Udawalawe National Park is one of Sri Lanka's most popular wildlife destinations and is especially famous for its wild Asian elephants.
Created around the Udawalawe Reservoir, the park combines open grasslands, scrublands, forests, wetlands and water habitats. These landscapes create an excellent environment for elephants and a wide variety of other animals and birds.
Official Sri Lanka Tourism information records 43 mammal species and 184 bird species in Udawalawe, together with reptiles, amphibians, fish and many other forms of wildlife.
Travel tip: If seeing wild elephants is one of your main goals in Sri Lanka, Udawalawe deserves a place near the top of your itinerary.
In This Guide
Sri Lanka Wildlife
Why Visit Udawalawe National Park?
Udawalawe has a very different atmosphere from Sri Lanka's more forested wildlife parks. Its relatively open landscapes can make large animals easier to observe.
Wild Elephants
Udawalawe is particularly famous for its wild Asian elephants and is one of the most reliable places in Sri Lanka to look for them.
Udawalawe Reservoir
The reservoir and surrounding wetlands provide important water and feeding habitats for wildlife.
Photography
Open grasslands and water landscapes can provide excellent conditions for wildlife photography.
Rich Biodiversity
The park supports mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and many plant species.
Udawalawe's Famous Elephants
Elephants are the main reason many travelers choose Udawalawe. Sri Lanka Tourism describes the park as one of the country's best places to observe wild Asian elephants throughout the year.
The park's open plains and reservoir surroundings can provide excellent opportunities to watch herds feeding, walking and drinking.
Wildlife You Can See in Udawalawe
Elephants may be the headline attraction, but Udawalawe supports a much wider range of wildlife. Sri Lanka Tourism records 43 mammals and 184 bird species in the park.
Sri Lankan Elephant
Elephants are the star attraction of Udawalawe. The park is particularly well known for its relatively consistent elephant sightings throughout the year.
Spotted Deer
Spotted deer are commonly associated with the park's open grasslands and woodland areas and can make excellent safari sightings.
Water Buffalo
Water buffalo can often be found around wetlands, grasslands and water sources within the park.
Crocodiles
The reservoir and wetland habitats provide opportunities to observe crocodiles and other aquatic wildlife.
Wild Boar
Wild boar are among the mammals that can be encountered while exploring the park's different habitats.
Leopard
Leopards occur in Udawalawe, although they are considerably less predictable to spot than the park's famous elephants.
Birdwatching in Udawalawe
Udawalawe is also an interesting destination for bird lovers. Official Sri Lanka Tourism information records 184 bird species, including migratory species.
Best Time of Day for a Udawalawe Safari
Sri Lanka Tourism recommends visiting Udawalawe in the morning and evening. Late evening can also provide beautiful photography opportunities, particularly around sunset.
Morning Safari
Early morning is a great time to enter the park while temperatures are cooler and wildlife may be active.
Afternoon & Evening
The afternoon becomes more comfortable as the heat begins to decline. Evening light can be especially attractive for photography.
Best Time to Visit Udawalawe
Udawalawe can be visited throughout the year. Because the park is particularly known for its relatively consistent elephant population, it is an attractive wildlife stop even when compared with destinations where seasonal movements are more pronounced.
Things to consider before your trip
Check the latest park access information before travelling.
Weather conditions can affect safari tracks.
Morning drives are a good option during hotter periods.
Ask your safari operator about recent wildlife activity.
Wildlife sightings change from day to day.
Always follow current Department of Wildlife Conservation rules.
Udawalawe Safari Options
Safari duration depends on your itinerary and how much time you want to spend exploring the park.
Short Safari
A shorter drive can work well for travelers with a busy itinerary who mainly want to experience Udawalawe's wildlife.
Half-Day Safari
A half-day drive provides enough time to explore several habitats and search for elephants and other wildlife.
Full-Day Safari
A full-day experience gives photographers and serious wildlife enthusiasts more time inside the park.
Elephant Transit Home
The Elephant Transit Home near Udawalawe was established to care for orphaned and injured elephant calves before they can potentially be returned to the wild.
Sri Lanka Tourism identifies the centre as an important wildlife welfare and conservation facility operated by the Department of Wildlife Conservation.
Responsible tourism: When visiting wildlife facilities, follow the centre's rules and avoid disturbing animals.
What to Bring on a Udawalawe Safari
Safari tracks can be dusty, sunny and bumpy, so a few basic items can make your experience much more comfortable.
10 Udawalawe Safari Tips
A responsible safari is safer for you, better for wildlife and more enjoyable for everyone.
Choose a reputable and experienced safari driver or guide.
Start early if you want cooler conditions and active wildlife.
Keep quiet when approaching animals.
Never ask your driver to chase or crowd wildlife.
Stay inside the safari vehicle unless specifically permitted.
Bring binoculars for birds and distant wildlife.
Carry sufficient drinking water.
Use sunscreen and wear a hat.
Secure cameras, phones and other belongings on bumpy tracks.
Treat the safari as a wildlife experience rather than a guaranteed animal checklist.
How to Get to Udawalawe National Park
Udawalawe sits in southern Sri Lanka and is accessible from both the southern coast and the central highlands. Official tourism information places the park roughly 170 km southeast of Colombo.
From Colombo
Udawalawe can be reached by road from Colombo, making it possible to include the park as part of a southern Sri Lanka itinerary.
From Ella
Udawalawe works particularly well as a stop between the hill country and Sri Lanka's southern coast.
From the South Coast
Travelers from destinations such as Mirissa, Weligama and Galle can add Udawalawe to a southern wildlife itinerary.
From the Hill Country
The park can also be combined with Ella, Haputale and other central highland destinations.
Explore Udawalawe
Want more than a safari guide? Explore our complete Udawalawe destination page for attractions, nearby places, accommodation and travel ideas.
Explore Udawalawe DestinationUdawalawe National Park Safari FAQ
What is Udawalawe National Park famous for?
Udawalawe is particularly famous for its wild Asian elephants. Sri Lanka Tourism identifies it as one of the country's best places to observe elephants.
Can I see elephants in Udawalawe?
Elephants are the park's main attraction and sightings are generally considered one of the strongest reasons to visit Udawalawe.
What is the best time of day for a Udawalawe safari?
Morning and evening are recommended by Sri Lanka Tourism. Late evening can also provide attractive conditions for photography.
Can I see leopards in Udawalawe?
Leopards are present in the park, but they are not the main attraction and sightings are much less predictable than elephant sightings.
Is Udawalawe good for birdwatching?
Yes. Sri Lanka Tourism records 184 bird species in Udawalawe, including resident and migratory species.
What is the Elephant Transit Home?
It is a wildlife welfare and conservation facility near Udawalawe associated with the care and rehabilitation of orphaned elephant calves before their potential release back into the wild.
How long should I spend in Udawalawe?
A half-day safari can work for a short itinerary, while an overnight stay gives you more flexibility for a morning or evening safari and nearby attractions.