Udawalawe National Park: Elephant reserve

Description

Udawalawe National Park is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see wild elephants. Covering over 30,800 hectares, it consists of grasslands, scrub jungles, and the Udawalawe Reservoir, which serves as a key water source for wildlife. The park is home to herds of elephants, water buffalo, crocodiles, deer, and over 200 bird species.

Visitor Fee

• Foreign Visitors: ~$25 per person (including taxes)
• SAARC Nationals: ~$20 per person
• Local Visitors: ~100 LKR per person
• Jeep Safari Cost: ~$30–$50 (shared or private options available)

Transportation

• By Bus: Take a bus from Colombo, Ella, or Matara to Udawalawe town, then hire a tuk-tuk.
• By Car: A 3–4 hour drive from Colombo (160 km) or a 2-hour drive from Ella (90 km).
• By Train: No direct train; the nearest station is Ratnapura (~70 km away).

Things to Do

1. Go on a Jeep Safari – Spot wild elephants, crocodiles, and leopards.
2. Visit the Elephant Transit Home – See rescued baby elephants being cared for.
3. Explore the Udawalawe Reservoir – A peaceful spot for birdwatching and photography.
4. Spot Rare Birds – Look for species like the Serpent Eagle, Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill, and Painted Stork.
5. See the Crocodiles & Deer – Udawalawe is home to mugger crocodiles, spotted deer, and sambar deer.

Why People Enjoy Coming Here

• One of the best elephant-watching spots in Asia.
• Less crowded than Yala National Park, offering a more peaceful safari experience.
• Diverse wildlife beyond elephants, including leopards (rare sightings) and exotic birds.
• Scenic landscapes with vast open grasslands and a large reservoir.

Age of the Park

• Established in 1972 as a wildlife sanctuary after the construction of Udawalawe Reservoir.

List of Activities

• Jeep safari tours
• Elephant watching
• Birdwatching
• Wildlife photography
• Visiting the Elephant Transit Home

Additional Nearby Attractions

1. Elephant Transit Home (~5 km) – A sanctuary for orphaned baby elephants.
2. Sankapala Raja Maha Viharaya (~25 km) – An ancient Buddhist temple in the hills.
3. Buduruwagala Temple (~40 km) – Features 7 massive rock-cut Buddha statues.
4. Madunagala Hot Springs (~60 km) – Natural hot water springs for relaxation.
5. Yala National Park (~100 km) – Famous for its high leopard population.