Imagine watching elephant families frolicing in a wateringhole, a leopard prowling the forest in search of its next meal, or the silhouette of a grazing sambar deer against a crimson sunset. These are just some of the spectacular sights you can expect at Udawalawe National Park.
Udawalawe is much smaller than it’s big sister Yala (a third of the size to be exact), but don’t be fooled. This is one of Sri Lanka’s top wildlife reserves, offering a rich variety of exotic species. Thanks to the high population of elephants, sightings of these majestic mammals are common, and you’ll get the rare opportunity to see them feed, bathe and play up-close. Another popular attraction of the park is the Elephant Transit Home, which helps to rehabilitate injured or orphaned calves and release them back into the wild.
Aside from Sri Lankan elephants, there’s an extensive variety of other mammals, reptiles, fish, birds and plant life in Udawalawe National Park. And it’s not all about animal encounters either. The park’s scenery is an attraction in itself - from the rolling hills to the glistening reservoir, you can’t help but feel awe-struck by this abundant natural habitat.
Ready to release your inner wildlife photographer? Bring your camera and get ready to capture some of shots of the world’s most magnificent creatures and pristine landscapes.