The Home of Wild Jumbos – Udawalawe National Park – Sri Lanka
Udawalawe National Park is one of the Dry-Zone evergreen forests in Sri Lanka. It is the sixth-largest wildlife sanctuary in the country which possesses a huge value of biodiversity. The park lies on the boundary of Sabaragamuwa and Uva Provinces, Sri Lanka. It is a home for wild animals displaced by the construction of the Udawalawe Reservoir on the Walawe River. The reserve spreads to 30,821 hectares of land area, established on 30 June 1972. Moreover, it is a thorn-bush forest enriched with many grasslands. The distance from Colombo to the park is approximately, 165 kilometers.
Climate in Udawalawe
The average annual rainfall at Udawalawe is 1524 mm. Usually, the drought period of the park extends from May to October. The average annual temperature lies between 27 and 28 degrees Celsius while the relative humidity varies from 70% to 83%.
The Best Time To Visit Udawalawe
There is no exact time to visit this amazing animal kingdom. You can visit the park throughout the year, but the majority of migrant birds can be captured from November to March. The dry season is perfect to see elephants in large herds, as they come out to quench thirst from water holes.
Things to explore in Udawalawe
Fauna
The park provides a natural habitat for various species of fauna. Such as jungle cats, porcupines, and pangolins. In addition, Jackal, leopard, sambar spotted deer, wild boar, mongoose, and water monitor are the other common creatures.
Those who love nature will have ample opportunities to explore various amazing creatures in the park. Species recorded from the park include 94 plants, 21 fish, 12 amphibians,33 reptiles,184 birds, and 43 mammals. In addition to the above creatures, 135 species of butterflies have been found at Udawalawe National Park.
Birds
Park is home to various species of birds and they gather in large numbers around the tanks. It is an ideal place for bird-watching lovers because of the number of endemics living here. Sri Lanka spurfowl, red-faced malkoha, Sri Lanka grey hornbill, and brown–capped babbler are some of them. White wagtail and black-capped kingfisher are some of the rare migrants.
Activities to engage in Udawalawe
1. Udawalawe Reservoir
Udawalawe Reservoir acts as the lifeblood of the wildlife of the park. Moreover, it attracts and provides a natural habitat for buffalos, deer, leopards, and many other creations. It flows to the right of the national park and consists of a dam with a hydropower station. Also, it is the main source that provides irrigation facilities for the cultivation and human habitats, around the area.
Wildlife lovers will have enough opportunities to engage in various wildlife-based activities at the park. It is a transit home for wild elephants which is ideal to view herds of Asian elephants and safari camping. Park is also popular among nature photographers as well as bird-watching lovers.
2. Elephant Transit Home
Visitors also have the opportunity to visit at Elephant Transit Home at Udawalawe. Milk feeding activity is another interesting experience that will help to get closer to these lovely creatures.
3. Udawalawe National Park Jeep Safari
Udawalawe National Park jeep safari will offer you the most unforgettable experience to explore the wonderful wildlife creatures in the park. Also, you will able to capture the natural scenery spots around an amazing animal kingdom. Suggested times for the safari are slotted into morning and half-day segments and full-day jeep safaris. Udawalawe National Park Jeep Safari Price for one adult is $75.00.
Both the morning and afternoon tours cover a comprehensive time period of 03-04 hours. The safari tours are limited with the 4WD safari jeeps offering you the most adventurous tour. Also, it will offer you plenty of chances to observe the wildlife of the park. Altogether, it has a calming atmosphere blended with spectacular scenic views.
Udawalawe safari packages at Sanki Leisure also include free pick up from hotels and drop off for hotels that are closer to the park. At the end of the Udawalawe safari, you will experience the glamorous view of the sunset in the sky. Including the magical color combination of the sky.
