Udawalawe National Park

The third most visited national park in Sri Lanka is the famous Udawalawe National Park. It was built to protect wild animals who were displaced due to the construction of the Udawalawe Reservoir on the Walawe River. At present, it is home to approximately 250 roaming elephants permanently residing in the park.

With herds of Asian elephants soaking in the reservoir, and other exotic mammals that wonder around, such as the rusty-spotted cat, leopards, sloth bears, sambar deer, Indian muntjac, wild boar and water buffaloes, the park is truly a feast for the eyes of a wildlife enthusiast. It is also a popular bird watching site, with an abundance of water and wader birds.

There is also an Elephant Transit Home located in close proximity. The Department of Wildlife Conservation created a foster-parent program, which allows individuals to fund for the elephant's food and medicine.

If you are planning to go on an adventurous wildlife safari in Sri Lanka, you should not miss Udawalawe National Park.