Udawalawe National Park lies on the boundary of
Sabaragamuwa and
Uva Provinces, in
Sri Lanka. The
national park was created to provide a sanctuary for wild animals displaced by the construction of the
Udawalawe Reservoir on the
Walawe River, as well as to protect the
catchment of the reservoir. The reserve covers 30,821 hectares (119.00 sq mi) of land area and was established on 30 June 1972.
Udawalawe is an important habitat for
water birds and
Sri Lankan elephants. It is a popular tourist destination and the third most visited park in the country.
