The park lies in the Ratnapura District in Sabaragamuwa Province Monaragala District in Uva Province. It forms of the largest conservation areas within these districts and largely comprises the lower and the immediate catchments of Udawalawe. The Walawe reservoir is situated in the park and surface area of it at ...full supply level is about 3405 hectares
ACCESS
The easiest and quickest approach from Colombo is through Rathnapura Pelmadulla on the Ebilipity road. At Thimbolketiya turn left and Udawalaer junction to take the road to ThanamalWila.
The main entrance to the park is situated at the Udawalawe, Thanamalwila road about 11km from Udawalawe Junction which is the southern boundary of the park. The park is therefore only 115 miles from Colombo.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The most prominent feature is the Kalthote escarpment and spectacular Diyawinne fall to the north Ulagala and in the west of the park. The park is situated in the dry zone. There is a short dry period in February-March. Sometimes that period is prolonged from mid-May to end of September. This is mences with intermonsoon in the month of September. This is followed by Northeast monsoon rain in November to mid-January. Due to conventional activity, the rainfall can occur during April-May. The mean annual rainfall is about 1524mm. The annual average temperature is about 32 ° C and it can uniform throughout the year.
VEGETATION
The soil and climatic conditions are responsible for classified vegetation types. The predominant ecosystem of the park area is the forest area with scattered grasslands and thorny-shrubs.
FAUNA
This National Park is very popular among visitor for elephants because they can be observed even at mid-day. Herds of elephants can be seen along the river during the dry season which is usually between May and September. Birdlife is in plenty, but once again difficult to observe when on the ground due to the tall grass.