Udawalawe National Park – Full Guide 2025
Udawalawe National Park is one of the most popular wildlife parks in Sri Lanka, known for its large herds of wild elephants and breathtaking natural beauty. The park covers over 30,000 hectares of dry zone forest and grassland, located between the Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces. It’s the ideal destination for travelers who wish to enjoy an authentic wildlife experience near Ella or Colombo.
About Udawalawe National Park
Established in 1972, Udawalawe was created mainly to protect the catchment area of the Udawalawe Reservoir. The park has become a sanctuary for many displaced animals and is now one of the best national parks in Sri Lanka to see wild elephants throughout the year. The landscape consists of grasslands, riverine forests, and open plains, offering a mix of greenery and dry wilderness — perfect for wildlife photography.
Wildlife in Udawalawe
Udawalawe National Park is home to more than 500 wild elephants that can be seen daily near the reservoir or waterholes. In addition, you may spot water buffalo, sambar deer, spotted deer, wild boar, crocodiles, and mongooses. The park is also a paradise for birdwatchers — over 180 bird species have been recorded, including peacocks, crested hawk-eagles, bee-eaters, and kingfishers.
Udawalawe Safari Experiences
The best way to explore Udawalawe National Park is through a private jeep safari with an experienced local driver. Our team at Udawalawe Safari offers safe and enjoyable jeep tours that allow you to see the park’s wildlife at close range.
🕕 Best safari start times: Morning 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM and Afternoon 2:00 PM.
Choose between 4-hour, half-day, or full-day safaris with park entrance tickets, refreshments, and hotel pickup in Udawalawe.
Want to plan your adventure? Learn more about our Udawalawe safari packages and book online or via WhatsApp for instant confirmation.
See Our Safari PackagesElephant Transit Home – Udawalawe
Located just outside the park, the Elephant Transit Home is a rehabilitation center for orphaned baby elephants. Managed by the Department of Wildlife Conservation, it provides care, feeding, and gradual reintegration into the wild. Visitors can watch baby elephants being bottle-fed from a special viewing platform at scheduled times.
Best Time to Visit Udawalawe
The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season from December to June when animals gather near water sources. Morning and evening safaris are cooler and provide better light for photography.
- ✔ Morning safaris: 5:30–10:00 AM
- ✔ Evening safaris: 2:00–6:00 PM
- ✔ Bring sunscreen, hat, and water
- ✔ Wear light, neutral-colored clothing
- ✔ Book safaris in advance during weekends and holidays