‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
Banner img

Udawalawe National Park

Colombo

Sri Lanka
Udawalawe National Park
Banner img

Udawalawe National Park

Udawalawe National Park is considered to be the most recognizable wildlife park in Sri Lanka, which is characterised by massive herds of wild elephants and open savannah-like areas. Located throughout the Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces, the park boasts vast grasslands, shining lakes and beautiful forests that give the participants of the travel the true safari experience. It is a haven of nature lovers and wildlife photographers, as its rich ecosystem sustains crocodiles, deer, buffaloes, leopards and over 180 species of birds.

The Udawalawe Reservoir is a picturesque scene that makes any safari trip even more beautiful. The park is not associated with jungles like the dense jungles since the terrain is free and easy to view the animals, particularly the elephants, which roam around their natural habitat. The most appropriate method to see the wilderness is through morning and evening jeep safaris that are accompanied by trained guides that assist the visitors in sighting animals at a close distance. Having the rugged beauty and great wildlife, Udawalawe is bound to give a memorable view of the wild Sri Lankan side.
Top Selling Sri Lanka Tour Packages

Get Best Deals Today!

img

6 Days 5 Nights

6 Days Sri Lanka Honeymoon Trip: Sunsets, Temples and Togetherness

3

Hotels

24*7 Support

Kandy, 2N

Bentota, 2N

Colombo, 1N

Kandy, 2N

Bentota, 2N

+1

Starts from

₹34,999

img

9 Days 8 Nights

Ultimate 9 Days Couples Trip to Sri Lanka

3

Hotels

24*7 Support

Pinnawala, 1N

Sigiriya, 1N

Trincomalee, 1N

Kandy, 1N

Nuwara Eliya, 1N

Ella, 1N

Yala National Park, 1N

Bentota, 1N

Pinnawala, 1N

Sigiriya, 1N

+6

Starts from

₹49,999

img

7 Days 6 Nights

Classic 7 Days Couples Sri Lanka Trip

Upto 4

Hotels

24*7 Support

Sigiriya, 1N

Kandy, 2N

Bentota, 2N

Colombo, 1N

Sigiriya, 1N

Kandy, 2N

+2

Starts from

₹41,999

Best time to visit
The best time to visit Udawalawe is during early mornings and late afternoons. Early mornings (around sunrise) offer cooler weather, active wildlife, and excellent elephant sightings. Late afternoons, closer to sunset, are ideal for spotting animals near waterholes as they gather to drink and feed. Midday is the least preferred time due to heat and reduced animal movement. Visiting during safari hours, 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM or 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, ensures the best viewing experience.

How to reach Udawalawe National Park
  • By Car: The most convenient option is driving from Colombo, taking the Southern Expressway toward Embilipitiya, and continuing to Udawalawe (approx. 4–5 hours).
  • By Train: Take a train to Ella or Matara, then hire a taxi or local bus to reach Udawalawe, as there is no direct rail station near the park.
  • By Foot: The park cannot be reached or explored on foot due to wildlife. Visitors must enter through the main gate and explore only by authorised jeep safaris with a guide.

Opening hours

Suggested Duration - 3 Hours
Mon06:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Tue06:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Wed06:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Thu06:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Fri06:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Sat06:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Sun06:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Highlights of Udawalawe National Park
  • Elephant Safaris: See big groups of wild elephants at work in the plains.
  • Birdwatching Paradise: Eagles, peacocks, hornbills, and rare migratory birds.
  • Scenic Landscapes: There are scenic landscapes such as wide plains, lakes, and forests that are ideal for safari photography.
  • Close-Range Safaris: It has open jeeps that provide the close-up sight of the wildlife at close quarters.
  • Udawalawe Reservoir: It is a serene place where the animals come and quench their thirst.

Point of Interests!

Jeep Safaris

Jeep Safaris

The best method of seeing Udawalawe National Park is the jeep safaris. You go deep into the wildlife areas accompanied by professional drivers and guides, where they come across herds of elephants, deer, crocodiles and birds. The open-top jeeps enable good sightseeing in terms of photography and spo

Tips to visit Udawalawe National Park
  • Select morning or evening safaris as the most favourable when it comes to wildlife views.
  • Reserve official jeep drivers and stay away from unofficial drivers.
  • Bring a pair of field glasses, sunscreen, hats and water.
  • Maintain silence near animals and avoid sudden movements.
  • Don’t feed or disturb wildlife at any cost.
  • Wear earth-toned clothing to blend with surroundings.
  • Carry cash, as card facilities are limited.
  • Pre-book stays during weekends and holidays.

Want the best Sri Lanka package, handpicked just for you?

Share your travel needs and our travel experts will reach out to you.

Explore Sri Lanka

Ready to start planning?

Explore Sri Lanka

Frequently Asked Questions for Sri Lanka

It is approximately 45 minutes to 60 minutes by car to Colombo or the closest cities, such as Ella/Matara, by train and then taxi/bus.

The common ones include elephants, crocodiles, spotted deer, buffaloes, jackals, monkeys, and various species of birds. Even the visitors who are lucky can see a leopard.

Admittedly, there are guided jeep tours with trained naturalists at the entrance of the park or at hotels.

The average time taken in most safaris is between 3 and 4 hours, either in the morning or late afternoon.

Udawalawe is indeed a place at the top of the list of closest encounters with wildlife elephants in Sri Lanka.

Yes, there are a number of eco-lodges, resorts and guesthouses at the gates of the park.

Nearby Attractions

Bundala National Park

The Best of Sri Lanka

Festivals in Sri LankaTemples in Sri LankaWaterfalls in Sri Lanka Sri Lanka BeachesThings to do in Sri LankaNational Parks in Sri LankaSri Lanka Visa For IndiansPlaces to visit in Sri LankaPlaces to Visit in Sri Lanka with FamilyHoneymoon Places in Sri LankaFamous Food in Sri LankaNight Activities in Sri Lanka

Best International Tour Packages

France Tour PackagesBali Tour PackagesCroatia Tour PackagesGreece Tour PackagesSingapore Tour PackagesSwitzerland Tour PackagesTurkey Tour PackagesAustralia Tour PackagesAustria Tour PackagesCzech Republic Tour PackagesDubai Tour PackagesFinland Tour PackagesHungary Tour PackagesIceland Tour PackagesNetherlands Tour PackagesNew Zealand Tour PackagesNorway Tour PackagesPoland Tour PackagesGermany Tour PackagesVietnam Tour PackagesItaly Tour PackagesMauritius Tour PackagesThailand Tour PackagesMalaysia Tour PackagesKenya Tour PackagesJapan Tour PackagesDenmark Tour PackagesSweden Tour PackagesSpain Tour PackagesIndia Tour PackagesMexico Tour PackagesPortugal Tour PackagesMaldives Tour PackagesSouth Africa Tour PackagesPhilippines Tour PackagesUnited Kingdom Tour PackagesFiji Tour PackagesEurope Tour PackagesSeychelles Tour Packages