Sri Lanka is well known for its safari. Udawalawe National Park, located about 103 miles south of Colombo. The park is a famous wildlife sanctuary. Particularly for those that lost their habitats due to the construction of the Udawalawe Mau Ara reservoir or the Walawe river. The park is home to 133 different types of reptiles, 43 mammals, 184 birds, and 135 different species of butterflies. If you are visiting southern Sri Lanka, such as Yala National Park and historic Galle, it is worth visiting Udawalawe National Park.
I had a good night’s sleep in a tent with the sound of heavy raindrops falling on the rooftop. Also, the relaxing sound of water flowing over shallow rocks in Walawe Gange River. Only a few yards away from my bed. Overnight rain had already stopped when I woke up at 5:00 am, and the visiting frogs that scared me a little last night were no longer there on the balcony.
Safari in Udawalawe National Park
In the morning, I stepped out with my camera; the ground and the trees were still wet. Nevertheless, I could smell nature, and the freshness and excitement of safari in Udawalawe National Park boosted me. Our tour guide was right on time with a 4WD safari jeep at 5:30 am. I was ready with my backpack, camera, gear, power bars, and water. The November early morning weather after the heavy overnight rain was perfect.
I climbed into the back of the 4WD just before sunrise and headed towards the park with a stop at the dam next to the water Reservoir to watch the sunrise. It was a beautiful view with fog in the distance, and early in the morning able to see a few elephants wandering around the lake.
At The Gate
The admission fee was 3886.00 rupee at the park entrance, about US$ 25.00. I was eager to spot wildlife. I saw peacocks sitting high up in the tree, wet from overnight rain, and trying to dry them up with the early morning sunshine. There were lots of them all, most on each and every tree.
Wildlife Inside The Park
I was excited to see the wildlife soon as we entered the park. When the driver pulled over and shut off the engine only a few yards from a herd of elephants, it was an excellent experience sitting in the back of a 4WD Jeep and crushing through the bumpy unpaved roads and trying to spot wildlife, made some good shots very well worth the safari.
Udawalawe Mau Ara Reservoir
During the safari, I saw many elephants (male, female, and babies), saw lazy wager buffalos spending their early morning in the water. Many birds like kingfishers, eagles, different kinds of Bee-eaters, Peacock, Black-shouldered kites, spot-billed pelicans, lesser adjutant, and Malabar pied hornbills, saw the National bird Sri Lankan junglefowl but failed to take a picture.
Mau Ara Reservoir is one of the most beautiful places to spend some time. Beautiful view of the lake and birds on the treetops and rolling mountains in the horizon picture perfect view. An excellent place for a travel photographer like me.
Later we visited the Elephant Transit Center to see the feeding activities. The center takes care of orphan baby elephants until they are old enough to be released back into the wild.
Where to stay in Udawalawe, Sri Lanka
Royal Reach Safari Resort, Udawalawe
Located in Udawalawe, 13 miles from Udawalawe National Park, Royal Reach Safari Resort has accommodations with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness center, and a garden. In addition, the property provides a 24-hour front desk, airport transportation, a shared lounge, and free WiFi. Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport is the nearest airport, 31 miles from Royal Reach Safari Resort. All rooms in the hotel are equipped with an electric tea pot. In addition, the rooms come with air conditioning and a flat-screen TV, and some rooms at Royal Reach Safari Resort have a city view.
Jungle Paradise, Udawalawe
Located in Udawalawe, 6.5 miles from Udawalawe National Park, Jungle Paradise has accommodations with free bikes, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool, and a garden. In addition, the hotel provides free WiFi and a paid airport shuttle service. At Jungle Paradise, rooms include bed linen and towels. The daily breakfast offers à la carte, continental or Asian options. Guests at the accommodation will be able to enjoy activities in and around Udawalawe, like hiking.
My Opinion and Last Word
Have you been to Udawalawe, Sri Lanka? Any cool tips to share?
loved being in Udawalawe, Sri Lanka, and want to go back again. I hope my story has motivated you to visit Sri Lanka.
Please leave a comment below! I’d love to hear from you to improve my knowledge.
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A Few Photos From The Trip
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