Uda Walawe National Park

Uda Walawe National Park is an important national park in the south of Sri Lanka. The reserve covers 306km² and was established in 1972 to protect the catchment of the Uda Walawe reservoir. The habitat is open parkland, with some mature teak trees along the river.

This popular reserve has more than 400 wild Asian Elephants, which are relatively easy to see in this open habitat. Uda Walawe also has a dozen or so Leopards, although seeing this largely nocturnal carnivore requires considerable luck.

There are good numbers of crocodiles, Golden Jackals, Water Buffalo and Grey langurs amongst other large animals.

The open parkland attracts birds of prey such as White-bellied Sea Eagle and Changeable Hawk Eagle and the wetlands have waders and Painted Storks.

Landbirds are in abundance, and include Indian Roller, Indian Peafowl, Malabar Pied Hornbill and Pied Cuckoo.