Udawalawe National Park is a wildlife sanctuary in southern Sri Lanka, renowned for its large elephant population and excellent safari opportunities. Established to protect animals displaced by the Udawalawe Reservoir, the park features open grasslands and is home to a variety of wildlife, including crocodiles, deer, buffalo, and numerous bird species. Key times for viewing wildlife are early morning and late afternoon.
Planning your visit.
Best time to go: The best time for wildlife viewing is from 6:30 AM to 10 AM and again from 4 PM to 6:30 PM. The dry season from January to March is also an excellent time to visit .
Safaris.
Jeep safaris are the primary way to explore the park. A three-hour safari is recommended, but half-day or full-day options are better for photographers.
Atmosphere.
The park is peaceful and the open landscape makes it easy to spot wildlife.
The Elephants await you! Udawalawe Park is a home to over 400 wild elephants which are permanent residents and so the concentration is quite high. Here is only one Sri Lankan Park where elephants GUARANTEED to spot. But not only elephants: crocodiles, buffaloes, monkeys, peacocks, mongoose… And many bird species like red-faced malkoha, grey hornbill, Sri Lankan junglefowl, and more are residing in the biodiversity of Udawalawe National Park.
What animals will you see on the safari?
Sri Lankan elephant (Elephas maximus maximus) is native to Sri Lanka and one of three recognized subspecies of the Asian elephant. This huge and graceful creature is one of the main reasons to visit Udawalawe – there are more than 400 elephants here.
The mugger crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) also known as mugger and marsh crocodile. One of the biggest predators on the island and you may see it in a wild in Udawalawe. If you will lucky you will see a crocodile hunting for buffalo.
The water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), also called the domestic water buffalo or Asian water buffalo. Water buffalo spend much of their day submerged in the muddy waters of Asia’s tropical and subtropical forests. Their wide-splayed hoofed feet prevent them from sinking too deeply in the mud.
