Udawalawe: Sri Lanka’s Best Park for Elephants
Udawalawe is the place to go if seeing wild elephants is the priority. The open terrain around its reservoir makes animals easy to spot, and herds are present year-round.
Wildlife
Elephants are the stars and are seen on almost every drive, often in herds with calves. The park also has water buffalo, crocodiles, deer and raptors like the crested serpent eagle.
Elephant Transit Home
Just outside the park, this facility rehabilitates orphaned calves for release. Public feeding times let you watch the young elephants without the ethics problems of riding or bathing attractions.
Safari tips
The open landscape means good sightings throughout the day, though early morning is coolest and most active. Half-day drives are the norm.
Nearby
It sits between the hill country and the south coast, an easy add-on when travelling from Ella toward Mirissa or Tangalle.
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