Can I see water buffalo in Udawalawe?

Wild and feral water buffaloes are often seen near the Udawalawe Reservoir, and also around the waterholes that are scattered throughout the national park.

Udawalawe has open grassy plains plus steady water sources, which make a very good habitat for these water buffaloes. On a typical jeep safari, you might regularly come across them sitting fully submerged in mud, or grazing in big herds close to the reservoir edge. Some of them are feral descendants of domesticated stock, but they still show truly untamed behaviour. They share this same habitat with elephants, mugger crocodiles, and a range of bird species, all at once.