Udawalawe’s open terrain makes elephant sightings not just likely but frequently spectacular – large herds of 20 to 40 wild Asian elephants moving through broad sun-baked grasslands and gathering at the reservoir edge in the morning golden hour light. Water buffalo in the shallows, mugger crocodiles on the banks, a rich diversity of raptors and waterbirds throughout the day. The adjacent Elephant Transit Home – a government rehabilitation programme for orphaned wild calves – is open at scheduled feeding times and consistently one of the most moving wildlife encounters in Sri Lanka, particularly for families. Clear, open terrain with excellent visibility throughout the day makes this the most family-friendly wildlife park on the island.