28/02/2019
Udawalawe National Park straddles the Rathnepura District in Sabaragamuwa Province Monaragala District in Uva Province and includes the Udawalawe Reservoir, together with much of its catchment area. This park has acreage of 30,821 hectares, was declared as a National Park in 30 th June 1972 under the Fauna and Flora Protection ordinance. Its altitudes range from about 330 ft. (100m) on the plains to 1225 ft. (373m) at the top of Ulgala, the highest point within the park. It forms of the largest conservation areas within these districts and largely comprises the lower and the immediate catchments of Udawalawe. The walawe reservoir is situated in the park and surface area of it at full supply level is about 3405 hectares
This park renowned for its outstanding scenic beauty and wealth of animal and bird species, Udawalawe draws foreign and local tourists throughout the year, the possibility of viewing elephants at close range being its main attraction. This National Park is very popular among visitor for elephants because, they can be observed even at mid-day. Herds of elephants can be seen along the river during the dry season which is usually between May and September. Birdlife is in plenty, but once again difficult to observe when on the ground due to the tall grass.
The easiest and quickest access from Colombo is through Rathnapura Pelmadulla on the Ebilipity road. At Thimbolketiya turn left and Udawalaer junction to take the road to ThanamalWila.
The main entrance to the park is situated at the Udawalawe, Thanamalwila road about 11km from Udawalawe Junction which is southern boundary of the park. The park is therefore only 115 miles from Colombo.
The park serves the dual purpose of ensuring a perennial supply of silt-free water to the reservoir and providing a refuge for wild life displaced by the opening up of land for agriculture and other purposes in the lower reaches of the Walawe river.
(Source and some photographs- Official website of Department of Wildlife Conservation)