Udawalawe National Park, Sri Lanka

Discover Udawalawe National Park

Established in 1972, Udawalawe is famous for its herd of around 250 elephants, that are quite easy to spot grazing on the surrounding grasslands.

The Park’s open plains, scrubland and wetlands have the magnificent rocks of Horton Plain as a backdrop. The marsh and wetlands attract endemic and migratory birds, from wading along with serpent eagles hovering overhead.

A game drive in the early morning or afternoon gives you the chance to spot elephants, wild buffalo and sambar and axis deer. Harder to spot are the Sri Lankan leopard and sloth bear but you might see their marks on the teak bark where they sharpen their claws. The Park is also home to the country’s national bird, the Sri Lankan junglefowl, which looks a little like a vibrantly coloured chicken.

The Elephant Transit Home just outside the park is worth a visit at feeding time. The home cares for orphaned or sick elephants until they’re strong enough to be returned to the wild. It’s a joy to watch the babies trumpeting for their turn to be fed milk through a plastic hose!

Things to do in Udawalawe National Park

Some of the great things you can enjoy in Udawalawe National Park include:

  • Game drives to spot the multitude of wildlife
  • Visit the Elephant Transit House to watch the baby elephants at feeding time

The best way to see Udawalawe National Park

If you would like to visit Udawalawe National Park, why not take a look at one of our wonderful ATOL and ABTA protected holidays?  Please remember all our private tours are designed to meet your exact requirements, and the tours mentioned are just examples to help inspire you. Contact our travel experts on 01792 315499 or email info@aitholidays.com for more information.

Hotels in Udawalawe National Park