This park was initially established as a refuge for displaced wild animals following the construction of the Uda Walawe Reservoir on the Walawa River. In 1972, it earned the status of a National Park, covering a vast 31,000-hectare landscape. Today, it serves as a habitat for a diverse range of plant species, wildlife, and birds. Udawalawe National Park is not only a favored destination for tourists but also a frequently frequented site by the local populace.