Sabaragamuwa & Uva Provinces, Sri Lanka
Udawalawe National Park Safari
The most reliable place in Sri Lanka to see wild elephant herds, on your own private jeep safari.
About the park
Elephant country
by a great reservoir
Udawalawe National Park protects the open grassland and scrub around the Udawalawe reservoir, where the hill country meets the southern plains. It is the most reliable place in Sri Lanka to see wild elephants, with family herds and young calves seen on almost every safari, in every month of the year.
A Udawalawe National Park safari is also excellent for birds of prey, bee-eaters and peacocks, while water buffalo, crocodiles and spotted deer gather near the water. Just outside the park, the Elephant Transit Home cares for orphaned calves before returning them to the wild. Udawalawe sits on the way between Ella and the south coast, so it is easy to fit into almost any route.
Comparing parks? See our guide to national parks in Sri Lanka, or browse our Sri Lanka safari packages.
Inside the park
How Udawalawe
is laid out
Udawalawe covers around 300 square kilometres along the Walawe river. Safaris start from the main entrance on the Embilipitiya–Thanamalwila road, and the tracks are open and easy to drive, so even a half-day safari covers a lot of ground.
The grassland
Wide open plains where elephant herds graze in the open, so sightings are close and easy to photograph.
The reservoir
A large lake on the Walawe river that draws elephants, buffalo, crocodiles and waterbirds, especially in the afternoon.
Scrub and old teak
Patches of thorny scrub and old teak plantations where you may spot jackals, mongooses and birds of prey.
Animals to look for
Herds, calves
and wild birds
Elephant herds
Family groups with calves feed in the open grassland, often just a few metres from the jeep.
Birds of prey
Crested serpent eagles, hawk eagles and colourful bee-eaters perch along the tracks.
Reservoir life
Water buffalo, crocodiles, spotted deer and waterbirds gather around the lake.
Safari times
Udawalawe National Park safari times
The park is usually open from about 6 am to 6 pm. Every Udawalawe National Park safari we run is in your own private jeep with an experienced safari driver.
6:00 – 11:30 amMorning
Morning safari
Cool, calm and great for birds, with elephants feeding out in the grassland.
2:00 – 6:00 pmAfternoon · our pick
Afternoon safari
Herds come out into the open and down to the water, and the evening light is beautiful.
6:00 am – 6:00 pmFull day
Full-day safari
For keen photographers who want to explore the whole park at an easy pace.
Times are approximate, and we confirm everything when you book.
Book a Udawalawe National Park safari
Three ways to
book your Udawalawe safari
Every safari is private, with hotel pickup and an itemised quote. Pick the option that fits where you are staying, then message us on WhatsApp.
01
US$60 half day
US$120 full day
Per jeep · 1–6 people · full day includes a meal and refreshments · park tickets extra
Local Udawalawe safari
Staying near the park? Our Udawalawe safari booking includes your private 4×4 jeep and driver, with pickup from your hotel. Park entrance tickets are paid at the gate.
- Pickup from hotels around Udawalawe and Embilipitiya
- Choose a dawn, afternoon or all-day session
- Easy to add a visit to the Elephant Transit Home
02
From US$150
Car 1–3 people US$150 · van 4–7 people US$200 · jeep and tickets extra
Udawalawe tours from Colombo
Three ways to see Udawalawe from Colombo or Negombo:
- Day tour – 9:00 am pickup, an afternoon safari and back at your hotel by about 9:00 pm. See our Udawalawe safari from Colombo.
- 1 night near Udawalawe – afternoon safari, a hotel by the park, then a morning safari the next day.
- On the way south or to Ella – add Udawalawe to your transfer and keep travelling.
03
Price on request
Pickup anywhere in Sri Lanka
Pickup from your hotel
Coming from Ella, Yala, Mirissa or anywhere on your route? Tell us your hotel and dates and we will plan the transfer and safari.
- Pickup from your hotel on the way
- Combine with Yala or Bundala in one of our Sri Lanka safari packages
- Add a night near the park if you wish
Park tickets are charged per person, plus vehicle fees and taxes, and are listed separately in your quote. Pay on the day of the tour or in full in advance. Free cancellation until 24 hours before pickup.
Around Udawalawe
Worth adding
to your trip
Udawalawe sits between the hill country and the south coast, so it pairs well with a few days in Ella, a safari in Yala or time on the beach.
Elephant Transit Home
Watch orphaned baby elephants being fed at set times each day before they are returned to the wild. It is just outside the park.
Where to stay
Bases for
your Udawalawe safari
Udawalawe village
Small hotels and safari lodges a few minutes from the gate, ideal for an early start.
Embilipitiya
A busy town about 20 minutes away with more hotels and restaurants.
On your route
Many travellers stay in Ella or Tissamaharama and visit Udawalawe on the way.
We can book your hotel as part of your trip, or arrange pickup from wherever you are staying.
Travel tips
Tips for a better
Udawalawe safari
Go any month
Udawalawe is good all year, so it is a safe choice whatever your travel dates.
Try the afternoon
Herds often come out to the water later in the day, with softer light for photos.
Pack light
A hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, water and a camera. The open grassland can be hot and bright.
Wildlife first
Stay in the jeep, keep a respectful distance and never feed animals.
FAQs
Your Udawalawe questions
When is the best time for a Udawalawe National Park safari?
Udawalawe is good all year. Elephants are seen on almost every safari, in every season, which makes it one of the most reliable parks in Sri Lanka.
How long is a Udawalawe National Park safari?
A half-day safari lasts about four to five hours, in the morning or afternoon. A full-day safari runs from about 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.
How many elephants live in Udawalawe?
Several hundred elephants live in and around the park, and herds of different sizes are seen on most safaris.
Can I visit the Elephant Transit Home?
Yes. It is just outside the park and has set feeding times each day for watching the orphaned calves. We can time your safari around it.
How far is Udawalawe from Colombo?
About 3.5 to 4 hours by road via the Southern Expressway, and about 2.5 hours from Ella.
Can I combine Udawalawe with Yala?
Yes. Yala is about 2 hours away, so many travellers do an elephant safari in Udawalawe and a leopard safari in Yala on the same trip.
Can NH Lanka Holidays arrange a private trip to Udawalawe?
Yes. NH Lanka Holidays is a licensed, Sri Lankan-owned tour operator based in Negombo. We arrange the jeep, park tickets and hotel pickup, or include Udawalawe in a longer private tour. You can pay on the day of the tour or in full in advance, and cancellation is free until 24 hours before pickup.
Nearby: Yala National Park · Ella · Bundala National Park · Wilpattu National Park · All national parks in Sri Lanka
Ready when you are
Plan your Udawalawe safari
with local experts
Tell us your dates and where you are staying. Our Negombo-based team will reply within 24 hours.