Udawalawe National Park, located on the border of Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces in Sri Lanka, is a major wildlife sanctuary and popular tourist destination. The park is especially renowned for its large population of Sri Lankan elephants, with over 250 residents often seen gathering along the Udawalawe Reservoir.

Established to protect animals displaced during the construction of the reservoir and Walawe River, the park is now home to diverse wildlife, including water birds, fishing cats, Sri Lankan axis and sambar deer, wild boars, water buffaloes, golden palm civets, and toque macaques. The scenic beauty of the reservoir and the abundant wildlife make Udawalawe a must-visit attraction.

Udawalawe Safari Overview

Park Hours:Udawalawe National Park welcomes visitors from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Safari Duration: Typical safaris last 3–4 hours, but options for extended safaris, full-day trips, or birdwatching excursions are also available.

Key Ecosystems in Udawalawe National Park

  • Dry mixed evergreen forest
  • Riverine forest
  • Scrubland
  • Grasslands
  • Walawe River
  • Udawalawe and Mau Aru lakebeds
  • Former eucalyptus and teak plantations

Total Area: 30,821 hectares

Additional Park Information

  • Status: National Park, Important Bird Area (IBA), catchment for Udawalawe Reservoir
  • Altitude: 100–373 meters above sea level
  • Average Annual Rainfall: 1,500 mm
  • Average Temperature: 28°C
  • Nearest Towns:Udawalawe, Embilipitiya, Thanamalvila
  • Nearest Hospital:Embilipitiya General Hospital

Access Routes to Udawalawe National Park

  • Colombo via Ratnapura: 160 km
  • Galle via Embilipitiya: 125 km
  • Nuwara Eliya via Ella: 155 km
  • Tissamaharama: 74 km
  • Tangalle: 63 km

Highlights of Udawalawe Safari

  • Sri Lankan elephants
  • Freshwater crocodiles
  • Birdwatching opportunities
  • Tufted grey langurs

Safari Tips

  • Early morning or late afternoon is best for spotting wildlife, as animals are more active outside the shade.
  • Expect rough and bumpy roads during your drive.
  • The park can get crowded; experienced trackers can help you avoid busy areas.
  • Carry enough drinking water to stay hydrated.
  • Always follow safety instructions: remain inside the safari jeep unless your guide allows otherwise and never feed the animals. Elephants and other wildlife can be dangerous when approached too closely.

Best Time to Visit

Udawalawe National Park is open year-round, but May to September (the dry season) offers the best wildlife viewing, especially near the Udawalawe Reservoir. Morning and evening safaris are ideal for observing elephants and other wildlife.