Udawalawe National Park is one of Sri Lanka’s most famous wildlife reserves, known for its large elephant population and diverse ecosystems. Located on the boundary of Sabaragamuwa and Uva Provinces, the park was established in 1972 to provide a sanctuary for animals displaced by the construction of the Udawalawe Reservoir.

Key Features

• Location: Udawalawe, Sri Lanka
• Size: 30,821 hectares (119 square miles)
• Climate: Dry-zone with an annual rainfall of 1,500mm
• Best Time to Visit: May to September (dry season, when animals gather near water sources)
• Wildlife:
  • Mammals: Sri Lankan elephants, leopards, sloth bears, spotted deer, sambar deer, wild buffalo
  • Birds: Painted storks, pelicans, kingfishers, grey hornbills, junglefowl
  • Reptiles & Amphibians: Crocodiles, monitor lizards, various frog species
• Flora: Dry-zone forests with Hopea cordifolia, Memecylon petiolatum, Erythroxylon zeylanicum, and Jasminum angustifolium.
• Historical Significance: The Udawalawe Reservoir, built on the Walawe River, plays a crucial role in sustaining the park’s ecosystem