Exploring Udawalawe: A Guide to Wildlife and Culture

Udawalawe, also known as Udawalawa, is a small town located in the South-central part of Ratnapura District bordering Monaragala District in Sri Lanka. 

Introduction

The town itself is a hidden gem for travellers who seek wildlife experience. It is home to a large number of elephants. As well as other animal species such as leopards, water buffalos, Birds, insects, butterflies, crocodiles, etc…

Apart from its wildlife popularity, Udawalawe is also renowned for its cultural sites. Ancient Temples to traditional village life reflect the rich history of the region. 

Hence, because of all the above reasons and many more, Udawalawe offers a unique perspective on Sri Lankan culture. 

In this guide, we will explore the top attractions, accommodation options, and more that make Udawalawe worth visiting. Whether you are a nature lover, culture enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Udawalawe is the ideal destination for your next adventure.

Brief History About Udawalawe

The town started getting noticed and populated by large numbers, with the men who came to the construction of Udawalawe Reservoir in 1969. It was built by constructing a 3.9km(2.4 mi) long dam across the Walawe River.

In the same year, 1969, a 6 MW (8,000 hp) hydroelectric power plant was established to supply electricity to surrounding areas in the same.

Udawalawe National Park, the main attraction of Udawalawe, was established on 30 June 1972. And it was declared a National Park of Sri Lanka with 30,821 hectares (119.00 sq mi) of land area. 

The main goal of this establishment was to provide a sanctuary for wild animals displaced due to the construction of the Udawalwe reservoir. And to protect the catchment of the reservoir. It is 165km(103 miles) away from Colombo.

Thus it is the closest park to reach from Colombo. And also, the park holds the record for the third most tourist-visited park in the country.

The people who lived before the establishment of the Udawalawe Reservoir used the area for shifting Cultivation (Chena Cultivation). After the declaration of the National Park, they gradually shifted to the downside of the reservoir to aid them with the water for cultivation from the reservoir. 

Even today most rural men in Udawalawe are farmers.

They cultivate a wide range of crops, such as, 

1. vegetables(beans, brinjal, Manioc, Cucumber and etc…), 
2. Seeds (Rice(paddy cultivation), Corn, Kurakkan)
3. Spices (Black and white Pepper, Cinnamon, Chillies, Turmeric, Tamarind, Garlic, Curry leaves, Screwpine, Ginger)
4. Fruits (Sugar cane, Banana, Jack fruit, Lime types, papaya, Wood apple, Mango and etc… )

Cultural Highlights of Udawalawe

All Other occupations, such as Day workers (Labourers), Store owners, hotel owners, Government officials, Doctors, Engineers, Lawyers and etc.… are present in minute numbers.

The majority of the people who live in Udawalawe are Buddhist in religion. The rest are Christians, Hindus, and Muslims. They All speak the native Language, Sinhala. Therefore the influence of the Buddhist society on the religious and cultural events in Udawalawe is high. 

• The Sankapala Temple is the one and only ancient temple situated near the Udawalawe area (7.6km from Udawalawe- 15 min drive). It dates back to an ancient time when native kings were ruling Sri Lanka.
  • Their main cultural event is held on a full moon day in September every year. It is called Esala Perahara in the native Language. In this event, a parade of various cultural Dancers, Religious relics, Decorated Elephants, People who dressed up as ancient time kingdom officials, and many more go around the village.
  • In some years, this cultural parade longs up to 2km distance. There is a belief among Locals that they get rain for the next cultivation season as a gift from god. 

• Around the village, there are a few other religious places established, such as Udawalawe Temple (Buddhist Center, Siri Gunarathana Primary Pirivena, Udawalawa), Sirinaga Temple, Rathnaloka and etc…These temples also hold cultural parades on other Full moon days. But they are not as famous as Sankapala Perahera is.

Overall, Udawalawe offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for travellers who seek an authentic Sri Lankan experience.

Top Attractions in Udawalawe

Udawalawe is a land of diverse wonders, offering something for every kind of traveller. Whether you are interested in wildlife and history or simply seeking some peace and tranquillity, Udawalawe has a lot to offer. Here are some of the top attractions and activities that you should not miss:

1. Udawalawe National Park

• Udawalawe National Park (30,821 acres in size) is the most popular attraction in Udawalawe, and for good reason.
• The park is home to a large number of elephants, as well as other animals such as leopards, water buffalos, Birds including grey-headed fish eagles, black-shouldered kites, changeable hawk eagles, crested serpent eagles, white-bellied sea eagles, Deer, sambar, chital, wild boar, and crocodiles.
• The best way to explore the park is by taking a jeep safari, which can be booked through various tour operators in the area.
• Visit our Udawalawe National Park Safari Packages showing webpage to get more information about it.

2. Udawalawe Reservoir

• This man-made lake is a great place to unwind and take in the natural beauty of Udawalawe. You can simply relax on the shores or walk on the Reservoir Dam and have a joyful picnic.

Facts - 
       Udawalawa Dam has 3.9km long distance with a peek view from both sides, one side gives a Landscape view of the reservoir extending up to distant mountains while the other side offers a peek view of the village.

3. Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home

• This facility is run by the Sri Lankan Department of Wildlife Conservation and serves as a rehabilitation centre for orphaned elephant calves. Visitors can observe the elephants being fed and learn about the conservation efforts to protect these majestic creatures.
• Click on Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home to learn more about Udawalawe Elephant Orphanage.

4. Udawalawe Village Tour

• This tour offers you the opportunity to explore traditional villages and learn about the local way of life. Also, you can observe the production of traditional handicrafts and enjoy a home-cooked meal with a local family.

5. Take a Natural Bath or swimming experience from Rakvana River or Katupila Lake.

• Both these places must not be reached alone as you may not know which places are best for swimming or for a bath. But we strongly suggest going with a local villager or with a man from your place of stay who can guide you for safety.

How long to spend in Udawalawe? – Recommended Itinerary 

Day 1:

• Morning: Visit Udawalawe National Park for a jeep safari
• Afternoon: Relax at Udawalawe Reservoir

Day 2:

• Morning: Visit Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home
• Afternoon: Explore the rural village life or go on swimming in the natural river or a lake near by.

Note: This is just a suggested itinerary and can be adjusted based on your preferences and time constraints.

Wildlife in Udawalawe

Udawalawe is home to a diverse range of wildlife. Particularly all of these wonderful animals live inside Udawalawe National Park. That’s why nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts love to visit this destination very often.

The region is particularly known for its large population of Asian elephants, but there are many other species to be found as well. Here’s an overview of the most popular animal species in the area.

1. Asian Elephants

• Udawalawe National Park is home to over 600 Asian elephants, which is the largest concentration of elephants in Sri Lanka. 

• These animals do not march around the park as a single herd. They scattered around the park in small groups with members ranging from 2 to 21 in the count(Cubs included). 

• Older male elephants live alone, while the female ones parade in packs with the cubs. The Male elephants leave the herd when they are old enough, 8 to 15 years of age. But it is believed that the ones with Tusks on their mouth get protection from the herd over 15 years of age.

• You can observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat during a jeep safari. Contact us if you are interested in going on a safari with our safari jeep service.

2. Sri Lankan Leopard

• The leopard is a very rare and elusive animal, but Udawalawe is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to spot them. Also, you can spot them in Wilpattu National Park, Yala National Park, and Sinharaja Forest Reserve as well.

• You should be very lucky to see one of them inside the park. It’s because they roam inside the park in shadows(scrublands and High grasslands).

• Around 2021 there was a rare incident where a small family of leopards with cubs had been staying for a couple of days near the safari root inside the park. And it was shown on national news at that time.

• The leopards in Udawalawe are smaller than their Indian counterparts and have a unique pattern of spots.

3. Water Buffalo

• These large, impressive animals are commonly found grazing in the grasslands of Udawalawe National Park. They are known for their distinctive horns and their importance in Sri Lankan agriculture.

• The water buffalos love to lay under large lagoons or in waterways to cool them out during the daytime. 

• You will see birds like egrets and herons love to travel on the back of them while picking out and eating parasites.

4. Crocodiles

• The lakes and rivers of Udawalawe are home to several species of crocodiles, including the mugger crocodile, which is the most commonly found crocodile in Sri Lanka.

5. Birds

• There are about 21 species of birds that can be seen around Udawalwe as well as inside the national park. Among them, White-bellied Sea eagles and many more eagle species, Sri Lanka Grey Hornbills, Peacocks, Parrots,  Spot-Billed Pelicans, Asian Openbill, and Painted Storks are special.

Conservation efforts for wildlife in Udawalawe

Conservation efforts are aimed at protecting the natural habitat of these and other animal species. 

The Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home is one such effort, providing a safe haven for orphaned elephant calves. About 100 to 150 orphaned elephant calves take shelter inside this organization. 

These elephant calves were found in various locations around Sri Lanka. Some of them were orphaned due to human and elephant conflicts that happened around cultivation because of Hunters. And Some are because of accidents(Train crossing, electricity wire crossing, and many more.)

The park also has strict rules and regulations in place to minimize the impact of tourism on the animals and their habitats.

Accommodation and Dining in Udawalawe

From basic guesthouses to luxurious resorts, Udawalawe offers a variety of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Many of the accommodations are located close to Udawalawe National Park. Therefore visitors can embark on their wildlife adventures very conveniently. Here’s an overview of the best accommodation options in the area.

1. Luxury Resorts:
   • There are several high-end resorts in Udawalawe, such as the Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort and Kalu’s Hideaway, which offer a range of amenities, such as swimming pools, spas, and fine dining options.

2. Mid-Range Hotels:
   • For visitors who want comfort without breaking the bank, there are several mid-range hotels in Udawalawe, such as the Elephant Trail Hotel and the Kottawatta Village, which offer clean and comfortable rooms at affordable prices.

3. Budget Guesthouses:
   • Budget travellers can find plenty of affordable guesthouses in Udawalawe, such as the Elephant Rest Udawalawe and the Nature House, which offer basic accommodations and a friendly atmosphere.

As for dining, there are several great restaurants and cafes in Udawalawe that offer both local and international cuisine. Here are some of the best dining options in the area:

1.Common Rose Restaurant, Udawalawa (Highly Recomended)

• It is a family restaurant. Hence they don’t have a bar in it. Their menu contains a wide variety of food items for a considerable price. And the quality of the food items is also outstanding. 

2. Machan Udawalawa

• This restaurant is known for its tasty food and bar. There is a separate Dining section for customers who seek food only. Hence it is a good and relaxing place for a family dinner.

3. Kalu’s Hideaway Restaurant:

• This restaurant is part of Kalu’s Hideaway Resort and offers a range of Sri Lankan and international dishes, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

4. Bird Paradise Inn

• It is a little bit far away from Udawalawe town but a calm place to dine in.

Overall, You can find a variety of accommodation and dining options to suit your needs and preferences. By doing so, you can make it a great destination for a comfortable and memorable vacation.

How to visit Udawalawe? – Getting to and Around Udawalawe

Udawalawe is located in the southern part of Sri Lanka, approximately 165 km from Colombo. There are several transportation options for getting to Udawalawe, including:

1. Private Car or Taxi

• You can hire a private car or taxi from Colombo or other major cities in Sri Lanka. This option is convenient for travellers who want a comfortable and hassle-free journey.
• (We can offer you pick up from anywhere inside Sri Lanka, Contact Us )

2. By Bus

• There are regular buses from Colombo to Udawalawe, with a travel time of approximately 5 – 6 hours. This option is cheaper than hiring a private car, but it can be less comfortable and less convenient. 

• Or you can come from Colombo to Embilipitiya via High Way Express(passengers are loaded only up to seat count) and take another bus from Embilipitiya to Udawalawe. You can comfortably reach Udawalwe within 4 hours if you come this way.

Once you are in Udawalawe, there are several transportation options for getting around. Some of the popular transport methods around Udawalawe are as follows.

1. Tuk-Tuk

• Tuk-tuks are a popular mode of transportation in Sri Lanka and can be easily found in Udawalawe. This option is convenient for short trips around town or to nearby attractions. (Contact Us for Pick Up from Tuk-Tuk)

2. Car or Jeep Rental

• You can rent a car or jeep from one of the many rental companies in Udawalawe(Rent from Us). This option is convenient for visitors who want to explore the area at their own pace. (Contact Us for more info)

• The best time to visit Udawalawe is from December to May.  Because the weather is dry and the wildlife is more active.
• However, you can also visit this beautiful destination during the monsoon season from June to September. But you may have to be prepared for occasional rain and muddy conditions.

To get the most out of your visit to Udawalawe, here are some tips:

1. Book a safari

•  The best way to see the wildlife in Udawalawe is on a safari. There are several tour operators that offer safaris in the national park, with options for half-day or full-day tours. (Book a safari jeep from Us)

2. Bring appropriate clothing

•  The weather in Udawalawe can be hot and humid, so visitors should wear lightweight and breathable clothing. It’s also important to bring comfortable shoes for walking and hiking.

3. Respect the wildlife

• You should always keep a safe distance from the animals and refrain from feeding or disturbing them. 

• There is a government-issued law as well. According to that law, if you do something illegal within the safari ( ex;- dropping down from the vehicle to touch wild animals is prohibited) and are proven guilty, then the jeep driver gets punished by banning his safari license for 6 months ahead.

• It’s important to follow the rules and regulations of the national park to protect the wildlife and their habitat.

Overall, Udawalawe is a beautiful and fascinating destination with a variety of transportation options for getting to and around the area. You can make the most of your trip by following these tips and planning your itinerary in advance.

Final thoughts on Traveling to Udawalawe for Safari.

Udawalawe is a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. The national park offers you a chance to see a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, and numerous bird species, in their natural habitat.

In addition to the wildlife, Udawalawe also has a rich history and culture that you can explore. The area has several ancient temples and historical sites, as well as opportunities to experience local Sri Lankan cuisine.

To make the most of your visit to Udawalawe, it’s recommended to plan your itinerary in advance and book a safari tour to see the wildlife up close. It’s also important to respect the animals and their habitat by following the rules and regulations of the national park.

Overall, Udawalawe is a unique and captivating destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Sri Lanka or a seasoned traveller, a trip to Udawalawe is sure to be a memorable and enriching experience.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions