Uda Walawe National Park:
Situated in the sabaragamuwa Province this 119 square
mile sanctuary is set around the huge Uda Walawe Reservoir which is fed by the Walawe
River. This park has calm and Tranquility which envelops all who enter. There are no dull
moments, as you scan from left to right large herds of Elephants and Wild Buffaloes are
often seen. As you pass the numerous water holes the occasional Wild Pigs and Crocodiles
slithering out of the sledge rimmed water can be seen.
Towards the north of the sanctuary near the Walawe
River the shy Sambur and herds of spotted Deer roam in the thicket. Leopards and Bear
inhabit the Rocky areas and are rarely met. The bird life is profuse in this park. The
immaculate white Egrets, GrayPelicans, Colorful painted Stork. Gray Herons and King
Fishers in all there varieties are found here. The greedy fishing bird Cormorant's
together with Spoonbills and monitor Lizards are found by the water holes. Birds of prey
the Brahiminy Kite and Serpent Eagle hover above. Peafowl and jungle Fowl (The Sri Lankan
national Bird) is found in abundance. Towards the north lining the river are the Kumbuk
Trees with their unmistakable polished bark and whose roots are said to purify the water.
From top of these trees Hornbills and Gray Languars call each other in metallic discords.
Medicinal trees like Aralu, Bulu, Nelli and expensive timbers such as Teak, Ebony and
Halmilla are found in the park together with fruit trees like Palu, Weera and Dimbul, the
choice morsel of Elephants.
