Less scrubby than Yala, the landscape framed by Udawalawe National Park evokes the grand safaris of Africa. It has everything: savanna, water body, dry season and wildlife. If these words resonate with you, this Sri Lankan natural site will satisfy your safari cravings. Indeed, this place allows you to observe numerous herds of elephants from a jeep. These magnificent creatures roam across vast grasslands and gather around the reserve's reservoir. This nature excursion will also give you the chance to spot, or perhaps discover, other fascinating animal species such as water buffalo, deer, waterfowl, crocodiles, and more. With family, fellow travellers or friends; this stop in the southern lands will leave your journey across the Ceylonese peninsula with unforgettable memories.

History

During the 1960s, Sri Lankans undertook and completed the excavation of a new reservoir spanning 3,400 hectares in the southern part of their island. It was established and connected to the Walawe River, from which it takes its name: Uda Walawe. Shortly thereafter, this artificial lake attracted an influx of animals and became their preferred watering hole. At the same time, farmers were using the surrounding lands for Chena cultivation.

To preserve these animals and provide them with a sanctuary, the basin and surrounding area were declared a National Park on June 30, 1972. This vast natural expanse was delineated across 30,821 hectares and served as habitat for more than 5,000 elephants, a substantial population of waterfowl, and a wide variety of animal species.

Toward the 1980s, conflicts between wildlife and villagers intensified. Poaching spread through the region like wildfire. This prompted the government to relocate human residents out of the reserve. Later, this place became the third most-visited park on the island and a must-visit tourist destination. As a result, poaching practices have nearly completely diminished.

Visiting Uda Walawe

Despite numerous threats that persist, the park is worth seeing for its vast expanses of savanna concealing countless animal species. This reserve holds particular appeal for its pachyderms and other creatures inhabiting its sparse, thorny scrubland.

To embark on a discovery of these dusty lands, bring your guide and jeep to encounter the site's inhabitants.

Which Animals Can You See Here?

The star attraction remains the impressive Asian elephant. Today, a population of approximately 250 individuals has made their home here. Between trees and grasses, they roam and feed. During dry seasons, 200 to 300 nomadic pachyderms join these permanent residents to take advantage of forage and the reservoir's water.

However, this site's charms extend far beyond these trunk-bearing giants. You'll find numerous remarkable creatures here. With a bit of luck, you may spot some felines such as the rusty-spotted cat, flat-headed cat, or even the leopard. Additionally, its artificial lake harbours populations of crocodiles, water buffalo, and a wealth of bird species, some endemic and some migratory (Sri Lankan spurfowl and Sri Lankan hornbill, slate-headed scimitar babbler, open-billed stork, woolly-necked stork, Harris's hawk, black-capped kingfisher, etc.). Among the rare species you may observe in the surrounding area are the civet (golden or palm), the toque macaque, the hare and Indian pangolin, grey langur, bandicoot, mongoose, spotted chevrotain, sloth bear (or bear), golden jackal, deer (axis or sambar), Indian muntjac, Ceylon spiny shrew, Eurasian wild boar, and more. For butterfly enthusiasts, Uda Walawe will also not disappoint. The satin-leaved trees in the area harbour unusual lepidopteran species such as Papilio crino, Delias eucharis, or the Euploea nucleus.

In sum, this natural area is home to multiple animal species including: 184 bird species, 43 mammals, 21 fish, 12 amphibians, 33 reptiles, and 135 butterflies.

Flora and Topography

Udawalawe National Park lies adjacent to the dry and humid zones of the Ceylonese peninsula. It is situated in the island's south. Its terrain is characterised by a broad expanse of plains with some mountainous areas. In its northern section, you'll find the Kalthota range, the rocky outcrops of Bambaragala and Reminikotha, as well as the Diyawini waterfalls.

Regarding flora, Uda Walawe boasts an African safari landscape with its grassy savannas. Its vegetation consists of dry evergreen forests, grasslands (remnants of ancient Chena cultivation), and teak forests bordering the Walawe. Circling the reservoir flows the Walawe River with its tributaries, along with a few marshes.

Activities Around Udawalawe National Park

You can participate in a Sri Lankan-style safari within Udawalawe National Park. You board your 6-seater jeep and set off in search of wild animals hidden in its savanna.

Alternatively, you can spend your hours visiting with a stop at the Elephant Transit Home (ETH) orphanage. This is an elephant calf sanctuary established in 1995. Several dozen young elephants aged 1 to 5 are cared for and receive the necessary treatment for their eventual release back into the park.

Climate: When to Visit?

This protected area lies within a desert climate zone with hot and semi-arid tendencies. Its average annual temperature hovers around 27°C to 28°C. Annual precipitation is estimated at 1,500 mm in the southernmost part of the reserve. Moving northward, this volume increases.

Generally, this destination can be visited year-round, except during November due to abundant rainfall. If you're targeting the peak season for elephant sightings, you should choose periods with low rainfall and abundant exposed grassland. That means: December through March and June through September.

Udawalawe National Park sits at the border of the Sri Lankan provinces of Sabaragamuwa and Uva. It is located 165 km from the capital, Colombo, a 4 to 5-hour drive by car. From the island's south, from Tangalle, the journey takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by car. By bus, allow 2 hours 30 minutes and plan a stop at Embilipitiya.

The park entrance is located on the A18 highway connecting Pelmadulla and Timbolketiya, 11 km from the checkpoint between Timbolketiya and Thanamalwila.

Useful Information

· Open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. All visitors are admitted Monday through Sunday.

· Entry fee per person is 3,500 Rs. Valid for 3 hours of visiting.

· All payments made on-site are in local currency, namely Sri Lankan rupees. Otherwise, payment by VISA or Mastercard is accepted.

· If you're interested in a safari, you'll need to hire a jeep with driver and guide, pay vehicle-related taxes, and cover the entrance fee (half-day/full-day). The jeep rental rate varies depending on the number of passengers: the more people, the lower the cost per person.

· Depending on your satisfaction level, don't forget tips for your guide and driver.

· The recommended times to visit are very early morning and late afternoon. The best window for seeing the maximum number of elephants near the river is between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. This is when they come out to bathe and quench their thirst.

· Prepare the kit of a good adventurer: a camera (preferably with zoom lens) fully charged, water bottle and snacks, a light jacket in case the weather turns cool, and a hat to protect your hair from dust and your head from the sun.

· It is strictly forbidden to litter anywhere within the reserve.