Sri Lankan Safari

Udawalawe, Sri Lanka 

For centuries, tourists vacationed in Sri Lanka, but that came to an abrupt halt in 1983 with the beginning of a civil war that lasted 25 years. Now visitors are back in record numbers, and one of the big reasons is a plethora of four-legged attractions.

The wildlife here is said to rival that of the Savannah reserves of Africa.






There are several locations to have a close-up encounter

                    with exotic creatures,






including Udawalawe National Park in the southeastern section of the island nation located off the coast of India.

Udawalawe is three-hour car ride from the capital in Colombo, and you don't need a lot of time or money. Half-day safaris are available. The entrance fee – 2,700 Sri Lankan rupees (about $20 USD).

I wasn't sure how much I'd enjoy my trip to the 119-square-mile reserve; however, I must admit I was quite memorized sitting in a jeep a few feet away from elephants that were not being ridden or chained up at the circus,




just free to roam whenever and wherever they pleased, a sight I won't soon forget.

Note: Visitors may only enter the park in a four-wheel drive jeep. The going rate is 3,500 rupees (about $24 USD) per vehicle That cost can be split among passengers, reducing the price significantly.

Many guesthouses in the area organize trips, but there are also jeeps waiting at the entrance if you prefer to negotiate with the drivers there.


Next Stop: Sri Lanka's Tea Country