Overview

Udawalawe National Park

Province :  Dabaragamuwa  Area : 308 sq. km Altitude:   100 - 373m Vegetation : Savannah Grass & thorn-scrub

Udawalawe national park is one of Sri Lanka’s smaller national parks at only 308.2 km², was created to to provide a sanctuary for wild animals displaced by the construction of the Udawalawe Reservoir . Plains dominate the topography, speckled with some mountainous areas. The park is situated just south of the Central Highlands, of which escarpment brings about an enrapturing backdrop. At the center of the park lies the Udawalawe Reservoir.

Udawalawe is an important habitat for Sri Lankan elephants, and because of the draw of the water in the Udawalawe reservoir, there are an estimated 250 elephants that permanently inhabit the area making it one of the best places in Sri Lanka to spot these gentle giants. They can be seen lumbering slowly through the grassland in large herds, often accompanied by calves.  

Udawalawe is home to other wildlife as well such as water buffaloes, sloth bear, boars, leopards crocodiles, deer and Monkey species including the toque macaque and tufted grey langur also reside in the reserve. More than 200 bird species have also been recorded in the park.

Elephant Transit Home (ETH) at Udawalawe National Park

Established in 1995 by the Department of wildlife Conservation, it is home to over 40 orphaned elephants. The orphaned calves and juveniles of the park are brought into the orphanage and raised with necessary care until such time as they could be released to their habitat.

Main Attraction : Elephants & bird-life

2 Nights 3 Days Available on request
Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ (Frequently asked questions)
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Connectivity
Major City: Colombo (251 km / 3.5 hrs)
Airport : Colombo (251 km / 3.5 hrs)
Park Opening / Closing
Park Open : Open Throughout the year except September - October
Shortest Route : 
Fly to Colombo and drive to Udawalawe.
Nearby National Parks / Wildlife sanctuaries: 
Bundala (50 Km), Kalametiya (92 Km).

Best Time to visit and climate:
The best time for this trip is December - June. During February - June period the water levels are lower and results in best wildlife movement / sightings.

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Route Map