If you are looking for an unforgettable wildlife adventure in Sri Lanka, Udawalawe National Park is the place to go. Udawalawe is one of the most popular and accessible national parks in the country, offering a variety of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Whether you want to see the majestic elephants, the colorful birds, the exotic reptiles, or the lush flora, Udawalawe has something for everyone.
Review of the tour to Udawalawe National Park
The best way to explore Udawalawe National Park in Sri Lanka is by taking a guided safari tour. You can choose hornbills, peli from half-day or full-day Sri Lanka tours, depending on your schedule and budget. The tours are conducted by experienced and knowledgeable drivers and guides, who will take you to the best spots to observe and photograph the wildlife. You will also learn about the history, culture, and ecology of the park and its surroundings.
The safari tours are suitable for families, couples, solo travelers, and groups interested in Sri Lanka tours. You can book your tour online or through your hotel or travel agent. The tours include transportation, entrance fees, snacks, and water. Some tours also provide lunch and accommodation options. The tours start from the park entrance or from nearby towns such as Embilipitiya or Hambantota.
The right time to visit Udawalawe National Park:
The safari tours are available throughout the year, but the best time to visit Udawalawe National Park is from May to September, when the weather is dry and sunny, and the animals are more active and visible. The park is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., but the best times to see wildlife are in the early morning and late afternoon.
What is Udawalawe National Park famous for?
Udawalawe National Park is famous for its large population of Asian elephants, which is estimated to be around 600-700 individuals. The park is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. You can witness their social behavior, their feeding habits, their bathing rituals, and their interactions with other animals. You can also visit the Elephant Transit Home, a rehabilitation center for orphaned and injured elephants, where you can watch them being fed and cared for.
Udawalawe National Park is also famous for its rich birdlife, with over 180 species recorded. You can see both resident and migratory birds, such as peacocks, eagles, kingfishers, cans, storks, and more. The park is especially attractive for birdwatchers during the winter months when many migratory birds arrive from Europe and Asia.
Udawalawe National Park is also home to many other animals, such as leopards, deer, buffalo, monkeys, crocodiles, turtles, snakes, lizards, and fish. You can spot them along the riverbanks, in the grasslands, in the forests, or near the reservoir. The park has a high biodiversity and a variety of habitats that support different species.
Ecology:
Udawalawe National Park lies on the boundary of Sri Lanka's wet and dry zones. The park has a tropical climate with an average temperature of 27-28 °C (81-82 °F) and an annual rainfall of 1,500 millimeters (59 in). The park covers an area of 308 square kilometers (119 sq mi) and consists of plains, mountains,
marshes, rivers, forests, and grasslands³.
The park was created in 1972 to provide a sanctuary for wildlife displaced by the construction of the Udawalawe Reservoir on the Walawe River³. The reservoir is a major attraction in the park, as it attracts many animals and birds that come to drink or feed on its shores. The reservoir also supports fishing activities for local communities.
The park has a well-managed conservation program that aims to protect its natural resources and wildlife. The park authorities conduct regular patrols, research projects, awareness campaigns, and community development initiatives. The park also collaborates with local and international organizations to promote ecotourism and sustainable development.
Fauna:
Udawalawe National Park has a diverse fauna that includes 43 mammals, 184 birds, 33 reptiles, 21 fish, and 12 amphibians. Some of the notable fauna are:
- Mammals: Asian elephant, leopard, sloth bear, water buffalo, spotted deer, wild boar, otter³, pangolin, macaque, mongoose, civet, jackal, etc.
- Birds: Peacock, eagle, kingfisher, hornbill, pelican, stork, spoonbill, junglefowl, roller, cuckoo, malkoha, wagtail, etc.
- Reptiles: Crocodile, monitor lizard, cobra, viper, python, turtle, gecko, skink, etc.
- Fish: Catla, rohu, gourami, sucker, barb, carp, tilapia, etc.
Flora:
Udawalawe National Park has a diverse flora that includes 94 plants³. Some of the notable flora are:
- Hopea cordifolia: A large evergreen tree with dark brown bark and yellow flowers. It is endemic to Sri Lanka and is used for timber and medicine.
- Memecylon petiolatum: A small evergreen tree with purple flowers and black fruits. It is endemic to Sri Lanka and is used for dyeing and medicine.
- Erythroxylon zeylanicum: A shrub with white flowers and red fruits. It is endemic to Sri Lanka and is used for medicine and stimulants.
- Jasminum angustifolium: A climber with fragrant white flowers. It is endemic to Sri Lanka and is used for perfume and medicine.
- Other plants: Teak, ebony, satinwood, Arjun, blady grass, guinea grass, wild jasmine, etc.
Location of Udawalawe National Park:
Udawalawe National Park is located in the southern part of the Ratnapura District in Sri Lanka. It is situated close to the district's boundary with the Hambantota District and Monaragala District. The park is about 165 kilometers (103 mi) from Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. The nearest towns are Embilipitiya and Hambantota, which are about 16 kilometers (10 mi) and 50 kilometers (31 mi) away from the park entrance, respectively.
Ticket prices (USD) and accommodation for international tourists visiting Udawalawe National Park:
The ticket prices for international tourists visiting Udawalawe National Park are as follows:
- Adults: $15
- Children (6-12 years): $8
- Children (below 6 years): Free
The ticket prices include a service charge of 12% and a VAT of 15%. The tickets are valid for one day only.
There are several accommodation options for international tourists visiting Udawalawe National Park
. You can choose from hotels, bungalows, or campsites, depending on your preference and budget. Some of the recommended accommodation options are:
- Hotels: Kalu's Hideaway, Sobana Hotel, Elephant Safari Hotel, etc. These hotels offer comfortable rooms, modern facilities, delicious food, and friendly service. They also arrange safari tours and other activities for their guests. The prices range from $50 to $150 per night.
- Bungalows: There are five park bungalows within the park that can accommodate up to eight people each. They are Gonawiddagala, Seennugala, Pokunuthanna, Weheragolla, and Thimbiriyamanakanda. They offer basic amenities, such as beds, fans, toilets, showers, and kitchens. They also provide a cook and a caretaker for each bungalow. The prices range from $100 to $200 per night.
- Campsites: There are four park campsites within the park that can accommodate up to six people each. They are Pranshadara, Pilima Ath Dara, Alimankada, and Kaudulu Ara. They offer tents, mattresses, pillows, blankets, chairs, tables, lanterns, firewood, and water. They also provide a cook and a caretaker for each campsite. The prices range from $50 to $100 per night.
Exciting experiences at Udawalawe National Park:
Udawalawe National Park is famous for its large population of Asian elephants, which is estimated to be around 600-700 individuals. The park is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. You can witness their social behavior, their feeding habits, their bathing rituals, and their interactions with other animals. You can also visit the Elephant Transit Home, a rehabilitation center for orphaned and injured elephants, where you can watch them being fed and cared for.
Udawalawe National Park is also home to many other animals, such as leopards, deer, buffalo, monkeys, crocodiles, turtles, snakes, lizards, and fish. You can spot them along the riverbanks, in the grasslands, in the forests, or near the reservoir. The park has a high biodiversity and a variety of habitats that support different species.
Udawalawe National Park is also a paradise for bird lovers, with over 180 species recorded. You can see both resident and migratory birds, such as peacocks, eagles, kingfishers, hornbills, pelicans, storks, and more. The park is especially attractive for birdwatchers during the winter months when many migratory birds arrive from Europe and Asia.
Experience and service price (USD) of jeep safari of Udawalawe National Park:
The best way to explore Udawalawe National Park is by taking a guided safari tour by jeep. You can choose from half-day or full-day tours, depending on your schedule and budget. The tours are conducted by experienced and knowledgeable drivers and guides, who will take you to the best spots to observe and photograph the wildlife. You will also learn about the history, culture, and ecology of the park and its surroundings.
The safari tours are suitable for families, couples, solo travelers, and groups. You can book your tour online or through your hotel or travel agent. The tours include transportation, entrance fees, snacks, and water. Some tours also provide lunch and accommodation options. The tours start from the park entrance or from nearby towns such as Embilipitiya or Hambantota.
The safari tours are available throughout the year, but the best time to visit Udawalawe National Park is from May to September, when the weather is dry and sunny, and the animals are more active and visible. The park is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., but the best times to see wildlife are in the early morning and late afternoon.
The service price (USD) of Jeep Safari of Udawalawe National Park varies depending on the type and duration of the tour. Here are some examples of the prices:
- Half-day tour (3-4 hours): $25-$35 per person
- Full-day tour (6-8 hours): $40-$50 per person
- Budget tour (2 hours): $15-$20 per person
How to get to Udawalawe National Park and prices (USD) for tourists around the world:
Udawalawe National Park is located in the southern part of the Ratnapura District in Sri Lanka. It is situated close to the district's boundary with the Hambantota District and Monaragala District. The park is about 165 kilometers (103 mi) from Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. The nearest towns are Embilipitiya and Hambantota, which are about 16 kilometers (10 mi) and 50 kilometers (31 mi) away from the park entrance, respectively.
There are several ways to get to Udawalawe National Park from different parts of Sri Lanka and from other countries. Here are some options:
- By air: You can fly to Colombo International Airport or Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport from various destinations around the world. From there, you can take a taxi or a bus to Udawalawe National Park. The taxi fare from Colombo Airport to Udawalawe National Park is about $100-$120. The bus fare from Colombo Bastian Mawatha Bus Terminal to Embilipitiya is about $2-$3. From Embilipitiya, you can take another bus or a taxi to Udawalawe National Park.
- By boat: You can take a ferry or a cruise ship to Colombo Port or Hambantota Port from various destinations around the world. From there, you can take a taxi or a bus to Udawalawe National Park. The taxi fare from Colombo Port to Udawalawe National Park is about $90-$110. The taxi fare from Hambantota Port to Udawalawe National Park is about $30-$40¹. The bus fare from Colombo Bastian Mawatha Bus Terminal to Embilipitiya is about $2-$3². The bus fare from Hambantota Bus Station to Embilipitiya is about $1-$2. From Embilipitiya, you can take another bus or a taxi to Udawalawe National Park.
- By car or motorbike: You can rent a car or a motorbike from various locations in Sri Lanka and drive to Udawalawe National Park. The rental price depends on the type and duration of the vehicle. For example, a small car can cost about $20-$30 per day. A motorbike can cost about $10-$15 per day. The fuel price is about $0.8-$1 per liter⁴. The road condition is generally good, but you may encounter traffic jams, road works, or checkpoints along the way. You can use Google Maps or other navigation apps to find the best route to Udawalawe National Park.
- By bus: You can take a public bus or a private bus to Udawalawe National Park from various locations in Sri Lanka. The bus fare depends on the distance and the type of the bus. For example, a public bus from Colombo Bastian Mawatha Bus Terminal to Embilipitiya can cost about $2-$3. A private bus from Colombo Fort Railway Station to Embilipitiya can cost about $4-$5. From Embilipitiya, you can take another bus or a taxi to Udawalawe National Park.
You can book your accommodation online or through your hotel or travel agent.
You can also contact with:
Udawalawe National Park contact number: +94 47 223 3219 or +94 77 207 7710
Udawalawe National Park official website: [http://www.udawalawenationalpark.com/]
You can find out more details about booking tickets at: https://www.srilankalocaltours.com/
In conclusion
, Udawalawe National Park is a must-see destination for anyone who loves nature and wildlife. You will have an amazing experience of seeing wild elephants and other animals in their natural environment. You will also enjoy the scenic views of the park and its surroundings. You can easily book your safari tour online or through your hotel or travel agent. You can also find various ways to get to Udawalawe National Park from different parts of Sri Lanka and from other countries. Don't miss this opportunity to visit Udawalawe National Park and have an unforgettable adventure in Sri Lanka
