Udawalawe
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General Information
Other Name: -, , State: Uva, Sri Lanka
Area: 0
Languages Spoken: Sinhalese, Tamil, English
Long Distance Code: -
Importance: -
Best Time to Visit: September to May and -
International Access: 260 km from BIA
Description
Udawalawe (also known as Udawalawa) is a small town located in the southern part of the Ratnapura District in Sri Lanka. It is situated in close to the district's boundary with the Hambantota District and Monaragala District. The town is the main entry point into the Udawalawe National Park which is a major National Park in Sri Lanka which is renowned for its high population of wild Asian elephants. The Udawalawe National Park located approximately 160 km (99 mi) away from Colombo, is the closest national park to Colombo. The town is also notable, because of the Uda Walawa Reservoir, which was created in 1969, following the construction of a 3.9 km (2.4 mi) dam and a 6MW hydro-electric plant on the Walawe river. The reservoir is the 3rd largest reservoir in Sri Lanka. Udawalawe National Park lies on the boundary of Sabaragamuwa and Uva Provinces, in Sri Lanka. The national park was created to provide a sanctuary for wild animals displaced by the construction of the Udawalawe Reservoir on the Walawe River, as well as to protect the catchment of the reservoir. The reserve covers 30,821 hectares (119.00 sq mi) of land area and was established on 30 June 1972.[1] Before the designation of the national park, the area was used for shifting cultivation (chena farming). The farmers were gradually removed once the national park was declared. The park is 165 kilometres (103 mi) from Colombo. Udawalawe is an important habitat for water birds and Sri Lankan elephants. It is a popular tourist destination and the third most visited park in the countryLocation
160 km (99 mi) away from ColomboClimate
27°C, Wind W at 10 km/h, 82% Humidity
Udawalawe National Park is an important national park in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. The reserve covers 306 km² and was established in 1972 to protect the catchment of the Uda Walawe reservoir. The habitat is open parkland, with some mature teak trees along the river.
This popular reserve has more than 500 wild Asian Elephants, which are relatively easy to see in this open habitat. Udawalawe also has a dozen or so Leopards, although seeing this largely nocturnal carnivore requires considerable luck.
There are good numbers of Crocodiles, Golden Jackals, Water Buffalo and Grey langurs amongst other large animals.
The open parkland attracts birds of prey such as White-bellied Sea Eagle,Crested Serpent Eagle, Fish Eagle,Booted eagle, Changeable Hawk Eagle and the wetlands have waders and Painted Storks.
Landbirds are in abundance, and include Indian Roller, Indian Peafowl, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Pied Cuckoo ,
Timings: 7am-5pm
Remarks: This popular reserve has more than 500 wild Asian Elephants