Udawalawe National Park: A Wildlife Haven in Sri Lanka

• Helloහායි
  [hāyi]
• Goodbyeවවුන්ට
  [wavunt]
• Yesඔව්
  [ow]
• Noනෑ
  [nē]
• Please/You're welcomeකරනවා
  [karanavā]
• Thank youස්තූතියි
  [stuti]
• Excuse me/Sorryකියනවා
  [kiyanavā]
• How are you?ඔයා කෙසේද?
  [oyā kesēda?]
• Fine. And you?හොඳයි. ඔයාට?
  [hōdayi. oyāta?]
• Do you speak English?ඔයා ඉංග්‍රීසි කතා කරනවාද?
  [oyā iṁgrīsi kathā karanavadā?]
• I don't understandමම නෑදලො
  [mama nēdalo]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseකරුණාකොළ බලන්න
  [karunākol balann]
• I don't eat meatමම වන්නෙන් හිටියො
  [mama vaṇneṇ hitiyo]
• Cheers!සුභප්පා
  [subappā]
• I would like to pay, pleaseකරනවා ගෙනා
  [karanavā genā]

• Help!උක්මවා
  [ukmavā]
• Go away!යන්නෙන්
  [yannen]
• Call the Police!පොලිස් අමතයි
  [polis amathayi]
• Call a doctor!වෛරසෝ අමතයි
  [vārsō amathayi]
• I'm lostමම නොපැහැදෙනවා
  [mama nopahādenavā]
• I'm illමම අසනවා
  [mama asanavā]

• I'd like to buy...මම ... මිලදීගෙන්න හොදේ
  [mama ... miladigenna hōyē]
• I'm just lookingමම දැන්ම බලන්නෙන්
  [mama dānma balanen]
• How much is it?එයා ගත්තේ කොටින්ද?
  [eyā gatthē kōtinda?]
• That's too expensiveඑයා සියලුම වික්‍රමදායි
  [eyā siyalum vikramadāyi]
• Can you lower the price?මිලදීගෙන්න බැරිද?
  [miladigenna bērida?]

• What time is it?තාලකාලයේ කොටින්ද?
  [tālakalayē kōtinda?]
• It's one o'clockඑකට
  [ēkata]
• Half past (10)දෙහි (10)
  [dēhi (10)]
• Morningපානදුර
  [pānadura]
• Afternoonසවුන
  [savuna]
• Eveningසවුන
  [rathu]
• Yesterdayඊයේ
  [īyē]
• Todayඅද
  [ada]
• Tomorrowහෙද
  [heda]
• 1එක
  [ēka]
• 2දෙක
  [dēka]
• 3තුන
  [thuna]
• 4හතලි
  [hatalli]
• 5පහ
  [paha]
• 6හය
  [haya]
• 7හත
  [hatha]
• 8අට
  [ata]
• 9නය
  [naya]
• 10දහය
  [dahaya]

• Where's a/the...?... කොටින්ද?
  [... kōtinda?]
• What's the address?ලිපිනම් කොටින්ද?
  [lipinam kōtinda?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?මිතුරුගෙන්න හොදේ?
  [miturugenna hōyē?]
• When's the next (bus)?ඊළඟ ... කොටින්ද?
  [īlaga ... kōtinda?]
• A ticket (to ....)පැයක් එකතුලෙන්න
  [pāyak ekathulenna]

Udawalawe National Park was established on June 30, 1972, primarily to provide a sanctuary for wild animals displaced by the construction of the Udawalawe Reservoir on the Walawe River. The park covers an area of approximately 308 square kilometers and serves as an important habitat for various species of flora and fauna, particularly elephants.

The Udawalawe region has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. Archaeological evidence suggests that the area was once inhabited by early human settlers who engaged in agriculture and trade. Ancient irrigation systems and remnants of old settlements can still be found within the park's boundaries, indicating the historical significance of this region.

During the British colonial period in Sri Lanka, the Udawalawe area underwent significant changes. The British administration undertook several irrigation projects, transforming the landscape and facilitating agricultural activities. The construction of the Udawalawe Reservoir in the mid-20th century was a major development that not only provided water for irrigation but also led to the creation of the national park.

Udawalawe National Park is renowned for its wildlife conservation efforts, particularly for the protection of the Sri Lankan elephant. The park is home to over 500 elephants, making it one of the best places in the world to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The establishment of the Elephant Transit Home in 1995 further underscores the park's commitment to wildlife conservation, providing care and rehabilitation for orphaned elephant calves before their release back into the wild.

The cultural heritage of the Udawalawe region is deeply intertwined with the local communities that have lived here for generations. Traditional practices, rituals, and folklore related to the wildlife and natural environment are still prevalent among the indigenous people. The park also hosts several ancient religious sites and temples, reflecting the spiritual connection between the land and its inhabitants.

Udawalawe National Park is located in the southern part of Sri Lanka, approximately 160 kilometers from Colombo. The nearest international airport is Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo. From Colombo, you can take a direct bus or hire a private taxi to reach Udawalawe. The journey typically takes around 4-5 hours by road. Alternatively, you can take a train to either Ratnapura or Matara and then continue by bus or taxi to Udawalawe.

Within Udawalawe National Park, the most common mode of transportation is by safari jeep. These jeeps can be hired for guided tours of the park. Outside the park, local taxis and tuk-tuks are readily available for short distances. For longer journeys, you can use buses or hire a private car. Renting a car can also be an option, but be aware that driving conditions in Sri Lanka can be challenging for those not accustomed to local traffic.

The official currency in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). Most hotels, restaurants, and shops in tourist areas accept credit cards, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available in the town of Udawalawe, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash before entering the park as there are no ATMs inside.

Udawalawe National Park is generally safe for tourists. However, it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone in unlit areas at night and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Beware of opportunistic theft and ensure your valuables are secure.

In case of emergency, dial 119 for police or 110 for medical assistance. The nearest medical facilities are located in the town of Udawalawe. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. Always carry a copy of your passport and important contact numbers.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting local villages and temples. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes and cover your head when entering temples. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a nod or a handshake. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Udawalawe National Park like a local, consider visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon when wildlife is most active. Engage with local guides, as they have extensive knowledge of the park's flora and fauna. Don't miss the chance to visit the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, where orphaned elephants are cared for and prepared for release back into the wild. For a unique experience, take a boat ride on the Udawalawe Reservoir, offering stunning views and the opportunity to see a variety of bird species.