Udawalawe National Park

Udawalawe National Park (උඩවලව) lies in southern Sri Lanka, where the wet hills meet the dry lowlands. Created around a large reservoir on the Walawe river, it is one of the best places in Asia to see wild elephants, which live here in large numbers throughout the year.

The landscape of open grassland, scrub and scattered trees around the reservoir makes wildlife easy to watch from safari jeeps. Herds of elephants with calves graze and bathe, and water buffalo, spotted deer, mongooses, crocodiles and jackals are common. Birdlife is rich, with eagles, bee eaters, peafowl and many water birds, while leopards are present but rarely seen. Show more

On the edge of the park, the Elephant Transit Home cares for orphaned elephant calves and later releases them into protected areas, and visitors can watch the feeding times from a viewing platform. The Udawalawe dam and reservoir offer views over the park, and the riverine forest along the Walawe adds variety. The ancient Sankapala temple lies nearby.

Udawalawe is reached by road from the south coast or the hill country, and works well between Ella and the beaches. Morning and afternoon safaris of a few hours are usual. The park is open all year, and wildlife can be seen in every season.