Does Udawalawe have turtles?

Yes, quite a few species of freshwater turtles, for example the Indian flapshell turtle and the black turtle, are seen around the wetlands and the reservoir of Udawalawe. People often notice them basking on stones or lying on floating logs near the waterline, even if the spot is a bit quiet.

They are present in good numbers, but they are small, and they vanish quickly into the water the moment they detect the rumble of a safari jeep. To watch them properly, you will need a sharp gaze or a decent pair of binoculars, especially along the muddied edges of the park’s waterways.