EXPLORE THE LAND OF JUMBOS

Safari at Udawalawe National Park, Sri Lanka

The Udawalawe National park which has an acreage of 30,821 hectares, was declared as a National Park on 30 th June 1972 under the Fauna and Flora Protection ordinance. The park lies in the Rathnapura District in Sabaragamuwa Province Monaragala District in Uva Province. It forms the largest conservation area within these districts and largely comprises the lower and the immediate catchments of Udawalawe. The wall we reservoir is situated in the park and the surface area of it at full supply level is about 3405 hectares.

The easiest and quickest approach from Colombo is through Rathnapura, Pelmadulla on the Ebilipitya road. At Thimbolketiya turn left and Udawalawe junction to take the road to ThanamalWila. The main entrance to the park is at the Udawalawe, Thanamalwila road about 11km from Udawalawe Junction which is the southern boundary of the park. The park is therefore only 115 miles from Colombo.

The most prominent feature is the Kalthote escarpment and spectacular Diyawinne fall to the north of Ulagala and in the west of the park. The park is situated in the dry zone. There is a short dry period in February-March. Sometimes that period is prolonged from mid-May to the end of September. This is menses with inter monsoon in September. This is followed by Northeast monsoon rain from November to mid-January. Due to conventional activity, the rainfall can occur from April-May. The mean annual rainfall is about 1524mm. The annual average temperature is about 32 ° C and it can be uniform throughout the year.

This National Park is very popular among visitors for elephants because they can be observed even at midday. Herds of elephants can be seen along the river during the dry season which is usually between May and September. Birdlife is in plenty, but once again difficult to observe when on the ground due to the tall grass.

Udawalawe National Park is one of the best places to see Raptors in Sri Lanka and afford excellent opportunities for photography. Endemic birds include the Sri Lankan junglefowl, Sri Lanka spurfowl, Sri Lanka green pigeon, Sri Lanka grey hornbill, Sri Lanka wood shrike, and Sri Lanka swallow. Among the other bird species seen are Spot-billed pelican, Little cormorant, Grey heron, Indian pond heron, Cattle egret, Great egret, Little egret, Intermediate egret, Painted stork, Woolly-necked stork, Yellow-wattled lapwing, Green bee-eater, Crested treeswift. In forested areas, Sirkeer and Blue-faced malkoha are found.

During the migrant season of birds (Nov to March): Booted eagle, Common kestrel, Harris’s hawk, Rosy starling, Black-capped kingfisher, Wood sandpiper, Common sandpiper, Little-ringed plover, Whiskered tern, Western yellow wagtail, Forest wagtail & Citrine wagtail.

Butterflies at Udawalawe National Park. (Wikipedia)

Satin trees in the park attract butterflies: beautiful Papilio casino, Delias eucharis, Euploea core, and many ‘Yellows and Whites’ Papilio polytes. In the riverine forest areas, Graphium

 Sarpedon is seen. Reptiles at Udawalawe National Park

While the crocodiles doze off on the banks of the reservoir, the water monitor lizards abound in the park.

Udawalawe is undoubtedly the best place in Sri Lanka to see wild Asian Elephants throughout the year: there are about 500 elephants in the park and they often roam in herds of up to 100. Udawalawe National Park is unique in terms of consistency in several elephants roaming the park: it has no seasonal variation in herds of elephants. The best hours to visit the parking area are in the mornings and evenings. The late evening also affords the photographic opportunities in the backdrop of the loveliest sunsets.

Keeping company to the herds of elephants, the main attraction of the park is the Water Buffalo, Wildboar, Spotted Deer, Sambur Deer, Jackal, Samber, Black-naped hare, mongooses, bandicoots, foxes, s the endemic Toque Macaque, and Gray Langers. Sighting a Leopard and other smaller cats like Fishing cats & Jungle cats would be a bonus.

The drive through the park can be bumpy and rough and it’s not uncommon for jeeps to be vying for the best spots when an animal is spotted. You are not allowed to drive up close to the animals or harass them. Travelers are not allowed to get down from their vehicles to observe or take photos.  Safari Jeeps are available at the entrance of the park. Ticket issued at the entrance office.  

A Udawalawe National Park Safari lasts about three hours long. During that time, you can see a lot of wildlife, including lots of elephants. The elephants came close to the jeep to say hello as a bonus. It’s an incredible experience to just see them hanging out being happy elephants in their natural habitat.