Udawalawe National Park

Udawalawe National Park

Udawalawe National Park is situated in Monaragala in Sri Lanka. It is the sixth-largest animal sanctuary in Sri Lanka. It has an annual rainfall of about 1520 mm and the mean day and night temperature are varies between 29 to 24 degrees Celsius.

About the destination

Udawalawe National Park spreads for about 30,821 hectares and it is quite famous for its large population of elephants. The main objective to construct this national park was to provide a sanctuary for the wild animals who were exiled due to the construction of the Udawalawe reservoir. The best choice to explore the Udawalawe National Park is to arrange a half-day or full-day jeep safari.

Ecosystem and wildlife in Udawalawe National Park

Udawalawe National Park was established in 1972 and has a variety of wildlife. It is believed that around 400 elephants are living here of which 250 are permanent residents. Apart from elephants the place also consists of Sri Lankan leopard, sloth bear, sambar deer, wild boar, spiny mouse and has more other beautiful creatures.

Udawalawe National Park has some of Sri Lanka’s most stunning birds which makes it a good bird watching place. It consists of birds such as the painted-stork, booted-eagle, crescent-serpent eagle and so much more that is worth witnessing by your own eyes.

Reaching the destination

From Colombo

Go on McCallum Road and turn right onto Sri Sangaraja Mawatha. Continue straight onto Colombo – Katunayake Expressway merge onto Southern Expressway and take the exit from Beliatta interchange.

Turn right onto Embilipitiya – Moraketiya Road and turn left onto Moraketiya – Thanamalvila Road and turn left onto Thanamalvila Road to reach your destination.

From Monaragala

Head south toward Technical College Road. Turn left at Monaragala Ayurveda onto Colombo – Batticaloa Highway. Turn left at Wasana Hotel & Restaurant onto Kumaradasa Mavata By-Pass, Wellawaya By-Pass.

Turn right at Thanamalwila Junction onto Colombo – Galle – Hambantota – Wellawaya Road, Thanamalvila Road to reach your destination.