Udawalawe National Park is a prominent wildlife sanctuary in southern Sri Lanka, covering about 308 square kilometers. It was established in 1972 primarily to protect the wild Asian elephant population, and today it is famous for its large herds of elephants that roam freely across grasslands and forests. The park also hosts a variety of other wildlife, including water buffalo, sambar deer, leopards, crocodiles, and over 150 species of birds. Udawalawe’s landscape is dominated by open grasslands, reservoirs, and riverine forests, making it ideal for jeep safaris where visitors can observe wildlife up close. Its accessibility, rich biodiversity, and iconic elephant sightings make Udawalawe National Park one of Sri Lanka’s most popular and family-friendly wildlife destinations.