Udawalawa Safari Sri Lanka
Welcome to Lakdiva Safari Jeep Tours!
We are a group of three brothers with over 10 years of combined expertise offering safari services to guests of Sri Lanka’s Udawalawa National Park. We are experts at going on safari in Sri Lanka’s Udawalawa National Park. Since 2014, we have been going on safari. We drive opulent four-wheel drive jeeps. Our goal for your Udawalawa tour is to show you the leopards. That is our primary goal.
One of the largest populations of leopards in the world may be found in Udawalawa National Park. The island’s top predator is the leopard. We are the Udawalawa Safaris team from Sri Lanka, led by Safari Lakdiva, who has over eighteen years of experience conducting safaris in Sri Lanka’s Udawalawa National Park.
Introduction of Udawalawa National Park
Among all the national parks in Sri Lanka, Udawalawe is the most well-known and impressive. This is a significant protected area that supports a wide variety of flora and wildlife and serves as a vital habitat for aquatic birds and Sri Lankan elephants. Colombo is about 165 kilometers (103 miles) distant from the park. When the Udawalawe reservoir is fully filled, it covers 3405 hectares, making the entire size of the Udawalawe National Park 30,821 hectares [119 sq mi]. The major boundary of this national park is where the provinces of Sabaragamuwa and Uva meet. The following serves as an illustration of the Udawalawe Nationa Park’s boundaries: The Sewanagala sugar plantation is situated south of the Udawalawe Thanamalwila road, which connects to the southern border line of the area. This National Park’s southeast edge is where Lunugamwehera National Park is located. The reservoir’s eastern sector on the right bank is expanded to the Monaragala District, while the western half, on the left bank, is expanded to the Ratnapura District. Currently regarded as one of Sri Lanka’s most frequented national parks and a prominent tourist destination, Udawalawe National Park is the third most popular park in the country. The Udawalawe National Park’s ecology has the power to draw people from all over the world to its affinity.
Fish
The Udawalawe National Park is home to 21 different kinds of fish, divided into 9 families. Five of them are native to the area, and the remaining seven are alien. The proportion of indigenous species in the national total of 44 species is quite low, accounting for 11% of the total, whilst foreign species make up 22% of all the species discovered in the park. mostly the unusual fish species kept in the reservoir and tanks. There are currently no discovered threatened species. The most prevalent family among all species is the Cyprinidae, while Puntius, a member of this family, is the most common genus. Garra ceylonensis is the only native fish species known to exist in the park. Two primary fish species have been identified in ponds and water holes, with the remaining species observed in the Walawe River, Udawlawe reservoir, and further tanks. There are reportedly seven alien species present in this area. The Freshwater Fish Breeding Station of the Ministry of Fisheries at Udawalawe is mostly responsible for the presence of all these exotic fish. Fish species include Puntius sarana, Labeo dussumieri, Puntius Chola, Garra ceylonensis, Catla, Rohu, Gourami, Oreochromis niloticus, and others are among those that are mostly found within this park. Large gourami, Catla, Oreochromis spp., and Rohu are some of the significant food fish species present in the reservoir of Udawlawe National Park.
Amphibians
Sri Lanka has the greatest percentage of threatened and extinct amphibian species. 111 species of amphibians from seven families have been reported to exist in Sri Lanka. Within the boundaries of the Udawalawe National Park are approximately twelve different species of amphibians. Four of the amphibian species are native to the park. These creatures are able to survive in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. The majority of these amphibians’ preferred habitats are found in the park’s Riverine Forest, Grassland, and Scrub. The Riverine Forest has the greatest concentration of amphibians, whilst the Scrub and Grassland have the lowest. The preservation of herpetofauna species, which is apparent from their relative species for a location in the dry zone, is the most significant observation that can be made here. We can observe one genus of amphibians, native to Sri Lanka, called Philautus, in the aforementioned form. Although certain amphibian species are in danger of extinction, the majority of the species that are left contribute to the national park’s biodiversity.
Reptiles
There are 23 different species of reptiles in Udawalawe National Park, eight of which are native to the area. The park is home to thirty different species of snakes in addition to mugger crocodiles, painted-lip lizards, oriental garden lizards, Asian water monitors, and Bengal monitors. Their habitats have been documented in the reservoir, grassland, scrub, and both disturbed and undisturbed dry-mix evergreen forests. According to the habitats in which those reptiles are located, the largest proportion of them are found in an undisturbed Dry Mixed Evergreen Forest, followed by an intermediate number in Grassland and the lowest percentage in Scrub. Several species can be found in certain areas, including:
Both Calotes ceylonensis and Otocryptis nigristigma can be found in disturbed and undisturbed Dry Mixed Evergreen forests.
Aside from them, Eutropis Tamanna, commonly known as the endermic Tammanna Skink, is a recently discovered reptile type for the Udawlawe National Park. It inhabits undisturbed dry-mixed evergreen forest as well as grasslands with local grass species as illuk.
A few snake species can be found here, including the Rock python (Python molurus), Colubrid snake (Boiga beddomei), Striped flying snake (Chrysopelea taprobanica), and Trinket snake (Coeloganthus Helena). These snake species are newly recorded and infrequently encountered within the park. Some of them are visible within damaged forests that are intermingled with dry evergreens. Two indigenous genera of reptiles can be found inside this park in addition to the previously listed types. They are Lankascincus and Nessia.
Birds
With about 225 different species of birds living there, Udawalawe is one of the most picturesque locations for bird viewing. Thirty-three of these are migratory bird species. A number of bird species are unique to Sri Lanka, including the red-faced malkoha, the grey hornbill, the brown-capped babbler, the hanging parrot, the green pigeon, the woodshike, the jungle fowl (Gallus Lafayettii), the spurfowl (Galloperdix bicalcarata), and the swallow (Loticulus berylliosis).
Grasslands, dry-mixed evergreen forests, and riverine forests are home to the highest species of birds, whilst scrub is home to the lowest species. There are over 110 different species of migratory birds that can be viewed from November to March. This is the time of year when birds migrate. This is the time of year to witness a variety of migratory bird species, including the Little Ringed Plover, Whiskered tern, Black-capped kingfisher, Wood sandpiper, Western yellow wagtail, Citrine wagtail, Harris’s hawk, and Booted eagle.
In addition, the park is home to a variety of other bird species, including the woolly-necked stork, the grey heron, the Indian pond heron, the spot-billed pelican, the little cormorant, the great egret, the intermediate egret, the painted stork, the green bee-eater, the yellow-wattled lapwing, the crested trees swift, and others.
Because they like to live in these environments, certain species of water birds have made areas close to reservoirs their home. There are several types of water birds inside the reservoir, including Asian openbills, Painted storks, cormorants, and spot-billed pelicans.
Because the vegetation in the riverine forest serves as a haven for these species, the red-faced malkoha and the Sirkeer have established habitats there. Within this park, in 1976, the Red-faced Malkoha species’ first known nest was discovered.
Each of these bird species’ habitats contributes to the biodiversity. People are drawn to this park because it is a beautiful location for photography and has a wide variety of birds.
Mammals
One of the most popular places to see elephants is Udawalawe National Park. Not only that, but it’s a great area to see a variety of other animal species. Within the park, there are forty-three species of mammals among all the other animal sorts. With seven species of rats, six species of ungulates, three civets, three primates, three species of mongooses, the leopard (Panthera pardus), the jungle cat (Felis chaus), the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus), the black-naped hare (Lepus nigricollis), the golden jackal (Canis aureus), and so on, they are divided into 25 genera and 16 families.
This park has the power to attract a significant number of visitors eye contact with the existence of a big population of Asian Elephants. They are plainly visible to anybody inside the reservoir area. People’s minds will be awakened to the marvels of nature because the reservoir has a mixture of green and blue hues, and some elephants may be visited there. Anyway, this park has the ability to sustain a big number of Sri Lankan elephants. These elephants have a significant role in this park and are mostly found in open grassland environments.
The most prevalent animals inside the park, aside from Asian elephants, are the wild boar (Sus scrofa), macaque, black rat (Rattus rattus), grey langur (Seminopithecus priam), spotted deer (Axis axis), etc. A few mammals are native to the area. The Flame-Stripped Jungle Squirrel (Funambulus lanyards), the SriLankan Spiny Mouse (Mus fernandoni), the Macaca Sinica Toque Monkey, the Paradoxurus meminna Golden Striped-Backed Palm Civet, and other indigenous mammal species have all been observed to exist in this area. Eleven mammal species are nationally threatened, but only one of the aforementioned indigenous mammals—the Spiny Mouse (Mus Fernando)—is seriously endangered. This area is home to an exotic animal species known as the Wild Buffalo (Bubalus arnee).
In the ecosystems of grasslands and undisturbed dry-mixed evergreen forests, these creatures have extremely plentiful vegetation. People have occasionally seen the elusive Jungle Cat (Felis chaus), which they can sight at any time of day or night on the road. A great location to see these kinds of creatures in Sri Lanka is Udawalawe National Park. In Udawalawe National Park, the endemic Ceylon Spiny mouse was first observed in 1989. In addition to the categories listed above, the following small mammal species can frequently be seen in this park: Sri Lanka Spiny Mouse (Mus fernandoni), Painted Bat (Kerivoula picta), Indian Field Mouse (Mus booduga), Soft-furred Metad (Millardia meltada), White-tailed Wood Rat (Madromys blanfordi), Common Rat (Rattus rattus), and Antelope Rat (Tatera indica).
In Udawalawe National Park, we can see a few mammals that belong to the family Felidae. They are the Sri Lankan Leopard, the Rusty-Spotted Cat, and the Fishing Cat. Seldom seen here is the Sri Lankan Sloth Bear. Mammals can survive in both hot and cold climes, demonstrating their adaptability to all types of weather. Therefore, the park’s vegetation greatly aids in the survival of these species, allowing them to do so without facing any discrimination. Nonetheless, a wealth of species, including Asian Elephants, Water Buffalo, Wild Boar, Leopard, Otter, Sloth Bear, Ceylon Spotted Deer, Grizzled Giant Squirrel, Thick-tailed Pangolin, Toque Macaque, and Sri Lanka Spotted Chevrotain, have amassed within the park, contributing to its biodiversity.
Udawalawa Safari
A safari in the Udawalawe National Park is a fantastic experience for individuals who want to view a wide variety of plants and animals. Visiting this priceless national park is regarded as one of Sri Lanka’s greatest opportunities for seeing nature. On this safari, you can view all-natural habitats in their natural state while being driven throughout the park’s paths by a vehicle.
One jeep may easily accommodate up to six persons while we take precautions for your safety. We offer several categories in which you can reserve a time and duration, such as three, four, half, or full days, depending on your preferences. For individuals with an inquisitive and avian interest, we currently offer a specially designed safari.
Safaris are best done in the morning and afternoon, but they can be done at any time of day. We can happily suggest that, in addition to deer, crocodiles, and other animals, you will be really fortunate to witness a large herd of elephants. It is also possible to capture a multitude of bird species in your heart.
There is nowhere in the park where we can meet your needs, so please consider them carefully before beginning the safari. The guide or driver who is taking care of you should be obeyed.
⚑ 4WD jeep
⚑ Park entrance (Tickets)
⚑ Experienced Driver (will be Guide)
⚑ Fruits
⚑ Water
⚑ Binoculars
⚑ Sri lankan breakfast
⚑ Sri lankan vegetarian lunch (rice and 5 curries)
⚑ Service Charge and other all taxes
⚑ 0-5 years kids are free of charge
⚑ 5-11 years kids are charged half of an adult rate
⚑ Above 12 years kids are treated as an adults
We strongly advise going on a full-day safari and the Special 5-12 (five-twelve) safari, as there is a 95% chance of seeing “Leopards.”
Morning safari
- Duration: 5:00 AM – 9:30 AM (4.5 hours)
- Vehicle: 4WD Jeep
Evening safari
- Duration: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM (4 hours)
- Vehicle: 4WD Jeep
Full day safari
Special 5-12 (Five twelve) Leopards Safari
Special 5-12(five twelve) safari
We termed this safari “Special Leopard’s safari.” We aim to arrive to the park ahead of other jeeps by starting our tour early. because there is a greater chance of seeing leopards and other wildlife in the morning when there are less Jeeps. To see more animals, we heartily suggest taking this excursion. (Other animals are also seen.)