Overview
Udawalawe National Park is a premier destination for bird enthusiasts, boasting a record of over 200 bird species across its diverse ecosystems of grasslands, wetlands, and scrub forests. The tour typically centers around the vast Udawalawe Reservoir, where you can witness large congregations of water birds such as the Painted Stork, Spot-billed Pelican, Eurasian Spoonbill, and various species of Kingfishers. For those seeking rare sightings, the park is home to several Sri Lankan endemics, including the Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill, the Sri Lanka Junglefowl, and the elusive Red-faced Malkoha, alongside majestic raptors like the White-bellied Sea Eagle and the Crested Serpent Eagle.
To maximize sightings, tours are best conducted during the early morning or late afternoon , when avian activity is at its peak and the soft sunlight provides ideal conditions for photography. While the park is accessible year-round, the migratory season from October to April offers a special experience as the resident population is joined by winter visitors from the northern hemisphere, including various sandpipers, terns, and warblers. Whether you are a casual observer or a dedicated ornithologist, the open terrain of Udawalawe ensures excellent visibility, making it one of the most rewarding birding locations in the country.
