UDAWALAWE NATIONAL PARK
UDAWALAWE NATIONAL PARK
2 night wildlife experience from £ 479pp
One of the world ’ s best places to see wild elephants
Udawalawe National Park sits in the southern shadows of Sri Lanka ’ s Central Highlands and is largely comprised of grasslands and bush forest . The park is regarded as the prime location for observing Asian elephants , with over 500 roaming the park . They often roam in herds of up to 100 , so it is not unusual to see adults and their young feeding or bathing and playing in the water - it ’ s a truly remarkable and memorable experience . In addition the park is home to a great number of other species , including spotted deer , sambur , water buffalo , wild boar , macaque , monitor lizards and jackal . While leopards and other wild cats reside in Udawalawe , it is rare to spot them . Endemic birds include the Sri Lankan junglefowl , green pigeon , grey hornbill , woodshrike and swallow . You may also see a huge variety of beautiful butterflies . Supported by the Born Free Foundation , the nearby ‘ Elephant Transit Home ’ helps care for injured elephants from all over Sri Lanka . After rehabilitation , the elephants are released back into the wild , many into Udawalawe National Park . A highlight is to watch the orphans at feeding time from the viewing platform ( at set times each day ).
Getting there : The driving time to Udawalawe from Yala National Park , Tangalle or Hambantota is 2 hours , while it is 4½ hours drive from Nuwara Eliya .
Best time to go : Udawalawe can be visited all year , however migrant birds can only be seen November- March .
Price : Includes 2 nights accommodation , meals and activities shown opposite . For complete flexibility the price does not include transfers . Supplements are available to / from a variety of locations within Sri Lanka .
WARAKA
4H Udawalawe National Park
This newly opened eco-conscious boutique hotel nestles in a unique location just 20 minutes from Udawalawe National Park . Cocooned by towering jackfruit trees and overlooking a scenic waterway , this nature-friendly hotel is just the place to escape urban life and indeed , from the moment you arrive , you ’ ll be enveloped in an atmosphere of serenity . Together with an infinity pool which overlooks the waterway and rejuvenating spa , Waraka offers guests a diverse array of activities and excursions , including visits to historical sites and bird watching trails to safari tours and engaging sessions at local village farms , enabling you to experience the true essence of authentic Sri Lanka . Waraka also proudly supports ‘ Eth Athuru Sevana ’, Asia ’ s first Elephant Transit home , which focuses on rescuing and nurturing orphaned elephants . The commitment to sustainability is ingrained in every operational aspect , from conserving biodiversity and empowering local communities to promoting energy conservation through renewable sources .
Features : 12 rooms • restaurant & bar • swimming pool spa • bicycle rentals • canoe rentals • optional activities and experiences • free WiFi
Accommodation : In deluxe rooms with shower , mini bar and safe .
Room upgrades : Deluxe rooms with attic , which have additional beds on a mezzanine floor , so ideal for a family or four adults ; and two storey spacious suites offering a large balcony and an attic with additional beds . Both available on request , please ask for prices .
Deluxe room with attic
Meals : Half board .
Activities : Your wildlife experience includes a visit to the nearby Elephant Transit Home , which helps to care for injured elephants ( feeding times are at 9am and noon ), and an afternoon game drive by jeep . Also receive one free village bike tour ( per person per stay ). visit your travel agent or call 08444 937 444 • www . premierholidays . co . uk SRI LANKA 199