Udawalawe Safari & Elephant Orphanage visit from Hambantota Fort

Udawalawe National Park, located in southern Sri Lanka, is a renowned wildlife sanctuary spanning over 30,000 hectares. Established in 1972, it is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering a spectacular setting of grasslands, forests, and the Udawalawe reservoir. The park is famous for its large population of elephants, with sightings almost guaranteed. Visitors can also spot leopards, water buffalo, deer, and various bird species, including eagles and kingfishers. Open year-round, Udawalawe is perfect for Jeep safaris and birdwatching. It also supports conservation efforts, such as housing the Elephant Transit Home for orphaned elephants.

The main goal of the Elephant Transit Home is to care for young elephants who have lost their mothers due to poaching, human-elephant conflicts, or natural causes. Unlike traditional elephant orphanages, ETH follows a strict rehabilitation policy, ensuring that the elephants remain as wild as possible before being released back into their natural habitat.