Udawalawe National Park is one of the most renowned wildlife sanctuaries of Sri Lanka. It lies in the southern part of the country, which extends over 30,821 hectares. The park is internationally famous due to the rapidly growing population of elephants and its various ecosystems as well as the breath-taking landscapes. It was initially declared as a conservation area in 1972; however, it gradually received popularity as a tourist spot.
Geographical Overview
Udawalawe National Park is situated in the provinces of Sabaragamuwa and Uva, 165 kilometers southeast of Colombo. The park is formed at the boundary between Sri Lanka's wet and dry zones, so it is a unique mix of ecosystems. The Udawalawe Reservoir, built to supply water for agriculture, is central to the park, providing habitat for its wildlife and offering scenic views.
The land within the park features grasslands, forests and scrublands interrupted by marshes and rocky outcrops. It is a biodiversity hotspot that boasts of impressive flora and fauna within it, thereby making Udawalawe a haven for such riches.
_______________________________________
Flora
The dry zone vegetation characterizes most of the flora found within the Udawalawe National Park. The flora harbors:
•Grasslands: Open savannah-like areas have characterized much of this landscape, providing grasslands that offer grazing opportunities for herbivores.
•Scrub Forests: There is dense foliage of thorny bushes and small thorny trees like Acacia and Weera.
•Riverine Forests: These species-rich areas found along water courses support species like Kumbuk and Mee trees.
•Marshlands: Seasonal water bodies and wetlands host aquatic flora like lotus and water lilies.
This rich floristic diversity supports the pulsating food web in the park and serves as an essential source of livelihood for the dwellers.
_____________________________________
Fauna
Mammals
The Udawalawe area is most famous for its large herds of Sri Lankan elephants. At over 500 in size, it is one of the easiest places in the world to enjoy seeing these gentle giants of the wild roam their normal habitat. Many are commonly seen grazing or even at the reservoir, bathing.
Some other notable mammals are
•Leopard: Rarely seen although some do appear.
•Sloth bear: Rarely spotted but not rare in some parts.
•Water Buffalo: Commonly seen grazing in the wetlands.
•Sambar Deer: Grasslands
•Golden Jackals: Often seen scavenging around waterholes.
Birds
Udawalawe is a very good birding spot with over 200 species recorded and among them:
•Crested Serpent Eagles
•White-bellied Sea Eagles
•Malabar Pied Hornbills
•Kingfishers
•Peafowls
Several species come to the park during migration time, and hence the list of avifauna is quite large.
Reptiles and Amphibians
Reptiles of Udawalawe
•Mugger Crocodiles
•Monitor Lizards
•Indian Cobra
Amphibians, for example, include the common toad and other species of frogs, like the wetlands.
Insects
Common Jezebel and Blue Mormon butterflies flit around the park, adding rainbow colors to the landscape.
Cultural and Historical Context:
The development of Udawalawe National Park largely coincided with the construction of the Udawalawe Reservoir during the 1960s. The construction of the reservoir resulted in displacement of the local community and fauna, which required a protected area to balance out some of the environmental and social impacts.
The park features highly in Sri Lanka's cultural and ecological environments. It supports the local community in terms of earning from tourism and conservation works.
______________________________________
Activities and Attractions
Udawalawe National Park offers a package of activities for all nature lovers, photographers, and adventurers.
Wildlife Safaris
Jeep Safaris
Guided tours within the park will give the visitors an opportunity to:
• Spot elephants closely.
•See predators- leopards and jackals.
• Identify several species of birds and their habitats.
Safaris are carried out in the morning or late evening when animals become active.
Bird watching
Birdwatching tours can be undertaken with expert guides who can identify both resident and migratory species.
Elephant Transit Home
Near the park, Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home (ETH) is a place of rehabilitation for orphaned elephant calves. Feeding sessions can be viewed and the conservation efforts of the center learned.
Photography
The diversity of landscapes and the number of wildlife make this a photographer's paradise.
________________________________________
Conservation Issues
Several conservation issues exist in the Udawalawe National Park, including:
•Human-Wildlife Conflict: Poaching and agricultural expansion result in human-wildlife conflicts.
•Illegal Activities: Poaching and logging alter the balance of the ecological system.
•Tourism Pressure: Untamed tourism creates pressure and disturbances to habitats and also puts stress upon the wildlife.
The Park Authority and non-government organizations work on
•Habit restoration
•Public awareness of living along with wildlife
•Tourism awareness programs
The Elephant Transit Home is one of the conservation examples which is purely made for elephant rehabilitation before sending it to be released in the wild
____________________________________
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit this park is during the dry season, which falls between the months of May and September. During the dry season, animals collect around water sources, so that the chances of their coming into view are much greater. The rainy season of the year, from October to April, makes it look greener, but in some areas, access becomes impossible.
____________________________________
Access
Udawalawe National Park is reachable from multiple cities:
•From Colombo: approximately 4-5 hours in car. (165km).
•From Ella: almost 2 hours by car (76km).
•From Galle: around 3 hours in car. (120km).
To make it easier public buses and private taxi facility is available but hiring of a private car or using an organized tour is advisable.
______________________________________
Hotel/ Accommodation
According to the tourists' preferences; here are several types of lodging facilities available.
• High-end Hotels: available which offer some of the high-end luxuries that few even offer to include safari programs.
• Eco-Lodges: Eco-friendly staying with harmonies towards nature.
• Budget Guesthouses: Cheap homestay from local homes.
Attractions: There are such attractions like Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort, Kottawatta Village, and Athgira River Camp.
Travel Information
1. Book in Advance: The timing of safaris to be visited as well as stay bookings get exhausted quickly, more so when peak season is under consideration.
2. Dress comfortably: Neat light-colored clothing with good sturdy shoes.
3. Carry essential stuff: Carry sunscreen, mosquito repellent, water and binoculars.
4. Follow Guidelines: Respect park rules, stay inside vehicles during safaris, and avoid feeding wildlife.
5. Hike with a Guide: Knowledgable guides add to the adventure and point out animals and share facts about the park.
____________________________________