Udawalawe National Park

Visit Udawalawe National Park for the best elephant sightings in Sri Lanka! This beautiful park is home to hundreds of wild elephants that roam freely across open grasslands and around the massive Udawalawe Reservoir. Unlike dense jungle parks, Udawalawe’s wide landscapes make it easy to spot elephants, water buffalo, crocodiles, and colorful birds all year round.

History of Udawalawe National Park

Udawalawe has a different but important history. Unlike older parks, it was created to solve a modern problem.

In the 1960s, the construction of the Udawalawe Reservoir flooded animal habitats. At the same time, farmers were clearing land for crops. Elephants and other animals were losing their homes.

To protect them, the government made this area a wildlife sanctuary in 1972. It became a national park that same year – making it one of Sri Lanka’s fastest conservation successes!

Where is Udawalawe National Park Located?

Udawalawe sits right in the southern part of Sri Lanka, about 160km from Colombo (a 3-4 hour drive).

📍 Key Location Facts:
Between Ratnapura (gem city) and Hambantota (south coast)
Nearest town: Embilipitiya (just 10km from the park entrance)
Easy stop if you’re traveling from Colombo to Yala or the south coast
.
🚗 Why Visitors Love the Location:
Super accessible – The main Colombo-Hambantota highway runs nearby
No long detours needed – Unlike parks like Wilpattu
Great combo trip – Often paired with Ella or Mirissa beach

🌊 Unlike Yala:
No ocean views, but has the massive Udawalawe Reservoir
Open grasslands make animals easier to spot than in dense jungle parks

Udawalawe National Park: Sri Lanka’s Elephant Kingdom

Covering 300 square kilometers of open plains and scrub jungle, Udawalawe offers a completely different experience from parks like Yala. Here’s what makes it special:

Wildlife Highlights:
500+ Wild Elephants – See entire herds daily (best success rate in Sri Lanka!)
Water Buffalo & Spotted Deer – Common sightings around the reservoir
Mugger Crocodiles – Sunbathing on reservoir banks
Over 200 Bird Species – Including eagles and colorful kingfishers

Key Differences from Yala:
✓ Few leopards – Very difficult to see leopards !
✓ Open landscapes – Easier wildlife spotting than dense forests
✓ Man-made reservoir – The park’s sparkling centerpiece
✓ More reliable sightings – Especially for elephantsl beaches.

Udawalawe National Park Entrance Gates:

Udawalawe keeps it simple with just one main entrance, making your visit hassle-free:

📍 Main Park Entrance

– Only access point for all safari jeeps
– Located 6km from Udawalawe town (easy to find)
– 5-minute drive to the reservoir viewing area
– Nearest hotels/shops: All clustered near this entrance

What Makes Udawalawe National Park Special?

Udawalawe National Park is famous for many reasons, making it a must-visit destination in Sri Lanka. Here’s why it’s so special:

Best Place to See Wild Elephants

Udawalawe has the highest presentage of wild elephants in Sri Lanka. Spotting these giant creatures is almost guaranteed, with herds often seen bathing and playing near the reservoir.

Amazing Wildlife

Besides elephants, you can see water buffalo, spotted deer, crocodiles, and over 200 species of birds. The park’s diverse ecosystem supports an incredible variety of animals.

Beautiful Landscapes

The park features large open plains, beautiful grasslands, and the Udawalawe Reservoir. These stunning landscapes create perfect backdrops for wildlife photography.

Conservation Success Story

Unlike other national parks in Sri Lanka, Udawalawe was created in 1972 specifically to protect wildlife displaced by the reservoir. It’s a great example of successful conservation efforts.

Great for Safaris

Udawalawe offers jeep safaris with high success rates for elephant sightings. The open fields makes wildlife easier to spot than in other national parks.

For nature lovers, Udawalawe national park is an unforgettable destination.