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A complete guide to visiting Udawalawe national park, Sri Lanka

• July 24, 2023
• curious goose

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Located in Sri Lanka’s hill country, the protected forests and grasslands of Udawalawe national park is one of the world’s best places to see wild elephants and one of Sri Lanka’s most popular national parks.

Here’s a complete guide to visiting Udawalawe National Park, including how to get there and what to expect from a safari tour of the national park.

Where is Udawalawe national park? Which is the best national park in Sri Lanka? What animals can you see in Udawalawe national park? What to expect on the Udawalawe Safari tour Visiting the Elephant Transit home Where to stay near Udawalawe national park? How long do you need in Udawalawe?

Where is Udawalawe national park?

The vast reserve of Udawalawe national park is located in south of Sri Lanka. It sits between the tea plantations and forests of Nuwara Eliya and Ella in the central hill country region, and the sandy coastline of Sri Lanka’s southern beaches.

The best way to reach Udawalawe is by car and I would recommend hiring a driver to take you there. Hiring a driver is a common and cost-effective way to get around Sri Lanka where public transport options are limited.

Which is the best national park in Sri Lanka?

The answer to this really depends on whether you want to see a specific animal. For example, the larger and popular Yala national park has a large leopard population. Whereas, the quieter Bundala national park is known as being an important home for migratory birds, the highlight of which is the flamingo. The Udawalawe national park is home to wild elephants. Therefore, if your main objective is to see elephants up close, then you would be best visiting Udawalawe national park.

What animals can you see in Udawalawe national park?

The area of Udawalawe was designated as a national park in 1972 and it’s primary objective was to provide a safe refuge for the wild elephants. It also created an important habitat for water birds and other animals. We chose Udawalawe national park because we specifically wanted to see elephants, which Udawalawe is famous for. However, within the park you can also see other animals such as water buffalo, deer and crocodiles and, if your really lucky, you might even spot a leopard.

What to expect on the Udawalawe Safari tour?

The Udawalawe national park offers various safari tours by jeep , which you can take as a half day, or as a full day tour. At no point are you allowed to leave the jeep to get close to the elephants and you will not be able to ride or pet the elephants. These are wild elephants and the park is their home, where they are protected.

We opted for a private morning safari so that we weren’t out in the afternoon when the sun is more intense. Having a private tour also meant that we didn’t have to compromise on the experience by sharing it with others. We could also spend as much or little time in each location as we wanted. The jeep picked us up early from our hotel and we had to queue with the other jeeps to gain entrance to the park.

Once we were in the park, the jeeps all spread out and took different routes within the park. This was so that the elephants were not crowded by lots of jeeps all trying to get the same view. We decided to hire a nature guide with our driver. I personally think this is the best way, as the guide could tell us all about the history, wildlife and conservation within the park.

Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and it was really interesting listening to him throughout the tour. He guided the driver to the lesser-known areas of the park and for much of the tour we were the only jeep around. Being able to watch small herds of elephants in their natural habitat was so magical. We were so grateful to have our guide take us to these spots where we could watch at a safe distance and not disturb them.

Our tour package included breakfast and we were treated to a gorgeous array of fruit, eggs and bread with orange juice and tea, which the driver and guide set up for us on a little table and chairs, overlooking the reservoir. We were definitely not expecting such a luxurious breakfast and we felt very spoilt!

The Elephant Transit home

Also in Udawalawe is the Elephant Transit Home. The transit home is supported by the Born free foundation and was set up to rehabilitate orphaned elephants. The elephants are then released back into their natural habitat, many into the Udawalawe national park.

The Elephant Transit Home is open to tourists to visit to learn about the elephants and their rehabilitation. You can’t get close to the elephants, but you can observe them being fed from a distance. This is a great way to see elephants if you don’t have the time or budget to go on a safari in the park.

We didn’t visit the transit home, however, as we felt the experience at the national park was special enough and we were lucky enough to see so many elephants on our safari tour.

I would definitely recommend taking a safari tour at one of the national parks whilst in Sri Lanka. Seeing these elephants at Udawalawe national park was one of the highlights of our trip.

Sri Lanka has not always had the best reputation for protecting the welfare of their wildlife. So, for any animal encounters you are thinking of doing, make sure it is responsible and protects the safety of the animal. Lonely planet has some good advice on their website regarding what to look out for.

Where to stay near Udawalawe national park?

There are many hotels in Udawalawe that specifically cater to those visiting the Udawalawe national park. Other than hotels, there’s not much else in the area, so make sure that your hotel or accommodation has options for food and drink. We stayed at Elephant Trail hotel , which was just outside of the national park. The hotel was really great value and had a pool, restaurant and bar. We were also able to book our safari package through the hotel as well.

How long do you need in Udawalawe?

We stayed for two nights in Udawalawe and felt that was a good amount of time without feeling too rushed. Our journey from Ella took a couple of hours and we arrived around lunchtime. We spent the afternoon by the pool, before getting an early night ahead of the safari the next morning. After the morning safari, we chilled by the pool for the rest of the day. If you don’t have much time, you could get away with staying just one night then set off to your next destination after a morning safari.

For help planning your trip to Sri Lanka, make sure you take a look at my two week Sri Lanka itinerary !

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Ultimate Guide to Udawalawe National Park

Do you like to get up close with majestic wild elephants in Sri Lanka? Without a doubt, the best place to see them in their natural habitat is Udawalawe National Park. While Yala is famous as the best place for watching leopards , Udawalawe is considered the best place for watching herds of elephants. The reason is that Udawalawe is one of Sri Lanka’s smallest national parks at only 308.2 km² area. But over 600 – 700 elephants are living in this space. Thus, the elephant density in Udawalawe is quite high, and spotting them during your safari trip is 100% guaranteed.

Udawalawe National Park is the 3 rd most visited park in Sri Lanka, staying behind only Yala and Wilpattu . It has attracted thousands of visitors, including both locals and foreign tourists since it was declared as a National Park in 1972. Although the Sri Lankan elephants are a major attraction, there are a lot more exotic creatures living in the park. Udawalawe is amazingly rich in biological diversity where you can witness a multitude of different species of mammals, reptiles, birds, and fish species.

In this post, we are going to give you a complete guide to Udawalawe National Park. We will show you all the details including the road map, its amazing wildlife as well as the jaw-dropping natural sceneries.

History of Udawalawe

Udawalawe Dam was built in the 1960s across the Walawe River, creating the Udawalawe reservoir. This reservoir encompasses a total surface area of 35 km² and it is the largest waterbody in the vicinity.  After the construction of the Udawalawe reservoir, the surrounding area was designated and established as a National Park of Sri Lanka in 1972. The park provided a sanctuary for wild animals displaced by the construction of the Udawalawe Reservoir, as well as helped to protect the catchment of the reservoir.

When you visit the park, you’ll go through this 100 m tall and 665 m long Udawalawe Dam. This dam is a striking structure that offers beautiful scenery. Visitors may stroll around the dam and take in expansive views of the surrounding landscape. In addition, the Dam is charming around sunset, when the sky becomes orange and pink, making for an incredible backdrop for photographs.

How to reach Udawalawe

Udawalawe locates between Sabaragamuwa and Uva Provinces. There are 2 routes to reach Udawalawe via the southern expressway or via Ratnapura . The distance from the capital of Colombo along the southern expressway is 250 km. If you use Mattala Airport, it is quite easy to reach Udawalawe National Park via Thanamalvila Rd.

If you are going to travel by bus, catch a bus bound for Embilipitiya via Ratnapura from Colombo central bus station. This is a long journey that takes around 5.5 hours. If you take a bus run in the southern expressway, it will take fewer hours than this normal route.

If you intend to travel by train, the southern coastal railway runs only up to Beliatta. You may take a train from Colombo to Beliatta and use another means of transport to reach Udawalawe.

Using a taxi is the best option to travel comfortably where you can easily reach Udawalawa National Park within 4 hours from Colombo via Ratnapura – Pelmadulla Road. You can check taxi fares on the 12GoAsia website and reserve a taxi for your journey to Udawalawe.

Entrance of Udawalawe

The park entrance is located about 10 km from Udawalawe town. It has only one entrance gate, unlike other large parks with several entrances. There are safari jeeps near the entrance to take you for an amazing safari through the jungle.

Unique features of Udawalawe

Out of 26 National Parks in Sri Lanka, Udawalawe occupies a special place where it is reminiscent of the African savannah. Here large expanses of dry grassland and scrubland are available due to the deforestation for chena cultivation.

These extensive regions of grass and scrubs with less forest cover make it easier to spot wildlife in the unobstructed plains. Even though plains are predominantly witnessed in the park, mountainous and rocky areas are visible in the background of the Udawalawe reservoir.

Another unique feature of Udawalawe National Park is the dead trees standing in the reservoir. They create a wonderful photogenic scenery with the background of the blue water of the lake. These dead trees give a visual reminder of the extent of forest cover before the construction of the Udawalawe Dam. 

Biological diversity of Udawalawe

Udawalawe National Park shows an extremely rich biological diversity due to the presence of different habitats. The surrounding of the reservoir includes marshes, swamps, and wetlands. There are several tributaries of the Walawe River that run along the forests and grasslands giving a home to a wide spectrum of flora and fauna.

Species recorded from the park include 94 species of plants, 21 species of fish, 12 amphibians, 33 reptiles, 184 species of birds (33 of which are migratory), and 43 species of mammals. Additionally, 135 species of butterflies are found in Udawalawe.

Elephants in Udawalawe

Elephants have a special place in Sri Lankan jungles as they easily get the spotlight as the biggest mammals in the country. They live as herds in the jungles and thrive majestically in many national parks. Among all the parks, Udawalawe is the best place to get close to several meters of wild elephants. Especially, Udawalawe is famous for watching elephants in open habitats in the park.

The Sri Lankan elephants are much calmer and more tamed than their African counterparts. They are habituated to the safari jeeps and catching a glimpse of them during the jeep safari is easy. Certainly, you’ll be mesmerized and captivated by the sight of the thriving elephant population of Udawalawe.

Elephants are attracted to the park because of the Udawalawe reservoir. The park has an abundant supply of water and it is capable of sustaining a big herd of elephants. Permanently residing elephant families with cute baby elephants are a common sight in the park.

Birds in Udawalawe

Udawalawe is a wonderful  birdwatching site with an estimated 184 species of birds living in the park. Endemics such as Sri Lanka spurfowl, Red-faced malkoha, Sri Lanka grey hornbill, Brown-capped babbler, and Sri Lanka junglefowl are among the resident breeders. Also, you’ll see that several species of bee eaters are abundant in the park.

The open land attracts large birds such as eagles. You can see more than 5 species of eagles in the park. Among them, white-bellied sea eagles, crested serpent eagles, grey-headed fish eagles, booted eagles, and crested hawk eagles are the most abundant species.

Land birds are in abundance in the park including Indian peafowl. The male peacock loves to perform and you may witness his lovely dance during the safari trip. Moreover, Udawalawe acts as a bird sanctuary that gives home to many species of aquatic birds such as storks and herons. These aquatic birds are a common sight in Udawalawe National Park.

Malabar pied hornbill is one of the most beautiful bird species you’ll find in Udawalawe National Park. These birds have a large cream-colored bill with a black casque and make a beautiful sight to witness.

Reptiles in Udawalawe

33 species of reptiles have been recorded in Udawalawe National Park including lizards, monitors, crocodiles, and snakes. Among them, the giant mugger crocodiles are a wonderful sight to witness. The Mugger Crocodile is the most enormous reptile in the park, which may reach lengths of 4 m. With their broader snout, they give an alligator-like, frightening appearance.

Mammals in Udawalawe

Udawalawe gives home to 43 species of mammals. Among them, water buffaloes are the most abundant species.  They have two prominent curved shaped horns and the skin is typically black in color. You’ll find them in the muddy places in the park. They spend most of their time in water and feed on aquatic plants, marsh grasses, and giant reeds.

The spotted deer is one of the most abundant mammals in Udawalawe. They have white spots on their light brown body.  You can see they live in big herds of as many as 50 or more individuals. Certainly, the beautiful spotted deer is among the most adorable wild animals in the park.

Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home

Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe has been created in 1995 to protect the elephant calves become orphaned as a result of human-elephant conflict. When an elephant mom dies, the calf becomes quite vulnerable without milk. These orphaned calves bring to this transit home and feed until they become strong enough to survive in their natural habitats. 

The orphaned elephant calves are kept at part of the Udawalawe National Park to maintain familiarity with their original habitat. They are being looked after well in this facility. The calves are fed milk every 3 hours, starting from 9 am to 6 pm. Visitors can watch these cute elephant babies during the feeding sessions and also donate money for their milk expenses.

Since 1995, more than 200 elephants have been cared for and reintroduced into the wild at the age of five when they can take care of themselves. Most of the visitors to Udawalawe enthusiastically support this great effort.

Safari tours in Udawalawe

There are three kinds of safari tours available in Udawalawe National Park. They are morning, afternoon, or full-day safaris. You can select a safari trip from many tour operators in the area or through online booking. 

Camping in Udawalawe

There are overnight options to stay in wildlife circuit bungalows inside the National Park. The amenities in these government-run bungalows are quite basic and not super comfortable. But it will give you an amazing experience. First of all, you need to book your bungalow through the Department of Wildlife Conservation  eService. There are 5 bungalows in the park including Gonawiddagala, Thimbiriyamankada, Senuggala, Weheragolla, and Pokunuthanna.

Gonawiddagala Bungalow

Among all the wildlife circuit bungalows, the Gonawiddagala Bungalow has a superior scenic beauty as its sides directly face the reservoir. Visitors can enjoy a splendid and memorable time at this bungalow. There is a specially built viewing deck to observe elephants, deer, wild buffalos, and birds who arrive at the reservoir for water.

Gonawiddagala Bungalow is the most luxurious tourist bungalow of the Udawalawe National Park. Located at a distance of 11 km from the entrance gate, it is the nearest bungalow from the entrance of the park. The bungalow is powered by solar energy and furnished with modern bathrooms. Up to twelve visitors can be accommodated at the bungalow.

Thimbiriyamankada Bungalow

Thimbiriyamankada bungalow is one of 5 circuit bungalows available within the Udawalawe National Park. It is a wooden structure with a large viewing deck with an almost 300 degree view of the edge of the reservoir. It is by far one of the best bungalows in the park to stay and see wildlife.

This bungalow is a perfect spot to observe a multitude of species of birds, including eagles, storks, and pelicans. The upper establishment has been set up at a high elevation above the bungalow to witness picturesque and captivating sceneries.

Glamping in Udawalawe

Glamping in one of the luxury campsites around Udawalawe National Park will give you an incredible experience. The glamping tents are really comfortable with all the modern facilities. These glamping spots are located in the buffer zone of the park and you can enjoy the wildlife in these jungles. Among the top glamping spots in Udawalawe, Mahoora , Big Game , Gaga Bees , and Makulu Safari are the most popular ones among visitors.

Best Time to visit Udawalawe

Udawalawe lies on the boundary of Sri Lanka’s wet and dry zones. The average annual temperature is about 27–28 °C. The park has an annual rainfall of 1,500 mm, most of which falls during the months from October to January. The dry season from May to September is the best time to see the wildlife.

On the other hand, February to April is the perfect time to stay away from crowds while still having a good opportunity to see animals. No matter what time of year you travel, Udawalawe National Park is abundant with amazing wildlife and gives you a glimpse of Sri Lanka’s breathtaking natural splendor.

To sum up, Udawalawe National Park is one of the best places to go on a safari trip in Sri Lanka. Definitely, you’ll get an unforgettable experience of watching majestic wild elephants in their natural habitat. As well, you are guaranteed to see lots of amazing wildlife that will remain as an eternal memory in your mind. Welcome guys, Come and witness nature in all its glory at the Udawalawe National Park!

Text by Magnificent Sri Lanka. Images from Wikimedia Commons, Pixabay, Facebook, and Twitter. All the copyrights are reserved by the original authors.

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Know before you go: udawalawe national park safari, sri lanka.

Udawalawe National Park safari is at the top of the bucket list for many planning a trip to Sri Lanka. So, if you’re planning your Sri Lanka itinerary and looking for information on how to visit Udawalawe National Park for an elephant safari, look no further.

Table of Contents

What to expect on a Udawalawe National Park safari

You will see plenty of elephants.

Udawalawe National Park has the largest population of Asian elephants of all of the national parks in Sri Lanka. So, if you’ve come to Sri Lanka to see elephants, Udawalawe National Park is the right place. With between 500-700 elephants living here, the chance of seeing some up close is guaranteed. They are attracted to this area because of the abundant supply of water, which attracts other animals too.

Flowing through the Udawalawe National Park, the Walawe River provides water for a multitude of animals. Furthermore, the whole park is built around a man-made dam and a very large reservoir. The reservoir was constructed in the mid-twentieth century with the goal of forming a wildlife sanctuary.

… and other animals, too.

Another animal that you could see in abundance in Udawalawe National Park is the water buffalo. And besides elephants and water buffalo, other animals that live in the Udawalawe National Park that you could encounter on your safari include crocodiles, deer, wild boars, monkeys, lizards, leopards if you are extremely lucky, and a wide variety of birds.

You’ll hardly see other people.

Okay, before going on a Udawalawe National Park safari, I found two contradictory statements online – half of the people were saying the park is getting crowded, and the other half were saying that you barely get to meet another soul.

In my experience, the latter was more true. It might have something to do with the fact that tourism in Sri Lanka is decreasing in comparison to previous years. That is mainly because of the current economic situation of the country and people being kind of afraid of visiting. Or it also might have been the case for us because we visited Udawalawe National Park on the 1st of January. We only came across 3 or 4 other jeeps on our safari experience.

Udawalawe National Park safari tours are private.

I don’t know what’s the case in Yala or other national parks in Sri Lanka but in Udawalawe all safari jeep tours are private. This means that you get a 6-seater jeep and a safari tour guide all to yourself. For solo travelers, couples, or small groups of 2 to 4 people that could be very convenient as you could move around and change seats for a better view of the elephants and the other animals as you wish.

Udawalawe National Park safari visitor’s information

• Udawalawe National Park opening time: 6 am – 6 pm
• Udawalawe National Park entry fee: $25

What’s included in a Udawalawe National Park safari tour?

Before you book any Udawalawe National Park safari tour, find out what’s included in the tour price. Most companies offer private jeep safaris. You pay for the jeep, which has up to six seats inside, and you can split the cost with others.

The safari jeep and the driver are typically included in a Udawalawe National Park safari package. Depending on the company you book with, it may also include the park’s entry fees and a safari guide.

How much does a Udawalawe National Park safari cost? 

I can not tell you a specific number as prices vary and because the total amount would also depend on your transportation to and back from the National Park, whether you’re spending the night there, etc.

We spend a lot on our Udawalawe National Park safari, $150 per person. For this price, we got picked up from our hotel in Weligama and dropped off at our hotel in Ella. The price, of course, also included the Udawalawe National Park entry fee and the safari experience.

This could be a lot for budget travelers, and I am sure you can do it for less. It was expensive for us too, but we didn’t wanted to waste an entire day just getting there from Weligama.

Our Udawalawe National Park safari experience

As mentioned above, we’ve had our entire trip organized for us, so we didn’t had to worry or deal with anything on our own. From Weligama, we arrived straight at the entrance of Udawalawe National Park where we transferred to our jeep. We quickly picked up our guide and started the safari experience.

The first thing that we saw was a leopard footprint.

Right after, we saw and heard some peacocks and started noticing the abundance of birds.

Within a couple of minutes of driving into the park, we saw a herd of water buffalo gathered at the reservoir. There were elephants around the water too. And we were also shown where to look to see a crocodile. We encountered a few, but it is so difficult to spot them really as they blend so well with their surroundings and look more like a log from a distance than an actual crocodile. That’s why binoculars would be great for the Udawalawe National Park safari.

We saw plenty of elephants, too. Families, lovers, and kids playing around with one another. One family even passed right through us, literally a meter from our jeep.

Our safari guide had eagle eyes and without him, we probably wouldn’t notice anything but the elephants and the water buffalo. Thanks to him, we managed to spot the crocodiles, deer, leopard footprint, and so many birds.

When is the best time to visit Udawalawe National Park?

The best time to visit Udawalawe National Park is during the dry season (the rainy months are April, May, October, and November). Elephants can be seen all year round, but migrating birds can only be seen between November and March.

What time of the day is best for the Udawalawe National Park safari?

When going on a Udawalawe National Park safari, you can choose when to do the safari – in the morning or the evening. You can also do an all-day safari adventure for a higher price, but I think that will be pretty exhausting.

The morning safari starts with the opening of the Udawalawe National Park at 6 am, and many choose to go for that option as animals are more likely to be active in the early morning. Plus, you beat the heat.

However, there could be fewer people during the evening tour, which is something also to consider. We did the evening tour and didn’t come across many other jeeps. And many animals are our drinking water or having a meal.

In any case, it’s totally up to you and your plans.

How long is the Udawalawe National Park safari?

Typically, a Udawalawe National Park safari lasts about 3 hours.

How to get to Udawalawe National Park?

Udawalawe National Park is located on the boundary of the Sabaragamuwa and Uva Provinces. It is easily accessible from the town of Udawalawa and can be reached in 2 to 4 hours from Sri Lanka’s famous beaches, Ella, and Colombo.

If you’re time and itinerary can allow it, you can reach Udawalawa by public bus. Please bear in mind, however, that depending on your departing destination, you might need to change multiple buses, which could take up to 10 hours.

You can also reach Udawalawa National Park by hiring a driver, renting a car, tuk-tuk, or a scooter and driving yourself, or joining a tour. The last is a very popular option. Tours are available from various destinations including Colombo, Galle, Hikkaduwa, Mirissa, Ella, and more.

Udawalawe National Park safari tips

• Don’t forget to bring enough water.
• Also, bring some snacks.
• Suitable clothes or/and sunscreen.
• Make sure to go to the bathroom before the start of your safari as there are no facilities in the park.
• A good camera with the right lenses to capture the animals you’re going to see at a distance.
• Binoculars would be good to have.

Which is better: the Udawalawe National Park safari or the Yala National Park safari? 

Although our first plan was to do a safari in Yala, we ended up choosing the Udawalawe National Park safari instead. For us, the main reason for that was logistical. We were in Weligama and wanted to go to Ella next. Udawalawe National Park is on the way between the two, so if we decided to visit Yala, we had to make a detour.

Another reason why we chose to do a Udawalawe National Park safari was that we knew for a fact that we are going to see elephants there. Most people typically visit Yala with the hopes of seeing leopards as well. However, we learned that you have the highest chance of seeing one of the 40 leopards roaming around Yala between May and August, so we decided that it is not worth making the detour.

With that being said, I can not really say which one is better. In my opinion, the better national park to visit of the two is the one that best fits your itinerary. Other travelers also report that Yala is also more crowded and more expensive, so that might be another reason to choose a Udawalawe National Park safari instead.

*It is also worth mentioning that according to a few locals that we spoke to, Yala is not even the best place to see leopards. They recommended visiting Wilpattu National Park which is located in the northwest of Sri Lanka.

Is Udawalawe National Park the best place for a safari in Sri Lanka?

I don’t think that there are best and not best parks for a safari in Sri Lanka. I think that it all depends on your interests in what are you interested in seeing and which park could best fit into your itinerary. Sri Lanka is home to 26 national parks, so if you’ve come to Sri Lanka for wildlife, I recommend going on more than one safari anyway.

Is visiting Udawalawe National Park worth it?

I wanted to see elephants in the wild and I achieved that at Udawalawe National Park. I heard that you are also likely to see elephants roaming the streets in the north of Sri Lanka, but since Kandy was our northernmost destination, from all the places we visited in central and south Sri Lanka, that was the only place where we saw the famous Sri Lankan elephants.

So, yes, for me the Udawalawe National Park safari was worth it.

And that’s all folks. I hope that this article gave you a good overview of what to expect on a Udawalawe National Park safari. If you have any additional questions or comments, please let me know in the comment section below, and don’t hesitate to contact me .

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Bilyana is the founder of Owl Over The World and the girl behind the screen. Besides being a travel blogger, she's also a mountain freak and a full-time dream chaser. She writes about her adventures around the world wanting to inspire you to travel more & worry less.

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Uda Walawe National Park

Framed by soaring highlands on its northern boundary, the Uda Walawe National Park is one of the world's best places to see wild elephants. Largely comprised of grasslands and bush forest, it's also one of the best national parks in Sri Lanka for game spotting.

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Attractions

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With herds of elephants, wild buffalos, sambars and spotted deer, and giant squirrels, this Sri Lankan national park is one of the nation's finest. In…

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This complex is a halfway house for orphaned elephants. After rehabilitation, the elephants…

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Udawalawe Safari In Sri Lanka – Visitor’s Guide

An Udawalawe Safari Tour is a perfect way to get up close and personal with some of Sri Lanka’s most exotic wildlife.

Udawalawe National Park is a sanctuary that covers 31,000 hectares and it’s an important habitat for many species of birds, water buffalo, crocodiles, and elephants.

I have put together this complete guide to Udawalawe including how to get there, where to book an Udawalawe Safari, and what to expect on the tour!

Table of Contents

WHERE IS UDAWALAWE NATIONAL PARK?

Udawalawe National Park is located 165 km from Colombo and 95 km from Matara.

Click here to see the location on Google maps.

WHERE TO BOOK AN UDAWALAWE SAFARI

You can book your Udawalawe Safari Tour online in advance with Klook which has great reviews and hundreds of bookings!

Alternatively, you can book the Udawalawe Jeep Safari through your accommodation when you arrive.

The cheapest option is to share a Jeep with some other people staying at the same accommodation as you.

The approximate cost of a Jeep that seats 6-8 people is 6,000 Rupees and the entrance fee to Udawalawe National Park is 3,500 Rupees.

I personally booked my safari through Makulu Safari Camping which was really affordable and a great experience.

Have you got travel insurance for your trip?!

We all know accidents can happen and having Heymondo Insurance will save you thousands of dollars if something goes wrong.

Heymondo offers low-cost Travel Insurance to keep you covered on all your adventures.

MY EXPERIENCE ON THE TOUR

My morning started at 5:30 am when I had breakfast and tea at the Makulu Safari Camp before jumping in the back of the Jeep to make my way to the entrance of Udawalawe National Park.

There were quite a number of Jeeps already in line to enter the park and straight away I thought that we would be in line for ages and then once entering that we would be behind a conga line of other Jeeps. This wasn’t the case luckily.

We waited in line for around 20 minutes and then once our Udawalawe Safari began our driver took us off the beaten track away from the other Jeeps.

The dirt roads on the tour are quite bumpy though our driver was considerate of this and drove appropriately over the bumpy sections.

The fog was very thick at the beginning but then eased off as the sun began to rise.

Whenever I spotted some wildlife, I would yell out to the driver and he would stop the Jeep and turn the ignition off so I was able to take some photos and videos.

The Uawalawe Safari Tour takes around 3 to 4 hours and as I said earlier, the best time to do the safari is early morning.

This is the first safari I have been on and it definitely did not disappoint.

Book Now → Udawalawe Jeep Safari

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There were hundreds of peacocks either perched high on the branches of a dead tree or scurrying around in the bushes below.

There are many different bird species that call this place home and a passionate bird watcher would be in heaven.

I also spotted several crocodiles as we approached the reservoir inside the park and not too far away was a herd of water buffaloes drinking from the lake.

But of course, the main attraction is the Sri Lankan elephants. There are approximately 600 male and female elephants roaming around so your chances are very high that you will come across these magnificent creatures.

Our driver was communicating on the phone with the other drivers inside the park to seek out the elephants.

I was fortunate enough to encounter around 15 elephants and even though stepping out of the vehicle is prohibited, we still managed to get as close as we possibly could to the elephants.

Of course, one item that I couldn’t recommend bringing enough is your camera, but taking your best travel lenses along is also essential.

BEST TOURS IN SRI LANKA

Where to stay in udawalawe national park.

The best place to stay is in Udawalawa, a small town that is located 10 km away from the entrance to the National Park.

The best time of day to do the safari is when the park opens at 6 am, so it is ideal to stay one night in the nearby town of Udawalawa and be ready for an early start.

Search places to stay in Udawalawe on Booking.com

There are also camping options available in the area which is a great experience that I highly recommend.

My friends and I stayed one night at a campground called  Makulu Safari Camping .

Our accommodation for the night was a safari tent on the edge of a river bed, nestled in the jungle.

The tents are raised off the ground on a wooden deck with 2 large double beds and a bathroom inside. This place has some serious magic about it!

Surrounded by coconut palms, beautiful flora, and fauna and the staff are super kind and welcoming.

We paid USD $40 split between 4 people and breakfast was an additional USD $7 each.

Definitely go and check this place out, I promise you will not regret it!

Book Now → Makulu Safari Camping

WHAT TO PACK FOR SRI LANKA

When visiting Sri Lanka, here are a few items I highly recommend taking with you:

Must-Have Travel Essentials

Hidden money wallet.

Keep your cash and other valuables safe with this anti-theft hidden money wallet!

Reusable Water Bottle

The GRAYL GeoPress is the best reusable bottle that allows you to purify water from anywhere!

Travel Backpack

The Nomatic Travel Backpack has 20+ innovative features, perfect for everyday use!

Quick-Dry Travel Towel

The most compact, lightweight, and quick-dry towel for traveling!

Portable PowerBank

Keep your phone, laptop, and accessories charged while you’re on the go with the Anker PowerBank!

More Sri Lanka Travel Guides

Click the button below to view all articles related to Sri Lanka!

FINAL THOUGHTS – UDAWALAWE JEEP SAFARI

I hope you have enjoyed reading this article and if you have any questions about the Udawalawe Safari, please leave me a comment below!

For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.

TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!

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THANKS FOR READING

Hey friend, thanks for reading this guide!

Please know this post may contain affiliate links. When making a purchase through one of my links, I earn a small kickback at no extra cost to you and it’s a big help to keep the site up and running. Rest assured, I only promote products and services that I personally use and recommend.

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Many thanks!

7 thoughts on “Udawalawe Safari In Sri Lanka – Visitor’s Guide”

Planning to go in Sept, would you recommend anything to do after the national park? Thanks in advance k

Hey, yes for sure there is lots to do. Check out this post – https://www.jonnymelon.com/2-weeks-sri-lanka-itinerary/

Valuable blog article, it was quite interesting nice work. I want to thank you for this informative read, I really appreciate sharing your post. Thank You.

I enjoy the article

awesome glad you love it!

epic post!! I want to go!

cheers man! yes definitely

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Udawalawe Safari: The Best Elephant Safari in Sri Lanka

Home > Sri Lanka

If tea fields, beaches and amazing railway tracks still haven’t convinced you to visit Sri Lanka , then I am certain a trip to the Udawalawe safari will. Udawalawe, a park covering almost 120 square miles (30,800 hectares) of land, has a lot of elephants and is typically less crowded than Yala, its main ‘competitor’. Besides that, it is also conveniently located only 2 hours from Ella in south-central Sri Lanka and the way they treat animals in Udawalawe is (according to the locals) much friendlier than Yala. In this article, you’ll be able to learn everything you need to know before visiting and how to make the most of your Udawalawe safari.

Our Udawalawe Safari afternoon experience

We arrived at our hotel in Udawalawe just in time for check-in. We spoke to the hotel manager who arranged a safari ride for us at 3 pm on the same day.  We dropped our bags, took a shower and changed our clothes – just in time to go back to the reception area and get up on our white safari jeep. We were both really excited as Udawalawe Safari is near the top of most tourist’s Sri Lanka bucket list.

We then made our way from the hotel towards the National Park, where we waited in the jeep while the driver gets entrance tickets. After he got the tickets, we could begin our drive in the park.

It only took us about 10 minutes when we saw the first small herd of elephants. Such amazing creatures to see in their natural habitat.

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After the elephants in this location scattered off into the deeper jungle, we continued driving towards a lake. We saw quite little there, but the best thing was the elephant below who had an itch to scratch – so he used the rock and scratched for about a minute straight. It was hilarious!

After the trip around the lake, we drove for quite a while without seeing any elephants. Our driver did have a good eye for various birds and lizards though! We started feeling a little sad that we might not see any more elephants.

And just as we were about to turn by this small pond, I saw a big elephant coming towards it. I told the driver to wait a bit more and I am so happy I did! After the big elephant, many more followed and we ended up seeing a huge herd of elephants, all about to drink and play in the water just next to us. I almost forgot to take pictures, it was such an amazing experience to see them from so close and so free.

After watching the elephants at this location for a good half an hour, we (and the elephants) continued our road. We drove slowly towards the exit and they walked off into the jungle.

We were then graced by a very beautiful sunset on our way back to the hotel. After we were done with showering and getting ready, we went to a nearby restaurant to eat some dinner and sleep. We absolutely loved our time at Udawalawe and would recommend you to visit as well, if you find yourself or are planning to go to Sri Lanka.

Udawalawe Safari prices

Here are the packages for safari drives to Udawalawe national park that we received from our hotel.

Safari sessions:

Morning 6.00-9.45PM Evening 2.15-6.00PM

Private safari (only you): Jeep service for 2 pax = 4000 LKR Entry tickets for 2 pax = 7200 LKR Total cost for safari = 11200 LKR

Shared safari (Share the jeep with others – max 4 pax): Total cost for shared safari = 8750 LKR FOR 2 PAX (56 USD) (saving for sharing 2400 LKR)

You will be picked up from the hotel and dropped off back, after the safari. So no additional transport is needed to go National park gate.

When to visit Udawalawe National Park

Udawalawe National Park is open year-round, and you will have a great experience any time of the year. However, if you are a true animal enthusiast you will see the most elephants and migratory birds from October to April. The amount of animal sights is random, there is no guarantee in how many and which animals you’ll see, and that’s exactly how a safari is and should be. Remember, it’s not a zoo and animal sighting isn’t guaranteed!

Regardless of when you visit, you’ll have an option to do a half-day safari or a full day safari. The half-day Udawalawe safari trips are in the morning, starting at around 6 am, while the afternoon safaris will begin around 3 pm, and both last about 3-4 hours. Typically the morning safaris will give you more time in the safari, but the afternoon safaris are rewarded with a sunset from the Udawalawe Reservoir, which is why we went for the afternoon option and definitely recommend it!

I think half a day is more than enough, but if you really love safaris, then opt for a full day.

Which safari company to choose

We arranged our afternoon safari trip directly with the hotel and were really happy with them. I think this is the easiest and most convenient way to book the safari. We booked this the morning before arriving and decided to go fo the afternoon Udawalawe safari because we wanted a nice sunset trip to the safari.

We also really appreciated that our driver didn’t approach the animals and kept us away from other vehicles. This is how we managed to experience the safari in the best possible and unobtrusive way.

What to bring to the elephant safari

• Camera and a zoom lens
• Stabilizer if you’re filming, the roads are hella bumpy
• Sandals as you’ll be in the jeep the entire time so no need for fancy shoes
• Wear lightweight, neutral-coloured clothing
• Sweater if you take the morning safari

Everything you need to know before visiting

How to get to udawalawe, from unawatuna to udawalawe.

We went from Udawalawe from Dalawella, which is just next to Unawatuna, with our driver Disa (you can reach him on WhatsApp +94 77 114 0727) who was taking us around almost all of Sri Lanka for two weeks. Contact him for the best price, but in general, you’ll be paying around 6000 rupees. It’s about a 2-3 hour ride with a minivan.

From Mirissa to Udawalawe

Mirissa and Unawatuna are about an hour apart. We did all our Mirissa activities from Dalawella, but if you are starting your trip from Mirissa and don’t want to hire a driver, you will have to take 3 buses:

Mirissa to Tangalle bus station. (60 Rupees per person, 1 hour 30-minute ride) Tangelle bus station to Embilipitiya. (60 Rupees per person, 1 hour 30-minute ride) Embilipitiya bus station to Udawalawe. (40 Rupees per person, 30-minute ride)

From Colombo to Udawalawe

It takes about 4-5 hours from Colombo to Udawalawe and the best way to do this trip is by hiring a driver or taxi for the trip is the best way to get here. Many safari companies will also help you arrange transport from anywhere you stay in Sri Lanka, but it will be a little pricier.

From Ella to Udawalawe

The easiest way again is by hiring a driver. But if you decide to take a bus, you will need to hop on three different lines to get from Ella to Udawalawe.

Ella to Wellawaya bus station. (75 Rupees per person, 45-minute ride) Wellawaya bus station to Thanamalwila. (80 Rupees per person, 40-minute ride) Thanamalwila to Udawalawe. (80 Rupees per person, 45-minute ride)

Where to stay

We chose to stay at The Countryside Udawalawe . From our experience, it didn’t matter very much where you stay in terms of location. The majority of people come here to go to the Udawalawe National Park and the hotels generally provide transport (safari jeep) to the safari, in the safari and back to the hotel.

We only stayed here for one night and were very positively surprised by the room, surroundings as well as breakfast.

Where to eat

Since Udawalawe is mostly a one-day destination, see if your hotel provides lunch and dinner and opt for eating in. We decided to wander to a different place but really regretted it. There are barely any public lights and the traffic on the main road is crazy, so walking around in darkness is anything but a good decision!

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Friday 25th of September 2020

Wow your photos look AMAZING! I am defiantly convinced to visit

Thursday 24th of September 2020

What an absolutely beautiful experience, and a gorgeous sunset to top it off! I think this is a really great way of seeing the elephants in Sri Lanka when compared to one of the unethical parks. When I was 15 I visited Sri Lanka and went on a safari ride but there was so many jeeps - it couldn't have been good for the elephants. I am so glad to see that it looks like you were the only jeep out there and that you were giving them there space. The place you stayed at in terms of accommodation looked great too, will defo be saving that for when I get to go back!

Ah makes me sad to read this! We always try to be responsible as tourists and we were happy to discover Udawalawe, I really hope they continue staying ethical! Do let me know if you do return and how you found the experience! :)

Oh my goodness that would be SO cool to see an elephant in real life...and not at a zoo!

Exactly - it was amazing!!

Julia Bocchese

I didn't know Sri Lanka had safari tours like this, but I really want to go on one now! It must have been amazing to see the elephants in their natural habitat like that!

Sri Lanka is so diverse and beautiful! You'll love it if you visit :)

Wow what an amazing adventure. I would love to do this trip someday. Great pictures. How interestingly you've described everything in details. Will save this for my reference.

Thank you! I'm glad you found it helpful and definitely let me know if you went there!

A Complete Udawalawe National Park Safari Guide For 2023

Taking an Udawalawe National Park safari with kids was the highlight of our Sri Lanka holiday with the kids and one of our top recommendations for things to do in Sri Lanka with kids .

With around 500 resident elephants, an Udawalawe National Park safari is a great choice for a Sri Lankan safari if your kids love elephants.

Udawalawe NP has the largest population of Asian elephants of all of the national parks in Sri Lanka. They come for the abundant supply of water and so on an Udawalawe National Park safari, elephant sightings are all but guaranteed.

Note : It is not widely known yet but in September 2022, the Sri Lankan government increased the entrance fees for Udawalawe National Park. See below for more info.

Before you start reading about safaris in Udawalawe National Park, we wanted to let you know that we have a comprehensive guide to the best safaris in Africa that might interest you.

This post contains affiliate links. Should you click on them, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Udawalawe National Park safari

History of Udawalawe National Park

Udawalawe National Park was created in 1972 to provide a habitat for animals displaced by the construction of the Uda Walawe dam.

The damming of the Walawe river created a reservoir and wetlands which attracted many aquatic birds and animals.

It’s backed by the dramatic highlands to the north and made up of 119 square miles of open grassland, with wetlands and dense jungle.

Where is Udawalawe National Park?

Udawalawe National Park lies about 160km southeast of Colombo and 120km northeast of Galle. It’s a relatively easy hop from the Sri Lankan coast if you’re staying on one of the many beautiful Sri Lanka beaches .

According to Google Maps, Udawalawe should be around 2 hours 45 mins from Galle but there’s no accounting for what the traffic will be like.

Our journey from Galle took around 3 hours 30 mins because traffic was quite heavy. We were travelling on a Poya day though which didn’t help.

Every full moon is a public holiday in Sri Lanka (Poya), with more Sri Lankans travelling on the roads. This is something you can check in advance when planning your itinerary.

Some people arrange day trips to visit Udawalawe National Park but we’d recommend staying locally the night before.

The best wildlife spotting opportunities are sunrise and sunset. If you don’t stay locally, you would have to get up in the middle of the night to get to the park for sunrise or get back late to your hotel after a sunset safari.

Udawalawe National Park sign

Where to stay in Udawalawe National Park

There are dozens of small Udawalawe hotels or homestays to suit all budgets within 10 minutes drive of the main park entrance. Click here to see our family-friendly Udawalawe hotels guide .

We decided to stay in budget accommodation for this part of our trip because we just needed a bed for the night, arriving late in the afternoon and leaving at 5.30am for our safari.

We stayed at Peacock Riverside which was basic but clean. It had hot water, ceiling fans and mosquito nets over two double beds.

The owner and his wife were very friendly and accommodating but for us, the highlight was the incredible homemade food. It was some of the most delicious food in Sri Lanka but it’s hard to convey just how delicious it was.

The fact that the boys allowed us to pile their plates will have to be proof enough!

Dinner at the Peacock Riverside in Udawalawe

For more suggestions on where to stay in Udawalawe, check our best family-friendly accommodation in Sri Lanka which gives options to suit every budget.

Best time to visit Udawalawe National Park

The best time to go on a safari in Udawalawe is between December and March and May to September. This is the dry season when there will be less scrub and it’s easier to see elephants.

Access can also be an issue outside of these months, with roads and tracks getting flooded.

We chose to take an Udawalawe National Park safari when we visited Sri Lanka in December because it was the right time of year and it was conveniently on our loop of southern Sri Lanka .

How long is an Udawalawe National Park safari?

You can choose between full-day safaris or half-day safaris in Udawalawe. Half day Udawalawe safaris are probably enough if you have young children as they last about 3 hours.

Any longer and we find the kids start to get restless.

Our guide had no problem cutting ours a little short when the kids started getting hangry. If you have kids with you, we would recommend hiring your own jeep and driver so you can make this decision.

If you’re staying in Udawalawe for a couple of days, you could do a morning and an afternoon safari to see the park at different times of day. See below for details on the cost of a half-day safari.

How to choose an Udawalawe safari guide

If you arrange a jeep through a tour company, please do check the reviews. Some offer a poor experience with inexperienced drivers/spotters.

We had to flag one driver to slow down as he was about to run over a monitor lizard that he hadn’t spotted.

We also spent a little while helping out a family whose driver had got them stuck in a large mud rut and broke their axle trying to get out.

Our driver was not impressed and explained that there are a few cowboy operators out there.

We arranged our jeep and driver through our accommodation. See below for details on the cost of a half-day safari.

If your accommodation can’t arrange a guide, then here are some reputable safari tours you can do.

Jeep stuck in the mud at Udawalawe

Our Udawalawe safari experience

We had an early night and set the alarm for 5am. Our host had arranged for the jeep to pick us up at 5.30am.

This allowed time to get to the park, get our tickets (expect to queue or for your driver to queue for up to 15 minutes at the ticket office) and get in for 6am when it opened.

An early start (or dusk safari) gives the best opportunity of seeing wildlife as the animals are most active then (read our guide to wildlife spotting ).

After getting our tickets, we drove straight into the park. The first thing we heard (after getting away from the many other jeeps at the entrance) was the call of peacocks, and very quickly noticed the abundance of bird life to start with.

Within five minutes we saw eagles, peacocks, bee-eaters and many other birds we weren’t familiar with.

Bee eater in Udawalawe National Park

Our Udawalawe safari did not disappoint on the elephant front either. We saw several individual elephants up close and in the distance.

There were a couple of family groups – including babies and adolescents – hanging around and feeding.

Elephants in Udawalawe National Park

We then headed to the wetland section of the park which surrounds a large lake and is populated with many types of aquatic birds (egrets, cormorants, stork, heron among others).

On the far side of the lake we were told there was a crocodile sunbathing on the shore. Although we had binoculars, we still weren’t sure we could make it out.

It looked like a log! If it was a crocodile, it most certainly wasn’t our best sighting of one.

Some guides have amazing eyesight and will spot things that you may be completely oblivious to.

Kids are also great spotters which is a great reason to take them on safari. Sadly we didn’t spot the elusive leopard, but we knew that this would be unlikely.

For better chances of seeing leopard, you may want to consider heading to Yala National Park , which supposedly has the highest density of leopards of any national park worldwide.

We did indeed see a leopard there, though sadly it was dead and being eaten by a crocodile… but that’s another story.

Udawalawe Safari Costs

Our costs for arranging a safari at Udawalawe were:

• Private jeep with driver/guide – around LKR 4000  for half day (3-4 hours).
• Park entrance fees of $25  per adult and $15 per child (under 6 are free) plus a LKR 250  jeep charge, all plus 15% tax.
• If you are staying overnight in the park, there is a $50 charge per adult and $30 per child.

Please note that new entrance fees were introduced by the Sri Lankan government in September 2022.

You can check here for the most up to date park fees .

Top Tips for taking an Udawalawe National Park safari

Go to the bathroom before setting off as there are no facilities in the park!

To keep the kids interested and engaged, why not print off an animal spotting list. Remember to take a pen.

Interesting animal fact – Sri Lanka has the highest number of deaths from snake bites each year. But don’t worry, unless you are wandering around in the rice paddies or in rural areas at night you are highly unlikely to ever see a snake – much to my boys’ disappointment!

Accommodation around Udawalawe National Park

Booking.com has a wide range of properties available in and around Udawalawe National Park.

We also have a list of accommodation for families near Udawalawe .

If you found this post helpful, why not bookmark it, share it with friends or pin it for later?

Hi guys, great little blog!!!! We are heading to Sri Lanka in 3 weeks (yay) and planning a morning safari to Udawalawe NP. So excited! Love the photo of the jeep in the mud. Our kids are almost 7 and 4 and quite well travelled. My main worry with Sri Lanka is going from Ella-Kandy on the train. I have read so many horror stories. Did you do this trip? Thanks, Amber

Hi Amber, thanks for the comment… officially our blogs’ first comment :) We have done the Ella-Kandy train ride, but on a previous trip without kids a few years back. I’d recommend booking at least a few days in advance (there were no next day tickets to anywhere from Ella when we were there this Dec), and if you’re travelling with all your bags it will be a real squeeze – the trains on this stretch of line all seem jam-packed with locals and tourists. If you are thinking that it is a long journey (8ish hours), then you could consider doing the most scenic stretch on the train and then getting a driver to pick you up to complete your journey. The views and street food on sale on the trains make it very special though. Have a fantastic trip, and let us know if you have any specific questions or worries!

Just a heads up, the park now costs 43 dollars per person to enter! I just went this morning, it gets a little less per person if you have more in your group! Hadn’t seen anything online about the price increase so just thought to mention it so people aren’t surprised!

Thanks for the heads up. The fees apparently changed in September 2022 but it was very hard to find this info!

Sujie from peacock Riverside is greeting and thanking u for the block. We are staying there to night, after have been reading your review. We also thank you for sharing!!)

Best wishes from the jungle.

That is great to hear – thank you for letting me know Lisa! Enjoy your time there.

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Udawalawe National Park: An Epic Elephant Safari In Sri Lanka

Posted on Last updated: August 13, 2021

If you want to see elephants in the wild, Udawalawe National Park in Sri Lanka is the perfect place to do so. We did an elephant safari in Udawalawe National Park and it was one of the best experiences of our Sri Lanka trip .

Seeing these magnificent animals in the wild is always an awe-inspiring experience. In this guide I’ve put together everything you need to know about doing an elephant safari at Udawalawe National Park.

Discover how to get to Udawalawe National Park, safari prices, what to expect, where to stay and more. So let’s dive in, and let’s start planning that elephant safari!

• 1 About Udawalawe National Park
• 2 Getting to Udawalawe National Park
• 3 Sri Lanka elephant safari prices
• 4 Organising & booking your Udawalawe safari
• 5 Our experience & what to expect at Udawalawe National Park
• 6.1 In Udawalawe
• 6.2 In Ella
• 6.3 In Mirissa
• 7 What to pack for your elephant safari in Sri Lanka

Spotting elephants during our Udawalawe National Park elephant safari

About Udawalawe National Park

Udawalawe National Park is home to around 500 elephants, as well as other animal species such as boars, leopards (although these are very hard to see), crocodiles, deer and loads of different species of birds.

The national park was established in 1972 and covers an area of 30,000 hectares. It was created to provide a sanctuary for the wild animals displaced by the construction of the Udawalawe Reservoir and dam.

Elephants that we spotted during our Udawalawe safari

The elephants we spotted before even entering Udawalawe National Park

With so many elephants in a relatively small space, it’s the place everyone goes to if they want to be “guaranteed” to spot elephants.

Obviously you can never have 100% certainty when it comes to wild animals, but at Udawalawe it’s pretty much guaranteed that you will see elephants.

The best time to visit Udawalawe National Park for a safari is either at 7AM or 6PM. Early in the morning or at sunset is when the animals come out, during the day it’s too hot and they’ll be sheltering somewhere in the shade.

Exploring Udawalawe National Park during our elephant safari in Sri Lanka

Getting to Udawalawe National Park

Udawalawe National Park is 165km from Colombo, in the southern regions of Sri Lanka. The easiest way to get there is either by hiring a car and driver or with an organised tour.

Most people travel to Udawalawe from either the hill town of Ella or the southern coast, such as Mirissa and Weligama. You can also get a bus from any of these towns, they might just take a little longer than a private car.

We hired a car with driver to take us from Ella to Udawalawe, wait for us while we did the safari and then drive on to Mirissa for 11,000 LKR.

The total travel time was around 4 hours (2 hours from Ella to Udawalawe and then 2 hours from Udawalawe to Mirissa).

Sri Lanka elephant safari prices

One thing to note about doing an elephant safari at Udawalawe National Park is that there are separate fees for the jeep rental and the park entrance.

Some organised tours might include both, but make sure that is the case before booking so you don’t get any surprises on the day!

We organised our Udawalawe safari through our hostel in Ella and ended up paying 11,000 LKR for a private safari for two. The breakdown was 3,000 LKR for the private jeep and 8,000 LKR of park entrance fees.

The jeep could sit 6-8 people. If we had more friends to split the car with the cost would have worked out a little cheaper.

However the bulk of the expense is the park entrance fee, which is fixed at 15 USD per foreign adult. Comparatively the private jeep rental was fairly cheap.

If you’re travelling solo however it would add up to be quite expensive, joining a group safari would be the easiest and cheapest option.

The first elephant we saw during our safari in Udawalawe National Park, Sri Lanka

Organising & booking your Udawalawe safari

There are two main ways to arrange your elephant safari in Sri Lanka. You can arrange it with your accommodation once you arrive, or you can book online beforehand .

We personally found it very easy to arrange it directly in Ella, but if you prefer to have everything arranged before you arrive, here are some tours you can book that have good reviews online:

• Udawalawe National Park Safari Tour
• Udawalawe National Park Safari from Mirissa
• Elephant Safari in Udawalawe National Park from Bentota

Elephants in Udawalawe National Park, Sri Lanka

Our experience & what to expect at Udawalawe National Park

We set off from Ella at 5AM and were pretty knackered. We slept in the car and arrived at Udawalawe around 6AM, to find loads of jeeps and cars already parked there waiting for the park to open.

We quickly found our driver and changed cars for the safari. We joined the queue of jeeps waiting for the park to open.

We were in awe to see our first elephant before even entering in the park! We were on the road to enter the park, waiting in the jeep when an elephant just strolled up and started munching on some leaves just off the side of the road.

It was a great start to our Sri Lankan elephant safari!

My friend Hanna taking pictures of the elephants in Udawalawe National Park

Once we drove through the gate we had to pay the park entrance fees. We queued with our driver and paid 8,000 LKR for two people. After a quick toilet stop, we were ready to hit the road!

We spent 2-3 hours inside Udawalawe National Park, driving around and searching for elephants. The driving can get quite bumpy but we had the whole jeep just for us two, which was very convenient.

Even if it was so early in the morning the sun got very hot, it was nice having the whole jeep to ourselves so we could seat hop and always be in the shade.

It was also great being able to move around and get closer to the elephants without having strangers in the way.

Elephant safari in Udawalawe National Park

We saw so many elephants that I was in a constant state of wonder for the whole safari. We saw so many elephants, often in big groups and with baby elephants with them too.

Most of the time the elephants are just chilling on the side of the roads, munching away, unfazed by the presence of jeeps and people looking at them. They just get on with their business and ignore the jeeps.

One thing to note is that the jeep drivers are in constant walkie-talkie contact with each other. As soon as one driver spots elephants, all the other jeeps rush there to get a good spot close to the elephants.

Some of the buffalos we saw in Udawalawe National Park

Jeeps in Udawalawe National Park

Elephants in Udawalawe National Park

This racing around the park chasing the elephants felt a bit weird at times. While the elephants are “wild” and free they’re obviously very used to seeing people.

Still, when compared to places that let you ride elephants or who keep them in chains, it’s still a much better and more ethical elephant encounter.

Besides elephants we also saw crocodiles, buffalos and pumbas, as well as lots of different types of birds. Once the safari was over we met up again with our driver outside the park and drove on to Mirissa.

Click here to book your Udawalawe National Park safari!

A giant asian water monitor we saw in Udawalawe National Park

An adorable young elephant we saw in Sri Lanka

Where to stay for the best Sri Lanka elephant safari

The best places to stay to visit Udawalawe National Park ultimately depend on how much time you have in Sri Lanka. We personally did our safari on the road from Ella to Mirissa.

This was the perfect arrangement for us since it fit our schedule, and it avoided us the long car journeys that you would have to if you visit Udawalawe as a day trip.

If you have more time to stay in Udawalawe that would be awesome as you might be able to do more than one elephant safari. I have listed below some great accommodation options, wherever you choose to stay before or after your safari.

In Udawalawe

If you have the time and are looking for a unique experience, you should definitely stay in a glamping or safari lodge in Udawalawe. One of my friends stayed at Athgira River Camping and said he had an incredible time.

Click here to book your stay at Athgira River Camping!

We stayed in Ella the night before our safari and stayed at the Hangover Hostel . I personally loved it; it’s a sociable hostel with spacious rooms and lockers.

If you don’t want to stay in a hostel another great option in Ella is Mountain Heavens , they have an infinity pool overlooking the hills of Ella.

Click here to book your stay in Ella!

Nine Arch Bridge in Ella, Sri Lanka

You can also visit Udawalawe on a day trip from Mirissa.

After our safari we actually drove on to Mirissa after and stayed at the Hangover Hostel there. The hostel is beachfront, has airconditioned rooms with big lockers and big communal spaces.

If you prefer having your own place another great option in Mirissa is Paradise Beach Club , located right on the beach and with a lovely pool.

Click here to book your stay in Mirissa!

Sunset at the famous coconut hill in Mirissa, Sri Lanka

What to pack for your elephant safari in Sri Lanka

Besides the usual clothing and items you would find on any packing list for Asia , I’ve listed below some essential you will definitely want to bring on your elephant safari in Udawalawe National Park.

Hat  – it can get very hot during your safari! Make sure to have a hat to shield your head from the sun.

Sunscreen – same as above, even if you do the safari very early in the morning you the Sri Lankan sun is still strong. Don’t ruin your safari by getting sunburnt.

A young elephant we spotted in Udawalawe

DSLR camera with a zoom lens – while the drivers often get quite close to the elephants, if you want to be able to capture beautiful photos of these magnificent animals you will want a proper DSLR camera with a zoom lens (make sure they’re compatible before buying a lens online!) That way you can snap photos of them up close, while being in the comfort of your jeep.

Water bottle – bring a reusable water bottle that you can fill up at the start of the safari, it gets very hot so you want to stay hydrated! I like the steel bottles because they keep your water cold.  

Power bank – if you don’t have a DSLR don’t worry, you’ll still be able to capture great photos with your phone. However make sure to bring a power bank, you wouldn’t want your phone to die half way throughout the safari!

The elephant we saw before even entering Udawalawe National Park

Final thoughts on doing a elephant safari in Udawalawe National Park in Sri Lanka

Doing an elephant safari in Udawalawe National Park was one of my favourite things to do in Sri Lanka. Seeing these magnificent animals in the wild was an awe-inspiring experience, and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity.

I hope you find this guide useful in planning your visit to Udawalawe National Park and elephant safari in Sri Lanka. If you have any questions, just let me know in the comments below!

Looking for more Sri Lanka travel tips? Check out these guides:

• Ella Rock Hike – DIY without a guide!
• Everything you need to know about hiking Pidurangala Rock
• Discover Sri Lanka’s Insta-famous beach swing
• The most beautiful waterfall in Sri Lanka
• The most scenic train ride in Sri Lanka (and maybe the world?)
• Little Adam’s Peak sunrise hike

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Udawalawe National Park Welcome!

Everything you want to know before your safari on Sri Lanka

The Elephants await you! Udawalawe Park is a home to over 400 wild elephants which are permanent residents and so the concentration is quite high. Here is only one Sri Lankan Park where elephants GUARANTEED to spot. But not only elephants: crocodiles, buffaloes, monkeys, peacocks, mongoose… And many bird species like red-faced malkoha, grey hornbill, Sri Lankan junglefowl, and more are residing in the biodiversity of Udawalawe National Park.

Read more…

How is Safari looks like

You allowed to enter to the park only on safari jeep with an approved guide. You will on an upper deck for a maximum 6 persons, your driver and guide will in cabin. From the deck everyone has a chance of seeing everything as they made their way around the park. During the trip you will not allowed to leave the jeep, so have enough water and sun protective cream. You’ll be going around all sorts of muddy and bumpy terrain so make sure you keep all your belongings secured and hold on tight!

Jeeps also had weatherproofing, so if it will rain, they have covers that can be brought down for you. It is better to have a safari at sunny weather, but in case of rain you still be in a comfort, and possible you see more animals just after rain end. Read more…

Udawalawe or Yala?

You are not alone if you are split between Udawalawe and Yala national parks. The only correct answer is to choose both. But if you haven’t enough time, ask yourself what you want more: leopard or elephants? If you dream of seeing a graceful leopard, then you better try to find it in Yala, where is more than 25 grace cats are. If you dream of wise elephants, your path lies in Udawalawa – this is the best place where you can see many elephants in their home. Another reason is that there are fewer jeeps in Udawalawa and with a professional guide you won’t be near other vehicles.

Plan your visit now!

Visit to Udawalawe is always guided tour on special safari 4×4 jeeps.

Still have a questions?

If you have any questions please feel free to contact us by WhatsApp , Telegram or:

Phone: +94 76 272 6799

E-mail: [email protected]

Address: CVRR+46F, Samanalagama, Sri Lanka

How to Plan an Udawalawe National Park Safari

By: Author Lora Pope

Posted on Published: September 17, 2018  - Last updated: April 15, 2024

This post may contain affiliate links. By clicking and making a purchase through the links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my disclaimer for more information. This and display ads allow me to keep the site up to date and give back .

Sri Lanka is one of my favorite countries to date. The country has so much to offer visitors, including an abundance of incredible wildlife.

Considered one of the top spots for biodiversity in the world, going on a safari is a must-do on your Sri Lanka Itinerary . This guide will help you plan an epic Udawalawe safari, one of the best parks for elephant safaris in Sri Lanka.

Why visit Udawalawe National Park

There is no better way to see an animal than in its national habitat. With the highest density of wild Asian elephants in the world, Sri Lanka provides an excellent opportunity to see these magnificent creatures.

However, you still need to be careful when choosing where to go on an elephant safari in Sri Lanka, as there are parks and “orphanages” that engage in abusive and harmful practices. Pinawalla Elephant Orphanage is an example of this. Avoid any places that engage in elephant riding.

Despite this, Sri Lanka has done a fantastic job of protecting its wildlife while still making it accessible to tourists through the country’s national park. Udawalawe National Park Safari is an excellent example of the countries efforts to protect wildlife.

Established in 1972, it has become a sanctuary for wild elephants displaced by the construction of the Udawalawe Reservoir.

Udawalawe has become a critical habitat for Sri Lankan elephants and other wildlife. Covering over 309 square kilometers of wilderness, Udawalawe is the perfect place to go on an elephant safari in Sri Lanka.

An Udawalawe safari will allow you to immerse yourself in the beauty of the country while getting up close and personal with wildlife in an ethical way.

Udawalawe Vs. Yala National Park

Yala National Park and Udawalawe National Park are two of the most popular parks in Sri Lanka for wildlife. Both have their pros and cons, so here is some information to help you decide on Udawalawe vs. Yala.

One big con of Yala is that it is closed off for six to eight weeks each year, usually starting at the beginning of September. This year’s closure happened to coincide with the month I was in Sri Lanka, so I only had the option to visit Udawalawe. I’m glad it worked out this way because I loved my Udawalawe safari.

Another benefit of an Udawalawe safari over Yala is that it’s much less busy. Yala National Park is the most visited national park in Sri Lanka and one of the most touristic places. You are going to be sharing the animals with a lot of other jeeps.

While Udawalawe is the third most visited park in Sri Lanka, there are significantly fewer people here compared to Yala.

A safari at Udawalawe is also cheaper than Yala. Both parks have an entrance fee of $15 USD, but you must hire a jeep and guide, which is more expensive at Yala. The cost will depend on your ability to negotiate. On average, a jeep and guide cost $30-35 at Yala for a half-day safari and around $20-25 at Udawalawe.

In terms of wildlife, Udalawe is better for seeing elephants. It has the highest concentration of Sri Lanka elephants in the country and is about 1/3 the size of Yala, so your chances of seeing elephants are very high here.

If you want to see a leopard, then you should visit Yala. The park has the highest concentration of leopards in the world, with over 40 roaming the park. Yala is world-famous for its leopard sightings, but if you don’t get the chance to visit, another place to see leopards in Sri Lanka is Wilpattu National Park.

They are both amazing national parks and if you have the time, you could visit both as they relatively close. You can even book a 1-day tour for Yala and Udawalawe National Park!

How to get to Udawalawe National Park

Most people stay at an eco-lodge or glamping option just outside the park in Udawalawe. However, it is possible to visit as a day trip from another place on the South Coast of Sri Lanka. The easiest way to get there is by hiring a private driver , but it is also possible to take local buses to the town of Udawalawe.

From Weligama: I arranged a day tour from Weligama while I was there on a surf camp , which meant we had to wake up at 5 am to for a three-hour drive to the park. On the flip side, I didn’t have to spend any money staying in the park. You could also take the bus here, but it would take much longer and several transfers (Weligama -> Mirissa -> Matara -> Embilipitiya -> Udawalawe).

From Colombo: Udawalawe national park is a five-hour drive from Colombo via public transit. There is a local bus that will take you there (#122, but always ask for most updated info), so if you get up bright and early from Colombo, you could make it for an afternoon safari. However, there would not be time to get back the same day, so you would have to stay nearby the park.

From Ella: To reach Udawalawe from Ella, you will have to take three busses (Ella -> Wellawaya -> Thanamalwila -> Udawalawe), so I would not recommend trying to fit in a safari on the same day as your travel. From Ella, you can take Sri Lanka train onwards to Nuwara Eliya or Kandy .

Udawalawe Hotels

There are plenty of hotel options to stay near Udawale National Park, including some pretty awesome looking tented safari camps right in the park.

How dreamy, sleeping next to the elephants! There are also some cheap guesthouses to stay at for less than $20/a night. I loved staying at guesthouses in Sri Lanka, the locals are so friendly and truly make you feel at home.

Find the best prices on accommodation in Udawalawe here. 

Udawalawe Safari Resort

Udawalawe National Park Entrance Fees + Safari Prices

The entrance fee to Udawalawe National Park is $15 USD per foreign adult or equivalent in Sri Lanka Rupees. For locals, the price is Rs. 60.00. Children are $8 USD.

You will need to book a jeep to take you on a safari through Udawalawe National Park. The price to rent a jeep is the same regardless of how many people you have in it, so it’s cost-effective to go with a larger group.

We organized the tour in advance through the surf school and paid 5,500LKR/30 USD each (we were a total of six people). The price included our entry ticket into Udawalawe, transportation back and forth from Weligama, and a private jeep. Like most things in Sri Lanka, always try to negotiate the price.

You can book your Udawalawe safari online in advance. You can also show up at the park and negotiate a jeep/guide there, which should cost you between $20-25 USD for a half-day safari, or between $45-65 USD for a full day safari. Tips for the driver are discretionary. We all tipped our driver as he was so knowledgeable about the animals and excellent at spotting them.

Udawalawe Opening Hours and Safari Timings

Udawalawe National Park is open between 6 am – 6 pm. The best time to visit the park is early in the morning or late in the afternoon as the animals are most active during this time. They tend to hide from the sun mid-day. 

If you stay near the park overnight, you can get up early for the first tours of the day, which will increase your chances of seeing wildlife. Plus, you’ll get to see a beautiful Sri Lanka sunrise. The timing of the safaris are usually 6-9 am and 3-6 pm.

Best time to visit Udawalawe National Park

Udawalawe National Park is open year-round, and whether you go in the wet or dry season, you will surely have a wonderful experience.

The dry season runs from May-September in this part of Sri Lanka. The dry season is a good time for safari because the lack of water means elephants will gather at the reservoirs, making them easy to spot. During the wet season, From October- April, the vegetation will be much lusher, and the chances to see baby elephants are significantly higher. Awww!

What to expect on a Udawalawe Safari

The safari jeeps are massive with open sides, so regardless of where you sit, you will have a good view of the surrounding scenery and wildlife. I was in the back of the jeep and still had amazing views.

You aren’t allowed to get outside of the vehicles (for safety), but they are huge, so there’s lots of room to move around and take photos.

Once you get inside the park, the jeep will drive to the ticket office so you can pay the park entrance fee. If you booked a tour and paid this in advance, the driver will just get the tickets for everyone.

The jeep ride through the park is bumpy and rough, so don’t expect a comfy ride. Learn from my mistakes and don’t eat a big breakfast beforehand 😛 With the excitement of finding the elephants, you will hardly notice after a while.

A half-day Udawalawe National Park Safari lasts about three hours long. During that time we saw a ton of wildlife, including many elephants. As a bonus, many of the elephants came close to the jeep to say hello. It’s an incredible experience to see them just hanging out being happy elephants in their natural habitat.

I was hoping to see the baby elephants on my safari, but it wasn’t the right season. All of the elephants we spotted were lone soldiers. In total, we saw six different elephants. Aside from the elephants, we saw water buffalo, crocodiles, lizards,  monkeys, and many types of birds, including eagles and peacocks.

At the end of the safari, we went to a watering hole where there were a ton of pelicans and water buffalo hanging out. It was such a beautiful and tranquil site to watch.

On top of all the incredible wildlife, the landscape of Udawalawe is beautiful. It was completely different than anywhere else I visited in Sri Lanka, it felt like we were on a safari in Africa.   The mountain ranges of Ella provide a stunning backdrop to the park.

Our safari guide was great at spotting wildlife and knowledgeable about the animals, giving us facts here and there. The guides seemed to have concern for the animals and conserving them, which was great to see.

Elephant Transit Home

After visiting Udawalawe national park, you can continue your elephant safari at the Elephant Transit home inside the park. Recognized as one of the best wild animal rehabilitation centers in the world, the elephant transit home takes care of orphaned elephant calves with the goal to return them to the wild. The home was established by the Department of Wildlife Conservation in Sri Lanka.

The elephant transit home is another great example of Sri Lanka’s efforts to protect its wildlife. You can visit the transit home and watch the baby elephants be fed from a viewing platform, which is a great way to support elephant conservation in the country.

What to bring on an Elephant Safari in Sri Lanka

• Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing. The REI Sahara Line is perfect.
• A camera with a zoom lens. It’s difficult to get good shots with a phone. I used my Sony A7 with a 24-240mm lens . Plus extra batteries and an SD card .
• Cash for the park entrance fee ($15 USD) + jeep/guide (20-25 USD for half-day/45-65 for a full-day).
• A reusable water bottle with lots of extra water (it gets hot in the park)!
• Sunscreen, Sunglasses, and Sunhat. If you have long hair, an elastic to put it up. The wind blows everything around and makes it tangly!
• Snacks. There aren’t places to purchase snacks and water once you’re inside the park.
• Pair of binoculars for spotting wildlife, especially if you are a birder!

Final Thoughts

While visiting Sri Lanka, don’t miss the opportunity to see the incredible Sri Lankan elephants on an elephant safari. An Udawalawe safari is an excellent choice to do so. It’s a wonderful experience to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat and should definitely be on your Sri Lanka bucket list!

Wondering where to go after Udawalawe National Park? Explore the gorgeous mountain town of Ella, or head North to Kandy . If you’re thinking about a trip to Sri Lanka, check out my Sri Lanka Posts for all the inspiration you need.

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Lora is a full-time digital nomad on a quest to visit every country in the world and pet as many dogs as she can along the way. Over the last 15 years, she has traveled to 70+ countries and six continents solo. She currently calls Puerto Vallarta, Mexico home and enjoys ending each day with sunset and tacos on the beach.

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I’d love to go on an elephant safari, seeing them roaming freely in their own environment – thanks for sharing this. 🤗

Visiting Udawalawe National Park: A Sri Lanka Safari

By: Author Wandermust Mummy

When we were travelling in Sri Lanka I knew I wanted to visit Udawalawe National Park. Udawalawe offers a Sri Lanka Safari to see one of my favourite animals – elephants. In this guide we round up all of our tips and tricks for visiting Udawalawe National Park in Sri Lanka. 

Important Note : This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click through and make a purchase I will make a small commission at no extra cost to you!

Table of Contents

Why Visit Udawalawe National Park for a Sri Lanka Safari

The attractions of Sri Lanka are almost endless from the beautiful tea plantations, fortified cities such as Galle , beautiful stretches of beaches and amazing food so why visit Udawalawe National Park for a Sri Lanka Safari? 

Udawalawe National Park might actually be the best place to see wild Asian elephants in the whole of Sri Lanka. What I loved about visiting Udawalawe is that you get to see Asian elephants in their natural habitat and protected from poachers. This isn’t a sanctuary but a national park that protects the elephants in their natural space which to me makes this the best type of elephant experience. 

How to Get to Udewalawe National Park 

Udewalawe National Park is easiest to visit if you are in the South of the Country. We were staying at the luxurious Buckingham Place Hotel just outside of Tangalle and our trip took less than one and a half hours. This is literally my favourite hotel in the world ( you can read our review here ) and can check rates and availability online here. Other great hotels in this region include the Anantara Tangalle and Shangri La Hambantota which is only an hour away from the park entrance. 

Where should I stay when visiting Udawalawe National Park?

While there are plenty of places to stay around Udawalawe National Park, we decided that as we were only spending a day in the park that we would stay in Tangalle at our favourite hotel – Buckingham Place – which was only about an hour and a half drive. 

However if you want to do more than one day in the park or want to get in for 6am for better bird watching then you should consider one of these properties as they are much closer and can get you into the park much earlier. 

What is the best time to visit Udawalawe National Park?

The great thing about Udawalawe National Park in comparison to say Yala National Park where you can also do a Sri Lanka Safari is that you can visit all year round. (Yala is usually closed for 6 weeks iso from September). There are however depending on what you want to see will dictate what the best time to visit Udawalawe National Park is. 

The best time for seeing birds at Udawalawe is in the mornings or at dusk. This is the same for birdwatching anywhere in the world as this is when birds are most easily spotted. If you want to see the migrant birds that pass through Udawalawe on their migrations then you should look at the November to March period. 

If you are looking for the best time to see elephants you are better traveling during the dry season which runs from May – September in Sri Lanka. We went in September and had the perfect conditions for seeing elephants. And while elephants can be seen during anytime of day in Sri Lanka they say late afternoon into early evening can bring more elephants out to the water. 

How much does it cost to visit Udawalawe National Park?

As we were only doing a day trip to Udawalawe National Park, our hotel arranged for a driver to take us and pick us up from the park but he waited outside of the park. Once we were at the park we hired a driver and spotter who would actually take us on our Sri Lanka safari. On top fo the cost of the driver and spotter you pay for park entrance separately. 

It is possible to get your skip the line entrance to Udawalawe online in advance – click here for purchasing information . It is also possible to book your private Sri Lanka safari tour in advance here! 

What will you see on an Udawalawe Safari?

On an Udalwalwe Safari you are almost guaranteed to see elephants and this was the main reason we went to Udawalawe. However there are plenty of other wildlife to spot in the park including: 

• Leopards – this is not guaranteed and harder to spot that in Yala but there are leopards in this national park. 
• Water Buffalo
• Sri Lanka Axis Deer
• Crocodiles 
• Birds (depending on the time of year depends on the variety of birds you will i.e. endemic vs migratory). 

Our experience at Udawalawe National Park

So off we went. We had literally been in the park for four minutes when we came across our first elephant. He was more than happy to put on a show, showering himself with water right next to our car. If I had been worried about not seeing elephants, ten minutes inside the park had dispelled any concerns. We must have seen about 50 elephants during our 4 hours in the park. My personal favourite was watching a family of elephants heading into a pool of water to cool off in the midday sun. I couldn’t have asked for a better shot!

On our trip around Udewalawe – we never saw another car and felt like we were really alone with nature. A big shout out has to go to our guides whose eagle eyes caught things we never would have. Other than elephant we saw numerous birds, and I am sure if we had got there earlier in the morning we would have seen even more.

Unfortunately we didn’t see any leopards which are notoriously difficult to spot – but I will certainly be returning for another shot!

What to Wear to Udawalawe National Park / What to Pack

As with any safari neutral colours are definitely the best for a safari. I opted to wear my hiking trousers which have a zip to convert them into shorts depending on the heat of the day and persistence of the bugs.

On that note, definitely take your bug spray with you as there can be a lot in the park. We also packed sun cream even though the jeep had a roof and were glad we did. 

Hiking boots aren’t necessary for visiting Udawalawe National Park as there isn’t really anywhere you can get out of your car but I would still recommend closed toe shoes. 

Of course you won’t want to be forgetting your camera as you will have it out constantly. 

FAQ About Visiting Udawalawe National Park for a Sri Lanka Safari

Udawalawe or yala – why we chose to do our sri lanka safari at udawalawe.

When were looking at possible trips to see elephants in Sri Lanka we were looking at visiting either Udawalawe or Yala National Park. We eventually decided on Udewalawe for a number of reasons. Firstly we had heard that Yala, was the more popular in terms of number of tourists and sometimes you could be fighting with a number of other jeeps to get close to wildlife. Also the main reason we wanted to do a Sri Lanka safari was to see elephants and elephants are easier to see at Udawalawe versus Yala. However if leopards are what you are trying to spot then Yala might be a better choice however a leopard spotting is never guaranteed. 

Also please note that Yala normally closers for around 6 weeks a year (normally around September) so if Yala is where you are wanting to go be sure it is open before booking. 

Are there leopards in Udawalawe?

Yes there are leopards in Udawalawe however they are extremely difficult to spot and a sighting can not be guaranteed. 

Can you Visit Udawalawe National Park with Kids

We visit Udawalawe National Park before we had kids however I think Udawalawe National Park with kids would be a great experience. The park isn’t the largest in Sri Lanka and many safaris are only half days (around 3 hours) perfect for children with short attention spans making this a great place to visit in Sri Lanka with kids . 

Children under five enter the park for free which is an added bonus. 

Looking for more Sri Lanka inspiration? Then why not check out our guide to Galle or check out the best place to stay

Wednesday 18th of October 2017

This looks wonderful. Elephants are just so beautiful. definitely adding this to our list

Erin Gustafson

Tuesday 25th of October 2016

I love this! Have always been a HUGE elephant fan and I love the idea of getting up close and personal without a million tourists (ok, slight dramatics). But this sounds so cool and I want to see Sri Lanka - so thank you for sharing! Can't wait to see where you take us this week for #FarawayFiles, cheers from Croatia right now! Erin

Wandermust Mummy

Wednesday 26th of October 2016

It was fabulous I can't offer enough praise for Sri Lanka

Corey with fifi + hop

Who knew there was Elephant day?! But I guess there's a day for everything. Your trip looks incredible and I would love to go to Sri Lanka some day. I've heard nothing but amazing things about it. #farawayfiles

There does seem to be a day for everything lol! Sri Lanka is an amazing country

Clare (Suitcases and Sandcastles)

Friday 21st of October 2016

I'm very keen to do an elephant safari in Sri Lanka so great to read this! How wonderful that you didn't meet any other vehicles - but saw plenty of elephants! Sounds like the perfect wildlife experience. Thanks so much for linking up to #FarawayFiles

It was amazing. Elephants are my favourite animal so it was such a special experience for me

Katy Clarke

Thursday 20th of October 2016

We did the Yala safari pre babies. I absolutely loved Sri Lanka and watching all the wildlife in the park. Elephants are my favourite animal so I would have been desperately disappointed if we didn't see any. We only saw a few but got very close up to some which was amazing. We also saw a leopard so maybe you need to go back to Sri Lanka and try Yala too! Thanks for the memories on #FarawayFiles

I don't think udewalawe has many leapards and we didn't see any. Would love to return to Sri Lanka one day

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Udawalawe National Park

Discovering the Wild Charm of Udawalawe National Park

Nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka, amidst the boundary of Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces, lies the enchanting Udawalawe National Park. This verdant paradise, established in 1972, spans across 308.21 square kilometers, offering sanctuary to a rich tapestry of flora and fauna. Its creation aimed to provide a haven for wildlife displaced by the construction of the Udawalawe Reservoir on the Walawe River, and today, it stands as a testament to nature’s resilience and beauty.

A Sanctuary for Elephants and More

Udawalawe is synonymous with elephants. The park is a critical habitat for over 250 Sri Lankan elephants, a sight that captivates and enchants visitors. The open habitats provide unparalleled opportunities to observe these majestic creatures in their natural environment, offering a glimpse into their daily lives, from gentle giants leisurely grazing to mothers tenderly caring for their calves.

But the park’s wonders don’t stop with elephants. It’s a biodiversity hotspot, housing the Sri Lankan leopard, rusty-spotted cat, and the Sri Lankan sloth bear, though sighting these elusive creatures requires luck and timing. The avian life is equally spectacular, with endemic species like the Sri Lanka spurfowl and the Sri Lanka grey hornbill gracing the skies, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise.

Flora: A Tapestry of Green

The park’s flora is a testament to Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity, with endemic species like Hopea cordifolia and Terminalia arjuna adorning the landscape. The grasslands and wetlands intertwine, creating a mosaic of habitats that support the park’s diverse wildlife. Trees such as Chloroxylon swietenia and Vitex pinnata tower overhead, while medicinal plants and grass species carpet the ground, sustaining the park’s herbivorous inhabitants.

Safari Adventures: An Encounter with the Wild

Embarking on a safari in Udawalawe is an adventure of a lifetime. Visitors can choose between full-day and half-day safaris, with early morning or dusk excursions offering the best chances to witness the park’s inhabitants in action. Whether it’s the sight of elephants by the water or the myriad of birds that call this place home, a safari here is a journey into the heart of the wild.

Safari Logistics:

• Duration: Half-day safaris last approximately 3 hours, ideal for those with young children or limited time.
• Guide Selection: Choosing a reputable safari guide is crucial for a memorable experience. Reviews and recommendations can help ensure you select a guide who respects the wildlife and environment.
• Costs: Safari costs vary, including private jeep hire and park entrance fees. As of the latest updates, entrance fees are $25 per adult and $15 per child, with additional charges for jeeps and overnight stays. It’s advisable to check the latest fees before planning your visit.

Tips for a Smooth Safari:

• Use facilities before departure; the park has limited amenities.
• Consider an animal spotting list to keep young adventurers engaged.
• Early morning safaris offer cooler temperatures and active wildlife.

Accommodation and Preparation

Surrounding Udawalawe, a variety of accommodations cater to every preference, from rustic lodges to luxurious retreats, ensuring visitors can find a comfortable base to explore the park. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons.

Conservation Efforts and Visitor Impact

Udawalawe’s beauty and biodiversity are preserved through diligent conservation efforts, including the management of the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, which rehabilitates orphaned elephant calves. Visitors play a crucial role in conservation by respecting wildlife, following park guidelines, and supporting eco-friendly practices.

Embracing the Wild

Udawalawe National Park is a testament to the beauty of Sri Lanka’s natural world, offering visitors an unforgettable journey into the wild. Its commitment to conservation and the protection of its inhabitants makes every visit a contribution to the preservation of this magnificent ecosystem. Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher, wildlife enthusiast, or simply seeking an escape into nature, Udawalawe promises an experience that resonates with the soul, reminding us of the intricate connections that bind us to the natural world.

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Google reviews.

Stephen Suley

I took a three hour safari and had the most amazing time. The tour began at 3 PM and it was exactly the right amount of time. With only a short 10 minute drive from my hotel to the park entrance I was looking at wildlife within 15 minutes of it beginning. The driver was knowledgable and friendly. He was very capable And well adapted at finding the animals and stopping in the perfect location to get the best view. I would highly recommend going on safari at this location particularly for the sunset time

Guaranteed to see lots of elephants! We saw probably around 40 elephants, lots of peacocks, birds, spotted deers, lizards and some crocodiles, mongoose, storks. The park was very busy in the morning, would recommend doing a half day safari rather just the standard 3 hours as the park was much quieter from 10am to 12 Can pay entry fee by credit card

We had a wonderful few hours adventuring here with Crocodile Safaris. When we first drove in, I didn’t have high expectations. We immediately encountered a number of elephants and the cynic in me thought they were being coached to hang out there. But as we headed deeper into the park, getting off the beaten track, we were blown away. Our driver was so sharp eyed, he spotted elephants, birds, a fox and he even stopped to point out a chameleon! It took a while for us to see it! But the best of all, seeing the baby elephant feeding from its mama. What a surreal magical moment. This place connects you to nature. You can come with a list of things you want to see and possibly disappointed, or you can relish visiting a place where animals have more freedom to roam and enjoy seeing whoever happens to cross your path.

Piotr Wranicz

It is the best place in the country and the region to see wild elephants. You can come pretty close. Avoid large tourists groups. We have found experienced local jeep driver with excellent knowledge.

Sanduni Hansika jayawardhana

It is a place with peace for animals to spend the time. But it is also a huge tourism place for Safari ridings and other things.Very famous among sri lankan and foreign travelers .You can see 2 types of elephants available in sri lanka and other animals.

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UDAWALAWE NATIONAL PARK – SAFARI IN SRI LANKA

Last Updated on May 8, 2022 by asoulwindow

Table of Contents

For wildlife buffs, Udawalawe National Park holds an unshakable and fierce fascination that they are drawn towards it, come rain or shine. On the borders of Sabaragamuwa and Uba Provinces, Udawalawe is one of the most famous wildlife places in Sri Lanka. Being the third-largest national park in Sri Lanka, the park has the highest density of elephants in Asia. Udawalawe National Park safari is one of the best ways to explore the affluent wildlife. Sprawls over an extensive area of 30,821 hectares of land, Udawalawe is one of the best places in the world to spot elephants . In addition, Udawalawe park also serves as the dwelling land of numerous other wild creatures like sloth bear , leopard, Indian muntjac, spotted chevrotain, water buffalo and more. Various feather creatures like red-faced malkoha and many more also found here in Udawalawe.

How to Reach Udawalawe National Park

Udawalawe is located some 164 km south of Colombo . From Colombo, it’s a 3-4 hours drive to Udawalawe. From Ella to Udawalwe , the distance is 94 km, which can be covered through 1-2 hour drive. The park is also well-connected with Hill Country. The distance between the two is 218 km, which takes 5-6 hours to complete.

If hiring a cab/taxi is an expensive mean, you can choose the direct buses that ply from Colombo. However, there is no direct bus from Ella and Hill Country.

Safari Timings:

To promote wildlife tourism in Sri Lanka , the park organizes a jeep and elephant safari tour. The tours start at 6 in the morning and end at 6 in the evening. The morning game drive begins at 6:00 AM and ends at 10:00 AM. Whereas, the evening drive starts at 3:00 PM and concludes at 6:00 PM.

Safari Fee:

A 3-hour Udawalawe safari price is 3500 Sri Lankan Rupees. In addition, you will also have to pay an entrance fee, which differs for both locals and foreign nationals.

• Day Visit: 60 Rs
• Overnight Visit: 120 Rs per day
• Two visits during daylight hours: 100 Rs per day
• Day Visit: 15 USD
• Overnight Visit: 30 USD per day
• Two Visits during daylight hours: 25 USD per day
• Day Visit: 30 Rs
• Overnight Visit: 60 Rs per day
• Two Visits during daylight hours: 60 Rs per day
• Day Visit: 8 USD
• Overnight Visit: 16 USD per day
• Two Visits during daylight hours: 12 USD per day

In total the whole trip was around $45 USD. This was worth every penny to see that the animals are in their natural habitat and are being taken care of respectfully.

What to Expect at Udawalawe National Park

There is so much to explore in Udawalawe that a single visit isn’t enough to satiate your evergreen curiosity of exploring wildlife in Sri Lanka. You can expect to capture the sights of hundreds of peacocks either scurrying around in the bushes or perched high on the branches of trees. Not just this, different bird species like red-faced malkoha, grey hornbill, Sri Lankan junglefowl , and more are resides in the biodiversity of Udawalawe National Park. There is a reservoir in the vicinity of the park where you can see crocodiles and buffaloes. But, above all that, Sri Lankan elephants are the main attraction of the Udawalawe tour . The park is home to more than 600 male and female elephants. Since this place has such a high density of elephants, the chances of spotting the big creatures are even higher.

Game Drive in Udawalawe National Park

The best time to do a jeep safari in Udawalawe is early morning. With the sight of the rising sun, the wildlife of Udawalawe seems to be gorgeous as ever. But for that, you have to wake up around 5 in the morning and leave your room at around 5:30 AM. On arriving at the gate of the park, you will see the number of jeeps already in the queue and some are even behind you. The entry process takes around 20 minutes to complete, but it is all worth it. Once you enter the park, the driver will take you on its own track, away from the other jeeps. For a few miles, you have to undergo a bumpy ride, but once you go deeper into the park, the road gets smooth. The entire game drive takes around 3-4 hours.

Where to Stay in Udawalawe National Park

Apart from just exploring the park, if you wish to spend a few days in the lap of nature and wildlife, then it’s important that you choose the best Udawalawe National Park accommodation . There are plenty of wildlife lodges, resorts, and hotels in Udawalawe that are known to serve the most comfortable and cozy stay to their guests. The list of accommodation options in Udawalawe incorporates some popular names like:

• Royal Tusker Hotel

Address: Thanamalvila Rd, Sri Lanka

• Sandalwood Cottage

Address: 96 mile post, kolombage ara, Sri Lanka

• Hantara Udawalawe

Address: Walawegama Rd, Udawalawa, Sri Lanka

• Sunwin River Cabana

Address: C.E.D Place Modara road Walawegama Udawalawa, Embilipitiya 70190, Sri Lanka

• Jungle Paradise

Address: 2066 1/2, Ekamuthugama, Usweliara, Udawalawa 70190, Sri Lanka

However, I would personally recommend you to go for camping for a unique experience. There are a number of options for camping in Udawalawe. Amidst the affluent flora and fauna of the jungle , on the banks of a river , camping is undoubtedly a delight for every wildlife buff visiting Udawalawe National Park. Big Game Camp, The Yala Camping, Mahoora Tented Safari Camp Udawalawe, Border Camping are some renowned options if you are looking to enjoy a stay in a camp.

Where to Book an Udawalawe Safari Tour

The best way to book a safari Udawalawe National Park jeep safari or elephant safari tour is through your accommodation when you arrive at the park. If you want to avoid any hassle, you can also book the tour online beforehand. However, make sure you choose the best and the most authentic site to book your Sri Lanka safari tour . The biggest advantage you get while booking through accommodation is the convenient rates. Since a jeep accommodates 6-8 people at a time, hence, the entrance fee of the jeep is shared amongst all the people who are also touring the park through the same accommodation. Do let us know your experience in Udawalawe.

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We absolutely loved Udawalawe! We saw so much wildlife. We were really hoping to see some leapords but weren’t so lucky. Just make sure you sign up with a decent tour company. We were lucky enough to see wild elephants on the road between Tangalle and Arugam bay. Thanks for posting!

Great. Happy to read about your experience. That’s what makes wildlife unique. Everyone has a different story to tell. Keep traveling. 😊

Thanks for giving all the details.. This year end am planning a trip to Sri Lanka.. Will surely try this

Udawalawe National Park looks so beautiful. I would love to go on a wildlife safari and try to spot the Sri Lankan elephants and Crocodiles. Loved the useful tips you have included for first-time travellers 🙂

I was planning for a trip to Sri Lanka in December have to include Udawalawe National Park in my itinerary… Excited to visit this place and sight elephants in the wild

Wow this place looks simply wonderful! I would love to visit some day!

I so want to visit Udawalawe now, one of the best places in the world to spot elephants. I can’t imagine how exciting it would be 🤩

Yes. It’s full of surprises. You must visit.

Sri Lanka is in my list since long, even this year I also planned for it but unfortunately the bombing part dismissed the plan. Hopefully next year soon.

Yes. Do plan. Let terrorism not dwindle our urge to travel. Many of my friends visited Sri Lanka after the bombings and loved the country.

Udawalawe National Park looks like a lovely place to visit in Sri Lanka. I would definitely want to have a camping experience there. Will keep this place in mind while visiting Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka in itself is so pristine. Udawalawe Safari Tour seems like a must-do on one’s visit to Sri Lanka, bookmarking it for when I travel there!

Yes, I enjoyed Sri Lanka more than I had expected. You must explore the major National Parks of SL.

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I have never been a travel freak so far but this post is making me come out of my zone and travel! I absolutely loved it, looking forward to more such posts!

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Eagle Safari Family Bungalow

View prices for your travel dates

i have safari service.We arrange Jeep Safari tour national park for our guests,

choice between 2 time schedules.morning:5.30am till 9.30am,evening: 2.00pm till 6.00pm,

Please be aware that many people will probably try to offer you,

safari trips for big commissions prior to arriving to our guest house,

We are looking forward to welcoming you very soon with the

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" Read all the reviews before you step in! They will be good if you spend money on safari with them! "

" Go somewhere else if you want to save money on the safari tour as they will charge a lot more. Will not let you stay at their accommodation "

" We had a wonderful safari with a very nice guide who was also a jeep driver. "

" As far as i know, all the rooms are pretty big. no trouble with neighbours or a busy road. So no worries. "

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EAGLE SAFARI FAMILY BUNGALOW - Prices & Lodge Reviews (Sri Lanka/Udawalawe National Park)