About Udawalawe National Park

Udawalawe National Park is Sri Lanka's premier destination for elephant watching, spanning 309 square kilometers around the Udawalawe Reservoir in the southern dry zone. The park is home to approximately 400-500 elephants, and visitors are virtually guaranteed to see herds of these magnificent animals up close in their natural habitat — making it one of the most reliable wildlife experiences in Asia.

Beyond elephants, Udawalawe supports a rich ecosystem including water buffalo, sambar deer, wild boar, crocodiles, jackals, and over 200 bird species. The park's open grasslands and relatively flat terrain make wildlife viewing easier compared to denser parks like Yala. The nearby Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, run by the Department of Wildlife Conservation, rehabilitates orphaned elephant calves and offers visitors a chance to see feeding times.

Best Time to Visit

Year-round (best: December to March dry season)

Recommended Stay

Half Day Safari (3-4 hours)

Distance from Airport

165 km (Approx. 4 hours by road from Colombo)

Ideal For

Families with children, elephant lovers, wildlife photographers, first-time safari goers

Weather

Hot and dry. 28-34°C during day. Minimal rainfall in dry season. The reservoir provides water for wildlife year-round.

Popular Activities

Elephant herd watching, Baby elephant feeding at Transit Home...

Top Attractions

  • Elephant herds at waterholes
  • Udawalawe Reservoir crocodiles
  • Grey Langur troops
  • Sambar and Spotted Deer
  • Sri Lankan Junglefowl
  • Raptors including the White-bellied Sea Eagle

Things To Do

  • Take a morning safari (6 AM) when elephants are most active near water
  • Visit the Elephant Transit Home for the 10:30 AM or 2:00 PM feeding
  • Bring a good camera with zoom — the open terrain allows great shots
  • Combine a safari with a visit to the reservoir for bird watching
  • Stay at a tented safari camp for the full wilderness experience
  • Ask your jeep driver to focus on the grasslands near the reservoir for best elephant sightings

Travel Tips

Udawalawe offers the most reliable elephant sightings in Sri Lanka — you will almost certainly see multiple herds

The Elephant Transit Home feeding times are 10:30 AM, 2:00 PM, and 6:00 PM — arrive 30 minutes early for a good spot

Morning safaris (6-10 AM) are significantly better than afternoon for wildlife activity

Do not visit the Transit Home as a substitute for a proper safari — they serve different purposes

Jeeps can be shared to reduce costs (approx. USD 10-15 per person)

The park has fewer leopards than Yala — come here for elephants, not cats

Location Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Udawalawe better than Yala for elephants?
Yes, Udawalawe is widely considered the best park in Sri Lanka for elephant sightings. The open terrain and large resident elephant population mean you are virtually guaranteed to see multiple herds, often at very close range.
Can I visit the Elephant Transit Home?
Yes, the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home is open to visitors during feeding times. Unlike some elephant "orphanages," this is a genuine conservation facility where orphaned calves are rehabilitated and released back to the wild. No riding or bathing is offered.
How long is the safari drive?
A standard half-day safari lasts 3-4 hours. Full-day safaris (10-12 hours) are available and offer a more immersive experience. The park opens at 6 AM and the last entry for morning safari is 9 AM.