The Udawalawe National Park situated in the dry zone of the country and belonging to Sabaragamuwa & Uva provinces. The park area is 30,821 ha in area and was established in 1972. It park lies within dry zone and small segment lies within intermediate zone. The long dry season is characteristic feature. The main source of rainfall is the southwest monsoon (May - September) and mean annual rainfall is about 1,520mm. The mean annual temperature is around 29C.

The park consists of dry lowland forest, riverine forest, thorny scrublands and grasslands. One special attraction of the park is the Udawalawe reservoir and the Walawe River which flows through the park.

The main tree species found in the forest area include satin (Chloroxylon swietenia), Milla (Vites pinata), ebony (Diospyros ebenum) and Ehala (Cassia fistula). Riverine forest is dominated by Kumbuk (Terminalia arjuna) and Mandora (Hopea cordifolia). Mana (Cymbopogon confertiflorus), Illuk (Imperata cylindrica) and Daminiya (Grewia tiliaefolia) are found in grasslands and scrublands.

Udawalawe National Park is world famous for its large elephant population. In this park elephants can be seen at any time of the day. Crocodiles, water buffalo, spotted and barking deer, wild boar, sambur, jackal and ruddy, grey and striped necked mongoose are also found in this park. Though the leopard, jungle and fishing cats have recorded in the park sightings are very rare.

The park is also famous for birdlife. Crested serpent eagle, changeable hawk eagle, white-bellied sea eagle & grey-headed fishing eagle are the main raptors found in the park. Painted stork, open bill, little & Indian cormorant, Indian darter, many species of waders are also found within the park. Among the forest birds are the warblers, Sri Lanka Jungle fowl, Malabar pied hornbill, Sikir Malkoha, Blue face Malkoha, common Caucal, and grey hornbill.