Udawalawa National Park

Udawalawa National Park was established in 1972 as a refuge for wildlife displaced by the construction of the Udawalawa Reservoir.

Udawalawa is without a doubt the greatest spot in Sri Lanka to witness wild Asian elephants in their native environment all year. There are around 500 elephants in the park, and they frequently travel in groups of up to 100 elephants.

During the region’s dry season (May to September), there is a good chance of seeing the herds of these magnificent animals.

The park is home to Water Buffalo, Wildboar, Sri Lankan Axis Deer, Sambur Deer, Golden Jackal, Black-naped hare, Mongooses, Bandicoots, the endemic Toque Macaque and Tufted Grey Langur, Indian Muntjac, Sri Lankan Spotted Chevrotain, Asian Palm Civets, Golden Palm Civets, Indian Bush Rat, Rusty-spotted Cat, Fishing cats, and Jungle cats.

It is quite unusual to see a Leopard or a Sri Lankan Sloth Bear.

The Udawalawe Elephant Transfer Home is a 1995 elephant orphanage located within the Udawalawe National Park. It is home to about 40 orphaned calves and youngsters. They are reared with the required care until they may be released back into their natural environment.