Udawalawe National Park Tours and Activities

Udawalawe National Park
Udawalawe National Park
Udawalawe National Park
Udawalawe National Park
Udawalawe National Park


Spot herds of majestic Asian elephants, wild cats and myriad birdlife at this sprawling wildlife reserve on the edge of the Hill Country.

Udawalawe National Park is a sprawling lowland park that covers an area of 76,160 acres (30,821 hectares). Come here for one of the best places in Sri Lanka to observe Asian elephants in their natural habitat. Look for deer, wild cats and water buffalo as well. Udawalawe National Park was established to protect the wildlife that depends on the water from the Udawalawe Reservoir. It consists of lightly vegetated vast grasslands located in the shadow of the Hill Country’s tea plantations and escarpment.

The park’s undisputed main attractions are the more than 400 elephants that roam freely between the stark landscapes and reservoir. The high density makes sighting practically guaranteed throughout the year. Other mammals include buffalo, macaque, sambar deer, Sri Lankan leopard and wild boar. Sightings of crocodile and sloth bear are also common. See babblers, eagles, hornbills and pelicans, among other birds.

Access to the reserve is via organized half-day and full-day jeep safaris only. Tours include sharp-eyed guides who possess uncanny abilities to spot animals and provide valuable information about them. The absence of thick vegetation also makes game-watching an effortless task from an open-top jeep. Have your camera poised to snap memorable photos as you get close to the park’s inhabitants.

Located in the park’s southwestern corner is the Elephant Transit Home. It protects, rears and bottle feeds orphaned elephants before releasing them back into the wild. Come here for the daily feeding sessions to learn about their protection and development.

The park straddles the border of the Uva and Sabaragamuwa provinces in south-central Sri Lanka. It’s about a 4-hour drive from Colombo and a 3-hour drive from the popular beach town of Mirissa. Many jeep tours offer a pick-up and drop-off service from hotels in Ambilipitya, Avitiya and Udawalawe.

Udawalawe National Park is a year-round destination. There is a fee for entrance. Visit after dawn or just before dusk for the best chance of spotting large amounts of animals. Arrive from January to April and July to September to avoid the rainy season.

Plan a trip to see Udawalawe National Park

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Shinagawa Beach
Halcyon Mawella
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Popular places to visit


Top Udawalawe National Park Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort

Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort

5 out of 5
912, Thanamalwila Road, Udawalawa
Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort
The Glenrock

The Glenrock

4 out of 5
Ulugalathenna, Ihalagalagama, Sabaragamuwa
The Glenrock
DoubleTree by Hilton Weerawila Rajawarna Resort

DoubleTree by Hilton Weerawila Rajawarna Resort

4.5 out of 5
Weerawila Watta, Weerawila, Weerawila, Southern Province
DoubleTree by Hilton Weerawila Rajawarna Resort
Shangri-La Hambantota

Shangri-La Hambantota

5 out of 5
Sittrakala Estate, Chithragala, Ambalantota, Hambantota
Shangri-La Hambantota
Jetwing Kaduruketha

Jetwing Kaduruketha

4.5 out of 5
Jetwing Kaduruketha, Wellawaya
Jetwing Kaduruketha
Hotel Onrock

Hotel Onrock

3 out of 5
4, Waterfall Road, Wemullahena, Ella
Hotel Onrock
98 Acres Resort & Spa

98 Acres Resort & Spa

4.5 out of 5
98 Acres Resort & Spa, Greenland Estate, Namunukula Road, Ella
98 Acres Resort & Spa
Ella Nine Peaks (Araliya Villa & The Club House)

Ella Nine Peaks (Araliya Villa & The Club House)

3 out of 5
Visari Ella road Uva karandagolla, Ella, UP
Ella Nine Peaks (Araliya Villa & The Club House)
MOI Ella by DBI

MOI Ella by DBI

3.5 out of 5
Rakkitha Kanda Road, Ella, Uva
MOI Ella by DBI
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Udawalawe National Park

Experience the wonders of Udawalawe National Park by embarking on a thrilling safari to witness the majestic elephants in their natural habitat. Explore the park further with nature walks that showcase its stunning biodiversity. For a unique experience, consider staying at a safari camp, where you can enjoy the beauty of the outdoors while being close to nature. This destination promises unforgettable wildlife encounters and breathtaking landscapes.

Shopping

In Udawalawe National Park, you can find local handicrafts and souvenirs at the nearby Udawalawe Market, perfect for unique gifts. If you're up for a drive, visit the Mahagastota Shopping Centre, about 24.1km away, showcasing a mix of local products and shops for your shopping needs.

Recreation

At Ridiyagama Safari Park, immerse yourself in nature and enjoy rejuvenating wellness activities amidst lush landscapes. Experience the thrill of sports at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, perfect for an active outing. For golf enthusiasts, Shangri-La's Golf and Country Club offers a picturesque setting for a leisurely round.

Adventure

Embark on the World's End Trail, a stunning hike located 38.6km from Udawalawe National Park, where you’ll be enveloped in breathtaking scenery. Experience the Amphitikanda Tea Estate, a delightful activity also 38.6km away, or tackle the Little World's End hiking Trail, set 37.0km from the park.

Nightlife

Experience the tranquil nightlife at Udawalawe with a visit to local eateries offering traditional Sri Lankan cuisine. For a unique experience, join a guided night safari to spot nocturnal wildlife. Relax at nearby lodges, sharing stories under the stars with fellow travellers.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Udawalawe National Park

Udawalawe National Park offers a fantastic blend of outdoor adventure and stunning scenery, making it a must-visit for tourists. Explore the park's remarkable wildlife, including the famous Udawalawe elephants, and enjoy the picturesque dam. For convenience, consider nearby hotels for your stay and check out the entrance details for a seamless experience. This destination is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in nature and adventure.

  • Udawalawe Reservoir: Located a mere 6.4km from Udawalawe National Park, this stunning dam offers picturesque scenery and tranquil vibes, perfect for a relaxing day out. The surrounding landscape is ideal for photography and enjoying nature's serenity.
  • Waulpane Cave: About 19.3km away, Waulpane Cave invites adventure seekers to explore its fascinating formations and unique ecosystem. The outdoor experience here is thrilling, making it a fantastic spot for those who love a bit of exploration.
  • Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka: Situated 29.0km from the park, this modern university features impressive architecture and vibrant city vibes. It’s a great place to soak in the local culture while appreciating the educational atmosphere.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Udawalawe National Park

To save money on your trip to Udawalawe National Park, consider visiting during the off-peak months of May, July, and September when prices are lower. Booking your accommodation about a month in advance can secure the best deals, particularly on Thursdays when rates are cheaper. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly options by sorting prices and looking for eco-certified hotels. Don’t forget to check for package deals that combine flights and activities for extra savings. For free activities, enjoy the natural beauty of the park and take advantage of public transport to keep costs down.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Udawalawe National Park are May, July and September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April and December to January, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Udawalawe National Park about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Udawalawe National Park is Thursday. The most expensive day to stay around Udawalawe National Park is Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and other preferences. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, making it easy to find the most affordable accommodation first. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type—selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Udawalawe National Park hotel stay with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.