Udawalawe National Park

Udawalawe National Park

Udawalawe National Park is located in the southern region of Sri Lanka and is celebrated for its large elephant population and scenic grassland plains. Established in the 1970s to provide a sanctuary for wildlife displaced by the construction of the Udawalawe Reservoir, the park covers over thirty thousand hectares of scrub jungle, woodland, and marshland. Elephant herds migrate freely across open plains, offering visitors a high probability of sightings during guided jeep safaris. In addition to elephants, the park is home to water buffalo, sambar deer, spotted deer, and a variety of bird species such as painted storks and peacocks. The Walawe River cuts through the park and creates fertile riverbanks that attract wildlife during dry seasons. Photographers often capture dramatic scenes of elephants bathing or foraging near the waters edge. Local communities participate in conservation projects that support sustainable tourism and wildlife monitoring. As one of Sri Lankas premier wildlife destinations, Udawalawe National Park combines memorable animal encounters with serene natural settings and meaningful conservation experiences