Udawalawe
Your complete travel guide to Udawalawe, Sri Lanka — discover the best things to do, where to stay, and how to get there.
About Udawalawe
Udawalawe National Park is the best place in Sri Lanka to see wild elephants in their natural habitat. Unlike the seasonal gathering at Minneriya, Udawalawe offers reliable year-round elephant sightings with herds of 100+ animals commonly spotted.
The park surrounds the Udawalawe Reservoir, creating a landscape of grasslands, scrub jungle, and waterways that elephants love. On a typical safari, you'll see dozens of elephants including mothers with babies, playful juveniles, and magnificent tuskers.
Beyond elephants, the park is home to water buffalo, sambar deer, crocodiles, and over 200 bird species. While it lacks Yala's leopards, the quality and frequency of elephant encounters make Udawalawe a must-visit for wildlife lovers. The nearby Elephant Transit Home cares for orphaned calves before releasing them to the wild.
Best Time to Visit
Year-round — Elephants can be seen throughout the year. Dry season (May-September) concentrates animals near water. Early morning and late afternoon safaris are best.
Quick Facts
Best Time
Year-round
Min. Days
1-2 days
From Colombo
4-5 hours
Known For
Wild elephants, national park, transit home
Things to Do in Udawalawe
Udawalawe National Park Safari
The main attraction - 30,800 hectares of elephant paradise. Expect to see 50-100+ elephants per safari, plus water buffalo, deer, and birds.
Tip: Morning (6 AM) and afternoon (3 PM) safaris are best. Elephants gather at water in dry season.
Elephant Transit Home
Orphanage and rehabilitation center for baby elephants. Watch feeding time (9 AM, 12 PM, 3 PM, 6 PM) before they're released to the wild.
Tip: Arrive 30 minutes before feeding. This is ethical - elephants are rehabilitated for release, not entertainment.
Udawalawe Reservoir
Large reservoir surrounded by mountains. Good for birdwatching and scenic views. Created in the 1960s, it now supports the park ecosystem.
Mahapalessa Hot Springs
Natural hot springs about 40 km from Udawalawe. Local bathing spot with mineral-rich waters.
Getting to Udawalawe
By Bus
Buses from Colombo via Ratnapura. Also reachable from Ella or south coast.
By Taxi/Car
Easy stop between hill country and south coast beaches.
Getting Around Udawalawe
Safari jeeps are the main transport - arranged through hotels or at the park entrance. Tuk-tuks for nearby attractions.
Where to Stay in Udawalawe
Hostels & Budget
- Athgira River Camping$
Mid-Range Hotels
- Big Game Camp$$
- Centauria Wild$$
Boutique Hotels
- Kalu's Hideaway$$
Luxury Hotels
- Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort$$$
Where to Eat in Udawalawe
- Hotel restaurants(Sri Lankan)$$
- Local eateries near entrance(Local)$
Udawalawe FAQs
Will I definitely see elephants at Udawalawe?
Yes! Udawalawe has the most reliable elephant sightings in Sri Lanka. Expect to see 50-100+ elephants on a typical safari, year-round.
Is Udawalawe better than Yala for wildlife?
For elephants, yes - Udawalawe is the best. Yala is better for leopards and overall wildlife variety. Many visitors do both parks.
What time is best for safari at Udawalawe?
Early morning (6 AM start) or late afternoon (3 PM start). Animals are most active and the light is beautiful. Midday is too hot.
Is the Elephant Transit Home ethical?
Yes, it's considered ethical. Unlike some elephant "orphanages," the transit home rehabilitates orphaned elephants for release back to the wild, with minimal human interaction.
External Resources
Learn more about Udawalawe from these authoritative sources: