Established in 1972, Udawalawe National Park spans 30,821 hectares of grasslands, scrub and forests. It was created to protect wildlife displaced by the construction of the Udawalawe Reservoir, which today forms the park’s dramatic centrepiece. Its landscapes are open, offering superb visibility of animals, making safaris here exceptionally rewarding. 

Elephants are the park’s icons, with 200 to 250 individuals roaming freely. Visitors regularly witness herds bathing in the reservoir, calves trailing mothers or tuskers foraging along jeep tracks. The nearby Elephant Transit Home, run by the Department of Wildlife Conservation, cares for orphaned calves until their release back into the park, a unique conservation project. 

Beyond elephants, Udawalawe teems with life. Spotted deer, wild boar, water buffalo and jackals are common. Birders enjoy sightings of white bellied sea eagles, crested serpent eagles and colourful bee eaters. Reptiles such as crocodiles and monitors are also abundant. 

Safaris here feel more relaxed than in Yala, with fewer vehicles and plenty of space. The park is accessible from both the southern coast and the highlands, making it an ideal stop on diverse itineraries. At dawn and dusk, golden light floods the plains, turning encounters into unforgettable safari moments.