A vast nature reserve shadowed by the Great Western mountain range, Udawalawe is centred around its namesake reservoir. Elephants are the park’s main attraction, being home to over 600 with herds of up to 50 being quite a common sight. The open plains and the lack of dense vegetation here makes it one of the best places on earth to spot elephants in their natural habitat.

The park is also home to a wide variety of wildlife – buffalo, crocodiles, deer, sambur and many bird species. Leopards and bears however, are spotted less often.