range of other fascinating wildlife. This sprawling reserve is well-known for its dense population of elephants and picturesque landscapes, with a blend of open grasslands, rolling plains and the Udawalawe Reservoir.
Why Visit Udawalawe?
Home to one of the largest densities of elephants in Sri Lanka, you can witness herds of up to 50 elephants roaming freely, bathing in the reservoir and engaging in playful interactions in their natural habitat. And that is why they say Udawalawe is one of the top elephant watching destinations. Beyond elephants, Udawalawe is also home to leopards, wild boars, deer, jackals and over 180 bird species including eagles, herons and bee-eaters.
Another notable feature of Udawalawe is the breathtaking landscape and the iconic reservoir, all of which paints a stunning scenery. The sight of elephants and other animals against the backdrop of the waters and grasslands will be a sight you’ll remember forever.
Afterwards, you can visit the Elephant Transit Home which is located just 5km away from the park entrance. This facility is dedicated to rehabilitating orphaned and injured elephants and releasing them back into the wild. You can observe the elephants from a designated viewing platform as they are fed and learn more about Sri Lanka’s wildlife conservation efforts.
If you’re seeking a close-up encounter with Sri Lanka’s gentle giants amidst stunning landscapes, Udawalawe National Park is the place to be. From elephants bathing in the reservoir to colourful birds soaring through the skies, Udawalawe offers unforgettable sights.