Udawalawe National Park, Sri Lanka Plan a trip
Surrounded by mountains, plains and marshes between the Uva and Sabaragamuwa provinces, the Udawalawe National Park is the perfect place to get a little wild.
It’s also one of the best spots in the world to see wild elephants. Glimpse these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, along with a dazzling array of other species including Sri Lankan leopards, water buffalo, deer and crocodiles. The list of native creatures is endless, including macaques, wild boar, rusty-spotted cats, civets and langurs. If you’re passionate about wildlife, make a beeline for Udawalawe as soon as you arrive in Sri Lanka.
The park, one of the biggest in Sri Lanka, is known for its fabulous biodiversity and is an important habitat for water birds. Everything from kingfishers, herons and eagles to parrots and peacocks call it home. Look closely and you may even see some of the 135 species of butterfly that live here. Across its 30,000 hectares, the park is capable of sustaining a large herd of Sri Lankan elephants, which are quite difficult to see out in the open anywhere else.
Udawalawe National Park has a fascinating history, as it was established in 1972 as sanctuary for wild animals. Since then, it’s continued to be a crucial place for animal conservation, but also a unique opportunity for nature lovers to see the island’s rare and beautiful species up close. So, hop into your safari jeep or take a boat ride across the breathtaking scenery of this expansive park. Drink in the scenery, from mountains and grasslands to bush forest and soaring highlands and remember to take your binoculars, as you could see something incredible.
Plan your trip to Udawalawe today!