Location Profile

Udawalawe National Park Details

Grasslands & Reservoir • Southern Province

Udawalawe is Sri Lanka's premier destination for observing wild Asian elephants in their natural environment. The open scrublands, tall grass fields, and massive central reservoir provide unobstructed views of massive multi-generational elephant herds grazing, playing, and bathing in muddy pools.

Why Udawalawe is Famous

  • Guaranteed daily sightings of Asian elephant herds
  • The famous Elephant Transit Home, rehabilitating orphan calves nearby
  • Open plains offering stellar photographic sightlines for birds of prey

Mammals & Birds Sightings

Common species spotted regularly by our naturalists at this destination.

Asian Elephants Wild Water Buffalo Mugger Crocodiles Tufted Langurs Changeable Hawk-Eagles
Adventure Opportunities

Available Tours in Udawalawe National Park

Early Bird Tour

Morning Safari Udawalawe National Park

From $200 USD / Person

Tour Overview

Experience the best of Udawalawe in the early morning when herds of wild Asian elephants and other wildlife are most active.

What's Included

  • Free hotel pick up and drop (From Udawalawe National area Hotels)
  • Private Safari Jeep
  • Naturalist / Game Ranger
  • Complimentary light Water & Softdrink refreshment pack
  • Park Entrance fees
  • All applicable taxes

Tiered Group Pricing

Private 4x4 safari jeep rate based on total passengers:

2 Pax USD 200
3 Pax USD 240
4 Pax USD 280
5 Pax USD 320
6 Pax USD 360
Ultimate Experience

Full Day Safari Udawalawe National Park

From $320 USD / Person

Tour Overview

Immerse yourself in a full-day adventure to spot wildlife, from misty mornings to glowing sunsets, with a picnic lunch in the park.

What's Included

  • Free hotel pick up and drop (From Udawalawe National Park Hotels)
  • Private Jeep
  • Naturalist / Game Ranger
  • Complimentary refreshment pack
  • Picnic Lunch
  • Park Entrance Fees
  • All applicable taxes

Tiered Group Pricing

Private 4x4 safari jeep rate based on total passengers:

2 Pax USD 320
3 Pax USD 360
4 Pax USD 400
5 Pax USD 440
6 Pax USD 480
Golden Hour Tour

Evening Safari Udawalawe National Park

From $200 USD / Person

Tour Overview

Watch the elephants come out to graze and drink near waterholes as the sun sets over the beautiful Udawalawe Reservoir.

What's Included

  • Free hotel pick up and drop (From Udawalawe area Hotels)
  • Private Safari Jeep
  • Naturalist / Game Ranger
  • Complimentary light Water & Softdrink refreshment pack
  • Park Entrance fees
  • All applicable taxes

Tiered Group Pricing

Private 4x4 safari jeep rate based on total passengers:

2 Pax USD 200
3 Pax USD 240
4 Pax USD 280
5 Pax USD 320
6 Pax USD 360
3 Safari Jeeps

Elephant Kingdom Safari Escape (Udawalawe National Park) – 2 Nights / 3 Days

From $750 USD / Person

Tour Overview

Udawalawe National Park – 2 Nights / 3 Days Safari Package. Famous for guaranteed daily sightings of wild Asian elephant herds, water buffaloes, jackals, peacocks, and open grasslands.

Package Quick Facts
Duration: 2 Nights / 3 Days
Location: Udawalawe National Park
Accommodations: Eco Lodge / Tented Camp / Boutique Hotel
Tour Type: Guaranteed Elephant Safari
Pick-up Locations: Colombo / Airport / Ella / South Coast

What's Included

  • 2 Nights accommodation (Eco Lodge, Campsite, or Boutique Hotel)
  • 3 Safari jeep drives in Udawalawe National Park
  • Private safari jeep with naturalist/driver
  • Udawalawe National Park entrance tickets & assistance
  • Daily breakfast & dinner
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Bottled water during safaris
  • English-speaking guide/driver

Recommended to Bring

  • Sunglasses & Hat
  • Camera
  • Sunscreen
  • Comfortable clothing

The best safari times are early morning and late afternoon. Visits to the Elephant Transit Home are highly recommended.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival & Evening Safari Adventure

Pickup from Colombo, Airport, Ella, or the South Coast. Enjoy a scenic drive to Udawalawe. Check-in at your safari lodge or tented camp, followed by lunch and relaxation. Go on an evening jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park for excellent sunset elephant views.

Highlights:
  • Scenic transfer to Udawalawe
  • Evening jeep safari
  • Sunset elephant sightings

Overnight: Udawalawe Safari Lodge / Tented Camp

Day 2 – Full-Day Wildlife Experience

Early morning tea/coffee before departure. Go on a sunrise safari inside the park for peak bird activity and elephant sightings. Enjoy a picnic breakfast near the park boundary. In the afternoon, visit the Elephant Transit Home. Go on a second evening safari drive to explore different park zones.

Highlights:
  • Sunrise safari & picnic breakfast
  • Visit the Elephant Transit Home
  • Evening safari drive

Overnight: Udawalawe Safari Lodge / Tented Camp

Day 3 – Nature Walk & Departure

Breakfast at the hotel. Go on an optional nature walk or birdwatching session. Check-out and transfer to Ella, Yala, Mirissa, Bentota, or Colombo/Airport.

Highlights:
  • Hotel breakfast
  • Optional nature walk
  • Transfer to next destination
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