The Udawalawe National Park situated in the dry zone of the country
and belonging to Sabaragamuwa & Uva provinces. The park area is 30,821
ha. The park was established in 1972.
The park lies within dry zone and small segment lies within
intermediate zone. The long dry season is characteristic feature. Main
source of rainfall is southwest monsoon (May – September) and mean
annual rainfall is about 1520mm. the mean annual temperature is around
29°C.
Park consists of dry lowland forest, riverine forest, thorny
scrublands and grasslands. One special attraction of the park is the
Udawalawe reservoir and the Walawe River which flows through the park.
The main tree species found in the forest area are the satin (Chloroxylon
swietenia), Milla (Vites pinata), ebony (Diospyros ebenum) and Ehala
(Cassia fistula). Riverine forest dominated by Kumbuk (Terminalia
arjuna) & Mandora (Hopea cordifolia). Mana (Cymbopogon confertiflorus),
Illuk (Imperata cylindrica) and Daminiya (Grewia tiliaefolia) are
found in grasslands & scrublands.
Udawalawe National Park is world famous for its large elephant
populations. In this park one can observe elephants at any given time
of the day. Other than Elephants water buffalo, spotted & barking
deer, wild boar, sambhur, jackal & ruddy, grey & striped necked
mongoose are also found in this park. Though the leopard, jungle &
fishing cats have recorded in the park sightings are very rare.
The park is also famous for birdlife. Crested serpent eagle,
changeable hawk eagle, white-bellied sea eagle & grey-headed fishing
eagle are the main raptors found in the park. Painted stork, open
bill, little & Indian cormorant, Indian darter, many species of waders
are also found within the park. Among the forest birds are the
warblers, Sri Lanka Junglefowl, Malabar pied hornbill, Sikir Malkoha,
Blue face Malkoha, common Caucal, and grey hornbill.
How to get there
Uda walawe is easily accessible via Ratnapura after a 4 hours drive.
You can also reach Udawalawe from Downsouth via Tangalla or Hambantota.
Udawalawe is closer to Haputale and Bandarawela if you are coming from
central hills. Yala National Park also near by
Udawalawe.
