Experience the Wonders of Udawalawe National Park and Safari

Udawalawe Safari

Discover the unparalleled beauty of Udawalawe National Park, a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. With its breathtaking landscape, abundant wildlife, and fascinating history, Udawalawe offers a truly unforgettable safari experience. Let us take you on a journey through this remarkable destination.

Why Choose Udawalawe Safari?

Udawalawe National Park stands out as the ultimate destination to witness magnificent wild elephants roaming freely in their natural habitat. But that's not all - it is also renowned as one of the most picturesque national parks in Sri Lanka, with its towering highlands and the majestic Udawalawe reservoir surrounded by lush marshes, verdant grasslands, and enchanting forests. This unique combination creates a thriving ecosystem not only for elephants but also for a myriad of bird species, reptiles, and mammals.

What to Expect on Your Safari Adventure!

Udawalawe may be a smaller park, covering approximately 308 square kilometers or 119 square miles, but it offers a compact yet immersive safari experience. A half-day safari is usually sufficient, unless you are a devoted animal enthusiast, particularly fascinated by elephants. Upon arrival, you will be greeted with a complimentary refreshment pack before embarking on your adventure. Our experienced safari drivers possess an intimate knowledge of the park, ensuring that you traverse the best trails and encounter the most awe-inspiring wildlife.

The Highlight of Your Visit

Prepare to be captivated by the breathtaking landscape that surrounds you. Witness the magnificent sight of wild elephants in their natural habitat, a truly awe-inspiring experience. While exploring the park, keep your eyes peeled for other fascinating creatures, and if luck is on your side, you might even catch a glimpse of the elusive leopard. Another advantage of visiting Udawalawe is its proximity to the Elephant Transit Home, located just a stone's throw away. Take the opportunity to visit the Elephant Transit Home and witness firsthand the noble efforts made to rehabilitate orphaned elephant calves before releasing them back into their natural habitat.

One of the Perks

In addition to its natural wonders, Udawalawe National Park offers the advantage of being less crowded, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the serenity of the surroundings. The number of tourists remains low throughout the year, ensuring a tranquil and undisturbed experience in the midst of nature's splendor.

Explore the Magnificence of Udawalawe National Park

Situated at the crossroads of Sri Lanka's wet and dry zones, Udawalawe National Park encompasses a diverse range of habitats, including plains, mountains, marshes, forests, and grasslands. Despite its smaller size, the park boasts a remarkable density of wildlife, particularly elephants, making it a true haven for animal enthusiasts. Spanning approximately 8.6 kilometers (5.3 miles) in length and with a maximum perpendicular width of 7 kilometers (4.3 miles), Udawalawe is home to the captivating Udawalawe Reservoir, which adds an enchanting allure to the park and serves as a magnet for elephants. A resident herd of about 250 elephants thrives in this area, drawn by the allure of the reservoir. The park is also a vital habitat for various waterbird species, making it a haven for birdwatchers.

Unearthing the Historical Significance

Before Udawalawe National Park was declared a protected habitat, the land was utilized by local farmers for shifting cultivation, also known as "China farming." However, with the construction of the Udawalawe Reservoir, the park was established to provide a sanctuary for the wildlife displaced by this development. Today, remnants of human intervention can still be seen, with ancient trees standing silently in the depths of the reservoir, serving as visual reminders of the once-extensive forest that flourished here.

Immerse Yourself in Nature's Splendor

Udawalawe National Park experiences an average annual temperature of around 27–28 °C (81–82 °F), with humidity ranging from 70% to 82%. The soil predominantly features a reddish-brown hue, adding to the park's vibrant character. An abandoned teak plantation, established before the park's declaration, adds an intriguing element to the landscape. Udawalawe is home to a rich array of species, including 184 bird species (including 33 migratory birds), 135 butterfly species, 33 reptile species, 12 amphibian species, 21 fish species, and 43 mammal species.

Flora that Thrives in Udawalawe National Park

Udawalawe National Park boasts several endemic floral species, such as Memecylon petiolatum, Hopea cordifolia, Erythroxylon zeylanicum, and Jasminum angustifolium. Along the river, you can find Terminalia arjuna and Hopea cordifolia. Imperata cylindrica and Panicum maximum serve as vital food sources for elephants, while other notable floral species include Berrya cordifolia, Chloroxylon swietenia, Adina cordifolia, Diospyros ebenum, Schleichera oleosa, Diospyros ovalifolia, and Vitex pinnata. The park is also adorned with the presence of Grewia tiliifolia bushes and Cymbopogon confertiflorus grass species. Additionally, you will discover several medicinal plants of value within Udawalawe, such as Phyllanthus emblica and Terminalia bellirica.

Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home

As part of our visit to Udawalawe, we highly recommend a visit to the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, which serves as a rehabilitation center for orphaned elephant calves. Established in collaboration with the Born Free Foundation, this home is situated approximately 5 kilometers west of the park entrance. Visitors can witness the feeding of the elephants from a designated viewing platform, although close interaction with the elephants is not permitted. Combining a visit to the Elephant Transit Home with your safari experience provides a comprehensive understanding of the conservation efforts dedicated to these majestic creatures.

Embark on a safari adventure in Udawalawe National Park, where nature's wonders unfold before your eyes. Immerse yourself in the captivating landscape, encounter remarkable wildlife, and leave with memories to cherish forever. Book your safari with us today and embark on a journey of awe-inspiring beauty.