One of Sri Lanka’s finest and most popular national parks, Udawalawe is a safe haven for wild animals, and a sight to behold for the curious traveler. You are bound to see elephants, wild buffalo, sambar, and leopards on rare occasions, as you explore the stark beauty of Udawalawe.
History of Udawalawe:
The Udawalawe National Park was established on the 30th of June in 1972, making it the fifth in Sri Lanka. Created as a sanctuary for animals displaced by the construction of the Udawalawe Reservoir on the Walawe River, the park also protects the catchment of the Reservoir. Fun fact: before the area was designated as a national park, it was utilised as a chena cultivation land.
Geography:
Located 103km away from Colombo, on the Uva and Sabaragamuwa provinces of Sri Lanka, Udawalawe spans up to 308.21 km2 and is one of the most expansive parks in the country.
The park is centred around the Udawalawe Reservoir, and consists mainly of dry grassland and scrubland making it an amazing place for game watching.
Elephants:
Let’s be honest. When you think “Udawalawe”, the first thing that pops into your head is elephants. The park has come to be synonymous with the gentle Jumbos that it only seems right to give them a separate entry.
There are about 500 elephants in the park, with herds that sometimes lead up to 100, and Udawalawe is undoubtedly the best place in Sri Lanka to see wild Asian Elephants throughout the year. Because the majestic creatures are drawn to the Reservoir, and due to the park having no seasonal variations, you are bound to catch sight of them regardless of when you visit.
Elephant Transit Home:
That’s right: more elephants! You can never have too many of them, which is just what the Elephant Transit Home at Udawalawe wants to achieve. Located within the park premises, the ETH was launched in 1995 by the Department of Wildlife Conservation to nurture orphaned or injured elephant calves and juveniles, before they are released into the wild. Currently, about 40 elephants are being nursed.
Animals at Udawalawe:
Explore the unperturbed wildlife at its best when you take a safari ride through Udawalawe! The thriving fauna at Udawalawe is not limited to elephants. The park is also home to other mammals such as buffalos, sambar deer, leopards, jackals and squirrels. Birdwatchers are guaranteed an amazing time since endemics such as Sri Lanka spurfowl, red-faced malkoha, Sri Lanka grey hornbill, brown-capped babbler, and Sri Lankan jungle fowl could be spotted here. A variety of migrant birds like cormorants, pelicans and black-headed ibis could also be seen. If you’re lucky, you might be able to witness birds of prey do what they do best. Udawalawe also has an impressive collection of monitors, crocodiles and fish, for you to marvel at.
