Udawalawe National Park, located on the boundary of the Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces, is renowned worldwide for its guaranteed sightings of wild Asian elephants. Created to provide sanctuary for wild animals displaced by the construction of the Udawalawe Reservoir, this park offers unparalleled elephant viewing opportunities in open terrain.
The Elephants: A Must-See Spectacle
The park is estimated to be home to around 600 Asian Elephants, which often move in large herds. The open terrain—dominated by grasslands and thorny scrub jungle—makes them remarkably easy to spot compared to the dense forests of other parks. During the dry season, the elephants congregate around the Udawalawe Reservoir (the central water body), providing incredible photographic opportunities.
Udawalawe is one of the best places in Asia to consistently see large herds of elephants.
The Elephant Transit Home (ETH)
Just outside the park boundary is the Elephant Transit Home (ETH), an organization established by the Department of Wildlife Conservation. The ETH cares for orphaned and abandoned elephant calves with the goal of releasing them back into the wild when they are old enough. Visitors can witness the calves being bottle-fed during scheduled times, providing an emotional and ethical wildlife experience.
Other Inhabitants of Udawalawe
While elephants are the main attraction, the park is rich in other fauna. Look out for wild buffalo, sambar deer, water monitors, and the elusive Sloth Bear. Although sightings are much rarer than in Yala, there is a small population of Leopards. Udawalawe is also a fantastic location for birdwatching, with species like the Sri Lanka Junglefowl and various raptors soaring overhead.
Best Timing for Your Safari
The best times for safaris are early morning (starting at 6:00 AM) or late afternoon (starting around 3:00 PM), as this is when the animals are most active and the light is softest for photography. The dry season (May to September) is often preferred as animals remain close to the main reservoir for water. Safaris are conducted exclusively by hired 4x4 open-top jeeps, which must be booked in advance.
The open landscape provides excellent visibility for spotting wildlife from your jeep.