Udawalawe National Park - A Haven for Wild Elephants
Located in the southern part of Sri Lanka, Udawalawe National Park is one of the best places in Asia to see wild elephants. Spanning over 30,821 hectares, the park is home to around 600-700 elephants, making sightings almost guaranteed on a safari.
Safari Experience
A safari in Udawalawe offers an incredible opportunity to witness elephants in the wild. Whether you take an early morning or late afternoon jeep safari, you’ll get to see herds of elephants roaming freely, drinking water at reservoirs, or bathing in mud pools. In addition to elephants, the park is rich in biodiversity, featuring:
- Leopards (though sightings are rare)
- Sloth bears
- Crocodiles
- Water buffaloes
- Deer species (Sambar and Spotted Deer)
- Over 200 species of birds, including eagles and hornbills
The park’s open grasslands and wetlands make it a prime location for photography and wildlife observation.
Elephant Transit Home - A Conservation Initiative
While Udawalawe National Park is about seeing elephants in the wild, the Elephant Transit Home (ETH) focuses on the rehabilitation of orphaned baby elephants. Established by the Department of Wildlife Conservation, ETH provides care for baby elephants that have been injured or abandoned, with the goal of releasing them back into the wild.
What to Expect at the Elephant Transit Home
Visitors can observe young elephants being fed with milk at scheduled feeding times, usually held every three hours. Unlike some elephant orphanages that allow direct interactions, ETH ensures a minimal human footprint, reducing human dependence so that the elephants can survive in the wild once released.
By visiting the ETH, you are directly supporting conservation efforts, as a portion of the ticket revenue goes toward the care and rehabilitation of these gentle giants.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Udawalawe National Park and the Elephant Transit Home is during the dry season, from May to September, when elephants gather around water sources, making sightings even more frequent. However, the park is open year-round, and wildlife is abundant in every season.
Conclusion
A visit to Udawalawe National Park and the Elephant Transit Home offers an unforgettable experience, combining the thrill of a wildlife safari with meaningful conservation efforts. Whether you’re watching wild herds roam the savannah or witnessing the rehabilitation of orphaned calves, this adventure is both exciting and heartwarming.
For anyone traveling to Sri Lanka, this experience is a must-do, offering a closer look at one of the country’s most treasured species while contributing to their protection and well-being.
