Udawalawe National Park

About

Udawalawe National Park lies across the boundary of Sri Lanka’s Sabaragamuwa and Uva Provinces. It was declared in 1972 to protect wildlife displaced by the creation of the Udawalawe Reservoir and to safeguard the reservoir’s catchment.

The park covers about 30,800 hectares of grassland, scrub, forest, wetlands, and reservoir shores. Its open landscape often makes animals easier to observe than in parks with thick forest, although every safari is different and no sighting can be guaranteed.

Wild Asian elephants are the main attraction. Visitors may also see water buffalo, spotted deer, sambar, wild boar, monkeys, jackals, and crocodiles. Leopards live in the park but are rarely seen. The reservoir and surrounding wetlands also attract water birds, raptors, and Sri Lankan dry-zone species.

Highlights

• Look for wild Asian elephants moving through open grassland and scrub.

• Enjoy wide views across the Udawalawe Reservoir and surrounding plains.

• Watch for eagles, storks, peafowl, kingfishers, and other resident and seasonal birds.

• Search for water buffalo, deer, wild boar, monkeys, and crocodiles.

• Take a morning or afternoon 4WD safari with a local driver who knows the park tracks.

• Visit the nearby Elephant Transit Home, where orphaned calves are rehabilitated for release into the wild.

When to visit

Udawalawe can be visited throughout the year. May to September is generally drier, and animals may be easier to find near the reservoir and other remaining water sources. After the rains, the landscape is greener and birdlife can be especially rewarding.

Early morning and late afternoon usually offer cooler weather, softer light, and better wildlife activity. Rain, heat, road conditions, and animal movement can affect each safari.

How to get there

Udawalawe is reached by road through Embilipitiya, Udawalawe town, or Thanamalwila. The main park entrance is on the A18 road and is separate from the town, so arrange a taxi, private transfer, or safari jeep pickup in advance.

Allow roughly four to five hours from Colombo and about two to two and a half hours from Ella. Travel from the south coast usually takes between one and a half and three hours, depending on whether you start from Tangalle, Mirissa, or another beach town. Public buses reach Udawalawe and nearby junctions, but private transport is more practical for early safaris.

Travel tips

• Book a licensed 4WD safari jeep, as ordinary cars cannot enter the park tracks.

• Park admission and jeep hire are normally separate charges. Confirm current fees and payment methods before travelling.

• Choose an early morning or afternoon safari to avoid the strongest midday heat.

• Bring water, a hat, sunscreen, binoculars, and a scarf or mask for dust during dry weather.

• Keep noise low and never feed, call, touch, or block the path of wild animals.

• Elephant sightings are common, but wildlife is free-ranging and never guaranteed.

• The Elephant Transit Home is outside the national park and has separate admission. Check its current visitor and feeding schedule locally.

• Take all rubbish away and follow instructions from park staff and your safari driver.