Elephant Safari in Udawalawe
Udawalawe is the third most visited park in Sri Lanka and a major ecotourism destination, famous for its more than 500 elephants and hundreds of buffalo. It’s not unusual to see whole herds of elephants feeding or playing in the water. The only way to visit the park is by a four-wheel drive vehicle hired at the entrance along with a guide and driver. Distance 123km. Time 2.15 hours.
Elephant Transit Home
If you are going to Udawalawe then visit the Elephant Transit Home at feeding times: 9.00am, 12.00pm & 3.00pm. The department of Wildlife conservation rescues orphan elephants making sure they receive the milk, care, and medical attention they need before returning them to wild.
Bird Sanctuaries
If you are a birder then rejoice as Sri Lanka is without doubt a bird-watchers paradise. It means an early wake as it is a 1.5 hours drive on the new highway.There are an estimated 425 different bird species making it their home of which 26 are endemic to the island and both Bundala National Park and Kalamatiya bird sanctuary are within a day trip. Both provide a wonderful opportunity to spend a day observing and, if you’re lucky, you’ll spot rate species such as the Black-capped Purple Kingfisher or the Slat Breasted Crake. Of course the earlier the better!
Snake Farm Visit
Distance 24 km. Time 45 mins by car
The snake farm in Weligama has over 15 varieties of snakes and spiders and showcases to its visitors an in-depth reptilian community.
You will be introduced to lots of different types of snakes. Watching the handler nonchalantly deal with these deadly cobras and kraits is rather nerve-racking!
Yala National Park
Distance 152 km. Time 3.5 hour
A safari in Yala offers the chance to see some of Sri Lanka’s 91 mammals; including leopards, elephants, sloth bears, sambhars, spotted deers, wild boars, anteaters, civet cats, giant squirrels, lots of monkeys, and many varieties of birds.
Typically you are only allowed in the park at sun rise or late afternoon for approx. 3 hours each visit and, like Udawalawe, you must use a guide and jeep to explore the park. You can also stay one or two night at at a safari camp.
