Udawalawe National Park

In the steppes around the large reservoir "Uda Walawe Reservoir" lies the Udawalawe National Park, which is known for its elephant population of around 500-600 thick-skinned representatives. Leopards and crocodiles can also be found in the grasslands and wetlands of this southern park.

Animals and highlights in and around Udawalawe National Park

Elephants are the park's biggest highlight: the best time to see these pachyderms, which roam in large herds, is in the afternoon and near the river or on the banks of the Uda Walawe Reservoir. The probability of seeing one in Udawalawe is very high.

Besides the bathing elephants, there are also running peacocks, lazy water buffalo, samba deer, the endemic Ceylon spotted deer, Sri Lankan giant squirrel, Ceylon kanchil, Indian pangolin, Ceylon toque macaque. Reptiles such as (marsh) crocodiles, Bengal monitors, the mixed-coloured lizard, the Cylindrophis maculatus and the water monitor also live here, as well as a large number of bird species such as white-bellied sea eagles, peacocks, parrots and herons, silvery openbills, spoonbills, Malabar hornbills, Ceylon chicken and the red-faced malkoha.

Other interesting attractions near the park are:

• Wavulpane Limestone Caves
• Sankapala Temple (Sankapala-Viharaya): Mystical temple complex in a fascinating rocky landscape and a natural elevation system
• Hot springs in Madunagala
• Elephant Transit Home: An undisputed must-do is a visit to the Elephant Transit Home on the southeastern shore of the lake to watch the feeding of the baby elephants that are being nursed back to health for a life back in the wild.

Best time to visit Udawalawe National Park

Udawalawe lies between the coast and the highlands, so the monsoon does not have such an impact here. The best time to visit Udawalawe is in the months of April/May to August/September during the dry season. The park is also much less visited than the nearby Yala National Park .

Overnight stay in Udawalawe National Park

There are four picturesque campsites in the park: Pranshadara, Pilima Ath Dara, Alimankada and Kaudula Ara Campsite, where you can get particularly close to the large mammals of the Udawalawe National Park: Asian elephants, samba deer and also eagles.

Tourists can explore the area in safari vehicles, have a campfire in the evening and pitch their tents in the middle of nature. Alimankada Camp is also located right on the Walawe River, the place where elephants use to cross.

The park also offers overnight accommodation in the form of bungalows and hotels: These include Kalu's Hideaway directly on the Walawe River, the elegant 4-star Thuduwa Camp 12 km southwest of the park or the Udawalawe Ayurvedic Resort on Lake Kiriibban.

The journey to Udawalawe is usually via the surrounding towns of Ratnapura, Tissa, Hambantota and Unawatuna, where you can also stay overnight.

At the Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe you will meet elephants that are cared for in a species-appropriate manner until they are released into the wild! Travel with DIAMIR to four fascinating national parks!