Udawalawa Reservoir
Udawalawa Sri lanka
Guide
Udawalawe National Park – Udawalawa Reservoir Guide
Udawalawe National Park is a premier wildlife destination in southern Sri Lanka, offering breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and serene natural surroundings. Among its highlights is the Udawalawa Reservoir, which enhances the park’s ecosystem while providing a scenic backdrop for visitors. The combination of wildlife, water, and greenery makes this area a must-visit for nature lovers and photographers alike.
The Udawalawa Reservoir, created in 1969 by damming the Walawe River, serves not only irrigation and hydroelectric purposes but also attracts numerous animals and birds. Travelers can enjoy panoramic views, peaceful strolls, and the chance to observe wildlife in a relatively undisturbed environment. This area is ideal for those seeking both adventure and relaxation during their trip to Udawalawe National Park.
📍 Location & Accessibility
The reservoir is located just adjacent to Udawalawe National Park, making it easily accessible from nearby lodges and resorts, including Imperial Resort Udawalawa – Rooms & Accommodation. Visitors can view the reservoir during jeep safaris or take a short walk along the banks to enjoy calm scenery. Its proximity to the park means you can combine wildlife spotting and nature photography in one trip.
🌿 Things to See
When visiting Udawalawe National Park, the reservoir becomes one of the best places to observe wildlife in a natural setting. Key highlights include:
🐘 Elephants gathering at the water’s edge to drink and bathe — a peaceful and majestic sight
🕊️ Water birds such as herons, storks, egrets, and kingfishers gracefully flying and feeding
🌅 Beautiful sunrise and sunset reflections shimmering over the reservoir — truly breathtaking
🐊 Occasional sightings of crocodiles basking near the banks
🐃 Water buffalo relaxing by the water, adding to the wild charm 🌿
The Udawalawa Reservoir enhances the overall safari experience in Udawalawe National Park, offering calm and scenic moments alongside exciting wildlife encounters.
Learn more about wildlife at Udawalawe National Park at Sri Lanka Tourism
📸 Experience & Activities
A visit to Udawalawe National Park is not complete without experiencing the peaceful atmosphere around the reservoir. While it is not a developed tourist attraction with facilities, it remains a key highlight for:
📸 Wildlife photography — capture stunning moments of animals in their natural habitat
🌿 Nature observation — enjoy the peaceful beauty of flora and fauna all around
🚙 Scenic jeep safari stops — pause at breathtaking viewpoints during your adventure
🌅 Relaxing views during safari drives — soak in the calm, scenic landscapes along the way
Many travelers exploring Udawalawe National Park appreciate the reservoir as a quiet contrast to the more active wildlife zones.Guests staying at Imperial Resort Udawalawa – Booking Page can easily access both Udawalawe National Park and the reservoir for multiple safari experiences.
⏰ Best Time to Visit
The best times to explore the Udawalawa Reservoir and Udawalawe National Park are early morning and late afternoon. Wildlife is more active during these hours, and the lighting conditions are ideal for photography.
The dry season, from May to September, generally offers clearer views and increases the chances of spotting animals near the water. Visitors during the wet season can still enjoy lush scenery and a different perspective of the park.
Visit the Department of Wildlife Conservation Sri Lanka for official guidelines
📍 Distance from Imperial Resort Udawalawa
📍 Distance: Approximately 3 kilometers
🚗 Travel Time: Around 5–10 minutes by vehicle
🚴 Short bicycle ride — a quick and refreshing way to reach your destination 🌿
Staying near Udawalawe National Park, especially at places like Imperial Resort Udawalawa, provides easy and quick access to the reservoir and safari entry points.
🌿 Additional Tips for Visitors
Bring binoculars for better wildlife viewing
Carry a camera with zoom for capturing elephants and birds
Wear neutral-colored clothing to blend with the environment
Stay hydrated and use sunscreen during daytime excursions
Visiting the Udawalawa Reservoir adds a memorable element to any Udawalawe National Park safari, allowing travelers to combine wildlife observation, nature photography, and peaceful relaxation in one trip.