Bordering the provinces of Sabaragamuwa and Uva in Sri Lanka lies the Udawalawe National Park in Sri Lanka, where wild animals roam free in their numbers. It’s a popular tourist attraction on the island and sees large numbers of locals and foreign visitors all throughout the year.
Udawalawe National Park is amongst the most important habitats for Sri Lankan elephants. The gentle giants gather upon the banks of the Udawalawe Reservoir in large herds, creating a beautiful spectacle that thrills onlookers. It is estimated that Udawalawe National Park has over 250 resident elephants which certainly heightens the site’s appeal.
The national park was established with the aim of providing a sanctuary for wild animals that were driven out of their natural habitats during the construction of the Udawalawe Reservoir and Walawe River. Today many species of water birds can be seen thriving in the environs of the glistening reservoir. The park is also home to fishing cats, Sri Lankan axis deer, Sri Lankan sambar deer, wild boars, water buffaloes, golden palm civets, and toque macaques.
