Explore
Udawalawe
A SNEAK PEAK
- The elephant population in Sri Lanka's Udawalawe National Park is very strong, and the park has many different kinds of plants and animals.
- Enjoy an unforgettable safari through Udawalawe's vast grasslands and see beautiful elephants roaming openly.
- Enjoy the peace of Udawalawe's lush landscapes, where water buffaloes, spotted deer, and elephants graze quietly.
- Visit the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, a safe place for hurt or orphaned elephants to stay, and see how they return to the wild.
- You can stay at one of the many high-end eco-lodges in Udawalawe and enjoy a view of the park from your room while watching animals.
- You can go on an exciting jeep tour through Udawalawe's rough terrain with knowledgeable guides who will tell you about the plants and animals there.
- Take beautiful pictures of Udawalawe's towering elephants as they bathe in watering holes, hang out with other elephants in groups, and play with their young.
- Explore the different types of habitats in Udawalawe. These include open fields, dense scrublands, lakes, and rivers, each full of different kinds of wildlife.
- Find out about Udawalawe's attempts to protect the park's valuable ecosystem and ensure the survival of its endangered species.
- Take an unforgettable trip to Udawalawe National Park and remember the amazing nature sights and interactions with Sri Lanka's famous elephants for a long time.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Sri Lankan elephants make Udawalawe National Park famous. You can see them roaming openly in the park's grasslands and enjoy watching them bathe and cool off in the watering holes.
- The Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home is another great attraction. It's a safe place for hurt or orphaned elephants, who are cared for here until they are strong enough to return to the wild.
- There are many kinds of animals in Udawalawe National Park, not just elephants. You may see water buffalo, spotted deer, monkeys, and even leopards or sloth bears from time to time.
- The park itself is very pretty, with forests, lakes, and open fields. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery when you go on a jeep tour through the park.
- One of the best ways to see Udawalawe is to stay at one of the many eco-lodges nearby. From the balconies of these cabins, you can see wildlife and enjoy beautiful views of the park.
- Wildlife lovers and people who want to see the beauty of Sri Lanka should go to Udawalawe National Park.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
- From January to March, when it's dry, is the best time to visit Udawalawe National Park.
- During this time, the weather will be nice and bright, and animals will be gathered around waterholes, making them easy to see.
- You can visit Udawalawe at any time of the year, but it might rain in April, May, October, and November.
- The wet season, which lasts from June to September, brings abundant growth, but it also rains heavily, making driving tricky.
WORTH A VISIT
Udawalawe National Park
- Because there are so many elephants in Udawalawe National Park, it is one of the best places to see these beautiful animals in the wild.
- The park covers about 30,821 hectares and has grasslands, forests, and lakes, among other types of land.
- Visitors can see many different animals besides elephants. They can see lions, water buffalo, deer, and much more.
- Many rare species live in the park, which is very important for protecting them.
- There are safari trips where you can get up close and personal with wildlife on guided jeep rides.
- The park's diverse ecosystem supports a wide range of plants and animals, making it a great place for wildlife lovers and photographers.
Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home
- The Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home is a rehabilitation centre for elephant babies that have been left alone.
- People can watch the elephants while they eat, which is a great chance to get close to these young animals.
- When the elephants are strong enough to live independently, the school plans to let them return to the wild.
- The building is very important for protecting elephants in Sri Lanka.
- Also, it's a teaching centre that brings attention to the problems wild elephants face.
- People who visit and donate money help care for and rehabilitate the elephants at the centre.
Udawalawe Reservoir
- The Udawalawe Reservoir is primarily used for irrigation, supporting agricultural activities in the surrounding region of Sri Lanka.
- The reservoir offers picturesque views of the water and surrounding landscapes, including lush greenery and distant hills.
- The area around the reservoir is known for its rich wildlife, including elephants and various bird species, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts.
- The reservoir supports local fishing activities, providing opportunities for recreational fishing.
- It is a habitat for numerous bird species, attracting bird watchers and nature photographers.
- The reservoir plays a crucial role in maintaining the local ecosystem, supporting both flora and fauna in the region.
Maduwanwela Walawwa
- The historic Maduwanwela Walawwa mansion is close to Udawalawe and features a traditional Sri Lankan building.
- The mansion, built in the 18th century, has a long past. It was the home of Maduwanwela Disawe, a famous chieftain in the area.
- The estate has well-kept rooms and objects that show how people lived and what they believed in Sri Lanka's past.
- People can take guided tours of the mansion to learn more about its history and architectural importance.
- The estate is beautiful, and the grounds and courtyards make it a nice place to browse.
- History buffs and tourists alike are drawn to Maduwanwela Walawwa because it symbolizes the area's cultural heritage.
Walawe River Safari
- There is a fun way to see the natural beauty of the Walawe River and its surroundings on the Walawe River Safari.
- On a boat tour, you can see many kinds of animals, such as crocodiles, monitor lizards, and birds.
- Different kinds of plants live along the river's banks, which adds to the beauty of the trip.
- The guides tell you interesting things about the environment of the river and the animals you might see.
- The tour is a great way to enjoy the peace of the river while getting up close to nature.
- Photography fans will have many chances to take beautiful pictures of animals and landscapes during the tour.
DISCOVER MORE
Kaluwa Wetlands
- The Kaluwa Wetlands are close to Udawalawe and are known for their healthy environment. They are home to many different species.
- Many kinds of birds live in these marshes, which makes it a great place for people who love to watch birds.
- The wetlands' unique climate is home to many different kinds of plants and animals, which adds to the area's ecological importance.
- People can take guided walks through the wetlands, which teach them about the importance of protecting these areas.
- For nature lovers, the marshes are a peaceful place to escape where nature has not been disturbed.
- The Kaluwa Wetlands are important for many species to live and help keep the region's wildlife.
Waulpane Limestone Cave
- The Waulpane Limestone Cave is an old cave system near Udawalawe famous for its amazing rock shapes.
- The inside of the cave is decorated with stalactites and stalagmites, making for an interesting underground landscape.
- The cave is important to the environment because it is home to a group of bats.
- To explore the cave, tourists must go on guided tours. These tours keep tourists safe and teach them about the cave's history and geology.
- The cave's remote location and natural beauty make it a thrilling place for spelunking fans to visit.
- Geologists and tourists alike are interested in Waulpane Limestone Cave because it provides a glimpse into the area's geological past.
Ath Athuru Sevana
- Like the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, Ath Athuru Sevana is where elephants can get help.
- The centre's main job is to care for hurt or young elephants so they can be released back into the wild when they are healthy enough.
- Viewers can watch the elephants as they get better, which helps them understand the problems these animals are having.
- The facility is very important for elephant protection because it helps protect the species from threats like habitat loss and conflicts between people and animals.
- People learn more about the importance of protecting elephants through educational programs at Ath Athuru Sevana.
- Donations and visits to the centre pay for its recovery work and ensure the elephants are healthy.
Udawalawe Safari Camping
- In the middle of Udawalawe National Park, Udawalawe Safari Camping gives you a unique experience.
- Camping trips that last more than one night let people get close to the park's wildlife and natural beauty.
- The campsites are set up in beautiful places so that you can have a nice and real camping experience.
- Guided night tours let you see animals that come out at night in their natural environment.
- Camping in the park is a unique opportunity to get closer to nature and learn more about the park's environment.
- The experience is great for people who like trying new things and nature lovers who want an amazing wildlife encounter.
Hot Springs of Embilipitiya
- The Hot Springs of Embilipitiya are natural hot springs close to Udawalawe famous for being good for your health.
- People can relax in the warm waves, which are thought to help with several illnesses.
- The hot springs surround beautiful scenery, making it a relaxing and healing place.
- Locals and visitors like to visit the spot to relax and find natural remedies.
- You can feel the area's natural geothermal activity in a way that you can't get anywhere else.
- The Hot Springs of Embilipitiya are a popular place to relax and get better because the water is healing and the setting is peaceful.
CULTURE & TRADITIONS
- Pick a homestay in a town close to the park. This way, you can meet locals, learn about their way of life, and maybe even eat traditional foods.
- Visit some nearby Buddhist temples to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and see cultural practices like daily meditation or prayers.
- Visit nearby tea plantations to learn about Sri Lanka's famous tea business and maybe even participate in a traditional tea ceremony.
- Some hotels and cultural centres near Udawalawe might have traditional dance shows at night. These shows give you a taste of Sri Lankan art.
- Find shops that sell handicrafts like handmade fabrics, pottery, or carvings made from wood. By buying from these shops, you can support local artists and bring home a piece of Sri Lankan culture.
- Enjoy Sri Lankan food at places in the area or while staying with a host family. Fresh fish, tropical fruits, rice, and curry are all possible options.
- If you visit Sri Lanka during a holiday like Esala Perahera or Poson Poya, you might see colourful parades, traditional dances, and a happy mood.
FOOD FUN FASHION
Food
- Even though Udawalawe is mostly for people who like safaris, you can still enjoy tasty Sri Lankan food there.
- Sri Lankan staples like rice and curry can be found in restaurants near the park. Curry is a tasty meal with different types of vegetables and meat.
- Another great thing is the fresh fish, especially if you stay close to the coast. You can eat grilled fish or fragrant stews from fish caught in the area.
- Don't miss the fresh tropical foods if you want to don't go off after exploring the park.
- If you stay at a hotel or accommodation, you can get Sri Lankan and foreign food.
Fun
- In Udawalawe, you can do more than just amazing treks. You can also take fun jeep rides through the park and get close to wildlife while having an adventure outside.
- Explore UUdawalawe'svaried scenic scenery in ways other than a jeep. You can walk along nature paths, look for birds and small animals, or ride your bike through the park and enjoy its beauty.
- When you visit the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, you can see saved elephants being cared for and ready to return to the wild.
- After a fun day of exploring, relax by the pool at your lodge. Listen to the sounds of the wilderness and enjoy the peace of nature.
- In the evenings, relax with a tasty Sri Lankan meal while looking up at the stars and telling stories about the amazing people you met in Udawalawe.
Fashion
- People in Udawalawe tend to dress in a useful and comfortable way because they like to explore wildlife.
- Natural fabrics in neutral colours, like cotton or linen, that let air flow and keep you cool are best for Sri Lanka's weather.
- Bring long, loose clothes that cover your arms and legs for outings to keep you safe from the sun and bugs.
- For walking on rough ground and in the rain, you need sturdy shoes with good grip.
- If you're going to be outside the park, don't wear anything too fancy, but bring a light scarf or shawl in case it gets cooler at night or you need to cover up at religious places.
NATURE & SAFARI
- Udawalawe National Park is a nature lover'sand safari-goer'sdream, showing off Sri Lanka's beauty.
- See the park's crown jewels, the famous herds of Sri Lankan elephants roaming the vast fields royally.
- Watch them cool off with baths or connect playfully at watering holes.
- That's not where the magic ends, though. Go on an exciting jeep safari and watch for water buffalo grazing quietly, spotted deer hiding in the bushes, and even leopards or sloth bears, which are very hard to spot.
- Explore the wide range of scenery in Udawalawe, from sunny, open grasslands to mysterious, dense scrublands and calm lakes full of wildlife.
- Take pictures of the park's natural beauty and the thrill of the trip as you explore it. These pictures will stay with you forever.
EVENTS & FIESTAS
- Because Udawalawe National Park is mostly about wildlife, it might not have big events. But don't worry! Sri Lanka has many cultural events that happen all the time.
- Your trip might coincide with a lively event in a nearby town. In July and August, look for Esala Perahera, a spectacular show featuring elephants decorated in very fancy ways.
- Poson Poya, on the other hand, happens on the full moon in June and is a time to see religious rituals and bright decorations.
- In January, you might be near Colombo for the Duruthu Perahera, a show with elephants, dancers, and traditional music that will blow your mind.
- In April, you can see the lively Sinhala and Tamil New Year, which includes traditional games, tasty food fairs, and interesting cultural shows.
FIRST-TIME TO
Safety
Given the reputation of several South Asian nations, you may be wondering if it is safe to travel (mainly if you are female). Don't be concerned — the island is home to some of the world's friendliest and most hospitable people, and it is safe for single travellers. However, you must be cautious with your valuables and mindful of your behaviour in a strange country.
Transport
Travelling across Sri Lanka is typically seen to be inexpensive and straightforward. If you only need to go a short distance, you may hail one of the country's colourful tuk-tuks from the side of the road. You may also request a car to pick you up using a ride-hailing app like Uber or PickMe. However, taking public transportation, such as a bus or train, would be significantly more cost-effective.
Locations
Some cities are more expensive for tourists, especially in more significant "tourist" locations. Many tourist destinations have ticket costs far higher than those charged to residents. However, if you select your trips intelligently, you may enjoy your holiday for much less money.
Accommodation
Sri Lanka has a wide range of visitor lodgings accessible, ranging from boutique hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Use services like booking.com to compare hotel prices rapidly. Homestays are a popular choice among budget travellers since they allow you to live more like a local, eat home-cooked meals, and your money goes directly to the local community.
Food
Many high-end restaurants in Sri Lanka provide a variety of foreign cuisine, but if you want to dine well for less, try some of the country's delectable indigenous delicacies. Rice and curries are famous on the island. Still, you can broaden your horizons by trying string hoppers, kottu roti, or lamprais - all delicious, satisfying dishes that satisfy your stomach and your wallet. Vegetarian meals are the least expensive, with modest price increases when adding proteins such as chicken, beef, or seafood.
Should I schedule my transportation in advance through a travel agent?
Travel agencies with local contacts, experience, and skills can make your visit to Sri Lanka more canker-free and fun-filled. We can plan your holiday, obtain the most excellent deals, and provide you with transportation. And other services to make your holiday special. Schedule a comfortable holiday with a local travel company like Sri Lanka World holiday vibes. It all depends on your decision.