Udawalawe National Park is a wildlife sanctuary located in the southern part of Sri Lanka. The park spans an area of 308 square kilometers and is situated in the dry zone of the country, making it an important habitat for a variety of flora and fauna.
The park is famous for its large population of Sri Lankan elephants, with over 500 individuals recorded. Visitors can spot them grazing, bathing, and even swimming in the park's reservoir, which was built by the British in the early 20th century. The park is also home to other animals, such as leopards, spotted deer, water buffalo, and crocodiles.
Udawalawe National Park is also an important bird-watching destination, with over 200 species of birds recorded. Among them are endemics like Sri Lanka spurfowl, Sri Lanka junglefowl, and brown-capped babbler.
Visitors can explore the park on a jeep safari, which is the best way to observe the animals in their natural habitat. There are also several walking trails, such as the Udawalawe Nature Trail, which provides an opportunity to experience the park's flora and fauna up close.