Udawalawa National Park: Sri Lanka's Wildlife Sanctuary | Travel go

Udawalawa National Park is located within the southern lowlands of Sri Lanka and is one of the most beautiful wildlife parks on the island. The wildlife park is found about 170 kilometers from Colombo. It is known for being the best place in the country where you will have a chance to learn more about elephants and see other wildlife that is native to the Sri Lankan region.

The Birth of a Sanctuary

The establishment of Udawalawa National Park was not merely due to conservation purposes, but rather because it was a necessity at that time. With the construction of Udawalawa Reservoir on the Walawe River in 1972, there was a need to preserve this particular area as a shelter for the displaced animals due to the flooding of this area. Udawalawa spans an area of approximately 30,821 hectares and was purposely established as a sanctuary for these animals without disturbing the ecosystem of the place.

Udawalawa can be distinguished from other national parks due to the landscape of this particular place. Unlike other national parks with thick jungles, this park boasts of huge areas of grassland which resemble the savanna areas in Africa and includes patches of scrub jungle surrounded by the lake. It is very easy to spot wild animals in this park as compared to other national parks.

The Kingdom of Elephants

It could be said that the Asian elephant is the icon of the Udawalawa National Park. The park is the habitat of one of the biggest herds of elephants in Sri Lanka. An estimated population of these beautiful creatures includes about 400-500 elephants living in this vast stretch of grassland. Elephants have become the key attraction for tourists visiting the park every year.

Watching wild elephants in Udawalawa is an exciting experience since the wide landscape provides the chance to watch whole herds. Tourists can see how mothers teach their young calves, playful bulls spar, and tuskers lead their families to water ponds. Watching baby elephants playing in the mud of the reservoir during dry season is an unforgettable experience for any visitor since the elephants cover themselves with water from the reservoir spraying water onto their backs.

The Udawalawa Elephant Transit Home, situated at the outskirts of the national park, is a place where visitors can observe the important job of rehabilitating orphaned calves.

Beyond Elephants: A Biodiversity Hotspot

Although the elephants get all the attention, Udawalawa is by no means a zoo for just one type of animal. There are plenty of animals at Udawalawa to ensure each game drive turns out to be a memorable experience for the visitors. The Sri Lankan leopard, although very elusive, can be found in the forested regions of the park.

The nature-loving birdwatchers would find the Udawalawa Park quite interesting as there are about 180 varieties of birds found here. There are a lot of wetlands near the reservoir which provide habitat to many types of water birds such as painted storks, pelicans, egrets, and herons. Eagles such as white-bellied sea eagles and crested serpent eagles are also commonly sighted. Some birds with vibrant feathers such as the Indian roller and bee-eaters can also be spotted at Udawalawa.

Those interested in reptiles would also get a chance to observe different varieties of crocodiles and lizards. The mugger crocodiles can be observed lounging near the banks of the reservoir.

The Safari Experience

Jungle safaris in Udawalawa National Park are an experience in which you get to use your five senses. The most popular way of exploring the park is by using a Jeep safari, which normally lasts for three to four hours depending on what interests you. The best periods to visit the park for wildlife viewing are early in the morning and late in the afternoon when the animals are the most active, and the burning sun is not at its peak.

Open grasslands are one of the main attractions in the national park because during game drives in Udawalawa, you can easily see the animals without having to turn your neck around to find the animals camouflaged in thick forests. The safari guide normally has many things to share regarding the behavior of the animals and how the park is conserving nature.

During the dry period, which runs from May to September, the animals are seen in great numbers due to their attraction towards water resources. The wet season, however, is quite interesting.

Planning Your Visit

Accessibility is definitely the biggest advantage which Udawalawa boasts of. Udawalawa National Park is easily reachable from tourist hotspots like Ella, Mirissa, and Galle, making it an easy inclusion into the Sri Lankan tour itinerary. There are sufficient lodging options in the nearby town of Embilipitiya in terms of hotels or even lodges. Tourists usually opt for the latter ones which are nearer to the park entry point.

The park operates all through the year with the fees collected used to preserve the park. It is advised to book your safari well in advance during the peak season to get your desired time slot.

Conservation and Community

The thing that makes Udawalawa special lies in the perfect blend of tourism and conservation. The management of the park has ensured that there are no adverse effects on wildlife because of tourists. There is community involvement in conservation programs, thus ensuring the sustainability of the conservation program.

A Journey Worth Taking

Udawalawa National Park is not only a safari experience, but it also gives an insight into the natural legacy of Sri Lanka. Be it the majestic sight of elephants moving in the evening sun or the exotic sounds made by the birds, Udawalawa National Park is sure to leave you with memories that last forever. So, no visit to Sri Lanka can be complete without including a trip to this wonderful national park.

Sri Lanka's Greatest Rivers: A Journey Through Water | Travel go

The island country of Sri Lanka located in the South Asian region is fortunate enough to have numerous rivers flowing from its central mountain region to the Indian Ocean around it. Approximately 103 rivers exist on this island, which serve many purposes including farming, hydroelectric power production, transport and the daily activities of millions of people living in Sri Lanka. Here I will introduce to you some of the major rivers of this unique island.

The Mahaweli: Our Great Sandy River

When talking about rivers in Sri Lanka, the Mahaweli comes out first. This is the biggest river in Sri Lanka, spanning around 335 kilometers from the peaks of the mountains all the way to the ocean. In its very name lies its description; "Mahaweli" literally means "great sandy river" in Sinhala.

This may come as a surprise to some, but the general belief among people is that the source of the Mahaweli is at the peak of the Sri Pada Mountain (better known as Adam's Peak). The belief, however, is wrong since the source of the Mahaweli lies within the Horton Plains in the Kirigalpoththa and Thotupola mountain ranges.

It meanders through Kandy. You can find it in the renowned Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, if you travel northeast from there through the lowlands. Ultimately, it makes its way to the sea, which is off the coast of Trincomalee, where it discharges itself into Koddiyar Bay. This particular journey takes the river through almost one-fifth of the total area of the island. Reflect on that statement for a bit; just one river system flowing through that much of the country.

The real game changer came in the form of the Mahaweli Development Project that took place in the 1970s. The authorities constructed six large dams on the river, which currently provides more than 40 percent of Sri Lanka’s power needs. However, the benefits don’t stop here; it also supplies irrigation water to almost 1,000 square kilometers of agricultural land in the dry region, which otherwise used to be arid land but now produces rice crops.

Malwathu Oya: The River of Ancient Kings

                                        

Malwathu Oya, which is among the most historically significant and sacred rivers of Sri Lanka, winds beautifully across the city of Anuradhapura, bringing along culture, civilization, and natural beauty

Encircled by serene greenery, ancient remains of civilization, and eternal rural scenery, this serene river is an ideal retreat for all those who love nature, photography, and peace – a reminder of the rich history and charm of Sri Lanka, in the form of serenity, The second longest river of Sri Lanka is the Malwathu Oya, which spans an approximate distance of 164 kilometers

Kala Oya: A River That Shares              

The Kala Oya river spans a distance of approximately 92 miles from Dambulla to Wilpattu in the northwestern part of Sri Lanka. The interesting thing about the Kala Oya is how much it depends on the Mahaweli river system, in that 75 percent of the water in the Kala Oya comes from the Mahaweli River while 25 percent comes from rainfall. It seems as if the rivers are cooperating, which I think is neat.

The farmers in the lower basin depend heavily on the Kala Oya river for their rice irrigation.

Kelani River: The Heart of Colombo

However, should anyone be asked to tell something about the rivers in Colombo, he would instantly name the Kelani River. Indeed, despite being only the fourth longest river in the country (about 90 miles long), it is probably the most economically significant. Why? Because it runs through the main commercial center of the country.

The Kelani River rises in the highlands of the Sri Pada Mountain Range, flows through numerous valleys and finally reaches the city. Being a very important place for the locals, the Kelani River is considered to be sacred. There is an amazing temple located on its banks, which attracts numerous pilgrims, and the river is of great significance in the Buddhist rites of the locals.

Thousands of people earn their living thanks to the Kelani fishermen, agricultural production, irrigated by the Kelani, as well as transportation services along the river. Power plants, situated on the Kelani banks, provide energy supply to the city of Colombo. However, I have to admit, that currently the river faces many problems.

However, there is also a bright spot, in that if you travel up the river to Kitulgala, you will have one of the most exciting whitewater rafting spots in all of South Asia.

The Others: Each One Unique

There are more than one hundred rivers in Sri Lanka, each with its own features. The rivers Yan Oya and Deduru Oya have a length of about 88 miles, while Deduru flows through four provinces. There is also a reservoir here that has become a popular place for family picnics and observing birds.

Walawe Ganga flows for 86 miles, while Maduru Oya is 84 miles long and has a dam that irrigates the nearby fields. Maha Oya, which is 83 miles long, is important since it provides water for a million inhabitants of Sri Lanka using different water systems.

There is also the Kalu Ganga or "Black River", named this way because of its dark colored water from the tannin flowing through the most beautiful rainforests of Sri Lanka such as Sinharaja. Kalu Ganga, which is 80 miles long, is a great destination for nature and bird watching fans, since it starts from Adam's Peak, passes through Ratnapura (known for gems), Kalutara and empties into the ocean.

Gin Ganga has a length of about 113 kilometers and flows from Gongala Mountains in the Galle district. Here you will see the longest bridge in Sri Lanka - Wakwella Bridge.

More Than Just Geography

A fact that you may be unaware of is that there are actually two distinct terms in the Sinhala language to refer to rivers. Rivers referred to as Ganga flow continuously whereas those referred to as Oya have a seasonal flow and can become dry during the dry season.

Our rivers are relatively short when compared with those found in larger countries. Rivers originate from higher elevations in the Central Highlands with some being as high as 2,400 meters above the mean sea level, flowing to the ocean. Southwest is the area with the highest density of rivers and hence it is the most fertile area on the island.

The Challenges We Face

There is no doubt that our rivers are facing danger. Due to deforestation in the hills, there will be increased erosion. Pollution enters our rivers via factories and residential areas. There is sand mining in the rivers, and pesticides used by farmers flow into the water. Also, the invasive species affect the ecosystems that have been there for thousands of years.

The Nilwala River, which can be found in the south and extends about 72 kilometers from the Sinharaja forest to Matara, is facing many of the same issues, even though it is important for the agricultural development of the southern area. This needs to change. Conservation is not only about wildlife but also about protecting our water supply.

Nilwala River

Why These Rivers Matter

Sri Lankan civilization wouldn't be possible without these rivers. Water has been an important part of our lifestyle since the days of the hydraulic kingdoms of Anuradhapura until today when we have hydroelectric power. It is not only the lines in the map but also a part of our culture, religion, economy, and life.

No matter whether you are rafting along the white waters of Kelani, praying at the riverside temples, fishing with your granddad just as he used to do before or just sitting on the bridge admiring the river flow, you are connected to it in some ways. These rivers know thousands of years of history and if we treat them properly, they will flow for thousands more years.

What is special about rivers? They are very patient. They never stop their flow, form the land, bring life and we should be worthy of it.