Located on the boundaries of the Uva and Sabaragamuwa provinces, Udawalawe National Park is THE place to witness elephants in their natural habitat, living their best lives. Home to one of the largest elephant densities, we are talking about herds of up to 50 of these gentle giants roaming free, splashing in the reservoir and engaging in their playful antics.

That’s not all! Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive leopards (while sightings are less frequent than in Yala), deer, wild boar, jackals and more. Oh, and don’t forget the abundant bird life, with over 180 species soaring about.

With its open grassland and views, Udawalawe is an amazing place to spot animals and beautiful views across the plains. The Udawalawe Reservoir at the heart of the park adds to the beauty, especially as herds of elephants and animals gather at the reservoir to quench their thirst against a stunning landscape.

For an extra dose of goodness, visit the Elephant Transit Home attached to the park, where you can witness the incredible work done to rehabilitate orphaned or injured elephants back to the wild.