Udawalawe National Park is one of Sri Lanka’s most famous and largest national parks. It is a significant protected area, home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, including elephants and water birds.
Situated in the Uva Province, about 165 kilometers southeast of Colombo, Udawalawe National Park covers an impressive area of 30,821 hectares. Within the park lies the man-made Udawalawe Reservoir, covering 3,405 hectares, constructed on the Walawe River, serving as Sri Lanka’s largest water source in arid regions.
Currently, Udawalawe National Park stands as one of the most significant and popular tourist destinations in Sri Lanka, holding the third position in terms of visitor numbers among national parks. Its diverse ecosystem captivates attention worldwide, providing an unforgettable wilderness experience.
The history of Udawalawe National Park
Established in 1972, Udawalawe National Park stands as a testament to Sri Lanka’s dedication to ethical and sustainable wildlife preservation.
It was created to safeguard the flora and fauna, with a primary focus on providing sanctuary for the numerous wild elephant population that calls this area home. Alongside elephants, the park is inhabited by buffaloes, crocodiles, sambar deer, leopards, monitor lizards, and various bird species such as peacocks, herons, ibises, cormorants, and pelicans. Udawalawe also serves as a catchment area for the Udawalawe reservoir, an important source of water for the surrounding areas.
When to visit Udawalawe National Park
There’s no fixed time to explore the park. Safaris in this enchanting place are organized throughout the year. However, the best periods, offering the most memorable experiences, are from December to March and from May to September. During these times, the dry season prevails, and much of the vegetation recedes, making it easier to observe the majestic elephants, which are the heart of this remarkable park.
Beyond these months, accessing the park can be challenging due to road and path flooding caused by rain.
Udawalawe National Park is open year-round, from 6:00 to 18:00.
Elephants in Udawalawe National Park
Udawalawe National Park is famous for its large herd of Sri Lankan elephants. You can even spot them during short visits. There are approximately 600 to 700 of these animals in the area, allowing for an unforgettable experience observing both adults and young ones in their natural habitat.
Sri Lankan Elephants (Elephas maximus maximus) are significantly smaller than African elephants, with smaller ears and tusks. They can reach heights of 2.5 – 3.5 meters and weigh between 2 to 5.5 tons!
Despite Sri Lanka having the highest density of elephants in all of Asia, the Sri Lankan elephant is a species threatened with extinction.
In Udawalawe, there is also the Udawalawe Elephant Sanctuary, which serves as a rehabilitation and transit center for injured, sick, or orphaned elephants from across the island. The animals are treated and cared for there until they fully recover and are ready to be reintroduced into their natural, wild jungle environment.
Udawalawe safari costs
Like many other attractions in Sri Lanka, the cost of a trip to Udawalawe National Park doesn’t have to break your budget, especially compared to the expenses of safaris in Africa.
However, before setting off on your journey, it’s important to note that there are two fees to be paid before commencing the safari:
Park Entry Fee
First, you’ll need to pay for entry to the park. The amount depends on whether you’re a resident of the island or a tourist, but it’s usually $25 per person + an additional group fee of $10 per vehicle or equivalent in Sri Lankan rupees. With this fee, you have access to the park for the entire day.
Children under 6 years old can enter the park for free. For children between 6 and 12 years old, the fee is $15 USD; locals pay 150 LKR. You can check the current fees HERE
Safari Fee
This is the fee for renting a jeep with a driver: You can book your safari online in advance or negotiate the price upon arrival. The price may vary depending on the duration of the excursion and the chosen company, but approximately it will be around $30–40 USD per person for a half-day tour or $50–70 USD for a full-day safari.
A small tip to help you save some money: always try to negotiate the price with safari organizers. Even if they claim it’s fixed, it’s worth trying, as prices can vary depending on the operator.
How to get to Udawalawe National Park
Udawalawe National Park is located near the town of Udawalawe in the central part of Sri Lanka.
The journey from Mirissa takes approximately 2 hours, from Ella 1.5 hours, and from Colombo 4 hours.
If you’re planning to spend a night or two in Udawalawe, you have various options for transportation such as public buses, hiring a private driver, or taking a tuk-tuk. There are many hotels and guesthouses in the area, so it’s a good option for those of you who have plenty of time.
Alternatively, you can easily go on a day trip from places like Colombo, Galle, Ella, or Hikkaduwa. Many travel agencies offer this option.
Where to stay for safari in Udawalawe National Park
While most people choose to travel to Udawalawe for morning or afternoon safaris, staying in Udawalawe itself can be more pleasant and relaxing. There are beautiful hotels there, all with a safari theme.
On booking.com, you will find many accommodation options that will surely meet your expectations.
How much time you should spend in Udawalawe National Park
The duration of your visit to Udawalawe National Park depends entirely on your travel itinerary in Sri Lanka. Safari can last for one day, but you can also split it into two days.
A longer stay increases your chances of seeing a variety of animals in their natural habitat at different times of the day.
Morning safaris in Udawalawe and afternoon ones are different, but both will surely enchant you! If you have just one day at your disposal, you can always opt for a morning safari and then proceed to your next planned destination.
Things to remember before arrival
- Udawalawe National Park can get quite crowded, especially during peak season. Additionally, drivers may be a bit pushy and competitive, so it’s wise to remain patient.
- While the days will certainly be hot and humid, mornings on safari can be cool. Therefore, it’s worth having a light jacket or sweater to stay comfortable.
- The park opens its gates at 6:00 a.m., and the best time for observing the animals is early morning when they are most active.
- It’s advisable to bring sunscreen and insect repellent as the sun can be quite intense, and the insects can be bothersome, so it’s essential to protect yourself from them.
- Bring a telephoto lens with you, as this place is a paradise for photographers. A telephoto lens will allow you to take close-up photos of animals without disturbing their peace.
- Make sure to pack snacks and water. Most Udawalawe safari trips provide tea and snacks, but it’s always a good idea to have your own supplies.
- Remember not to feed the wild elephants in the park with your own food, including fruits. It’s harmful to their digestive system, can make them ill, and may even lead to diabetes, according to reports.
What to expect in Udawalawe National Park?
Above all, expect to see many animals in their natural habitat, especially elephants. They are accustomed to jeeps, so you can get very close to them.
If anyone among you is a bird enthusiast or has other preferences regarding animals, it’s worth mentioning it to the guide beforehand. Otherwise, the entire safari could be focused solely on chasing herds of elephants.
Remember to never leave the vehicle (for safety reasons) unless the guide decides otherwise.
The landscape of the park is breathtaking: from grassy plains typical of savannas to dense forests and wetlands.
What kinds of animals can you encounter in Udawalawe National Park?
The diverse habitats in Udawalawe make it a haven for numerous animals. However, the park’s main highlight is its population of elephants, with around 600 of these majestic creatures residing here.
In addition to them, you can encounter: mongoose, jackal, sambar deer, axis deer, and wild boar, and among birds: Grey-Headed Fish Eagle, Black-Winged Kite, Changeable Hawk-Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, White-Bellied Sea Eagle, Sparrow Hawk, Kestrel, Brown Fish Owl, Marsh Harrier
Udawalawe National Park is also home to monitor lizards and numerous crocodiles. There are 30 species of snakes here, as well as endemic species like the Toque Macaque. Sloth bears and leopards have also been documented in the area, although sightings of them are rare.
Is it worth going on a safari to Udawalawe National Park?
Definitely! This experience was worth every penny. Observing elephants and other wildlife was extraordinary. If you’re still unsure, I highly recommend giving it a try!
Participating in a safari in Udawalawe National Park is a unique experience for nature enthusiasts. The chance to observe diverse animal species, including majestic elephants, is truly unforgettable. Safari in Udawalawe not only offers beautiful scenery but also the chance for close encounters with wild fauna.
For those seeking unforgettable adventures in the wild, this experience should be a must.
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