Udawalawe National Park Safari Guide
If you're dreaming of seeing wild elephants just a few metres away in their natural habitat, Udawalawe National Park is one of the best safari destinations in Sri Lanka.
Located in the southern part of the island, Udawalawe is famous for its large elephant population, beautiful landscapes, and excellent wildlife viewing throughout the year. Whether you're travelling with family, friends, or as a couple, this safari promises unforgettable memories.
At Rusheli Travels, we make your safari easy by arranging private airport transfers, comfortable vehicles, experienced safari jeeps, and flexible tour packages tailored to your travel plans.
Why Visit Udawalawe National Park?
Unlike many wildlife parks where animal sightings depend heavily on luck, Udawalawe offers one of the highest chances of seeing elephants during almost every safari.
The park covers approximately 30,800 hectares and surrounds the beautiful Udawalawe Reservoir, creating an ideal environment for wildlife.
Many visitors consider Udawalawe the best national park in Sri Lanka for elephant lovers.
Wildlife You Can See
One safari can introduce you to an incredible variety of animals.
Mammals
✔ Asian Elephants
✔ Water Buffalo
✔ Spotted Deer
✔ Sambar Deer
✔ Wild Boar
✔ Jackals
✔ Grey Langurs
✔ Toque Macaques
✔ Mongooses
✔ Fishing Cats (rare)
✔ Leopard (occasionally)
Birds
Bird enthusiasts may spot more than 180 species, including:
✔ Crested Serpent Eagle
✔ White-bellied Sea Eagle
✔ Painted Stork
✔ Pelicans
✔ Kingfishers
✔ Peacocks
✔ Bee-eaters
✔ Hornbills
Reptiles
✔ Mugger Crocodiles
✔ Monitor Lizards
✔ Turtles
✔ Various snake species
Best Time to Visit Udawalawe
Udawalawe National Park is open throughout the year. However, the best wildlife sightings usually occur during:
Morning Safari
6.00 AM – 9.00 AM
Perfect for photographers because of the soft morning light.
Evening Safari
3.00 PM – 6.00 PM
Ideal for elephant herds gathering near water.
How Long Should Your Safari Be?
Visitors can choose from:
- ✔ 3-Hour Safari (Most Popular)
- ✔ 4-Hour Extended Safari
- ✔ Full-Day Safari
- ✔ Photography Safari
For first-time visitors, a 3-hour safari is usually enough to experience the park.
Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home
One of the highlights near the park is the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home.
This rehabilitation centre cares for orphaned elephant calves before releasing them back into the wild.
Unlike traditional elephant attractions, visitors observe the feeding process from a viewing platform without disturbing the animals.
This ethical wildlife experience is highly recommended.
How to Get to Udawalawe
Rusheli Travels offers private transfers from:
- ✔ Colombo Airport
- ✔ Colombo City
- ✔ Negombo
- ✔ Bentota
- ✔ Hikkaduwa
- ✔ Galle
- ✔ Unawatuna
- ✔ Weligama
- ✔ Mirissa
- ✔ Tangalle
- ✔ Yala
- ✔ Ella
- ✔ Nuwara Eliya
- ✔ Kandy
Our vehicles are modern, air-conditioned, and driven by friendly local drivers.
Safari Jeep Options
We arrange reliable safari jeeps suitable for:
- ✔ Solo travellers
- ✔ Couples
- ✔ Families
- ✔ Small Groups
Every jeep includes an experienced local safari driver who knows the best wildlife locations inside the park.
What Should You Bring?
We recommend packing:
- ✔ Camera
- ✔ Binoculars
- ✔ Sunglasses
- ✔ Hat
- ✔ Sunscreen
- ✔ Drinking Water
- ✔ Light-Coloured Clothing
- ✔ Comfortable Shoes
Travel Tips
✔ Book early during December–April.
✔ Avoid feeding wildlife.
✔ Keep noise to a minimum.
✔ Follow your guide's instructions.
✔ Carry cash for park entrance fees if needed.
✔ Morning safaris generally offer cooler temperatures.
Combine Udawalawe With Other Destinations
Many travellers combine Udawalawe with:
- ✔ Ella
- ✔ Yala National Park
- ✔ Mirissa
- ✔ Galle
- ✔ Tangalle
- ✔ Sinharaja Rainforest
Rusheli Travels can arrange customised multi-day tours covering all these destinations.
Why Choose Rusheli Travels?
We understand that every traveller is different.
That's why we offer:
- ✔ Private Airport Transfers
- ✔ Hotel Pick-up & Drop-off
- ✔ English-speaking Drivers
- ✔ Comfortable Air-conditioned Vehicles
- ✔ Trusted Safari Jeep Partners
- ✔ Flexible Itineraries
- ✔ Fair Prices
- ✔ Fast WhatsApp Support
- ✔ Local Travel Knowledge
- ✔ No Hidden Charges
Our goal is to make your Sri Lanka holiday smooth, comfortable, and unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Udawalawe better than Yala?
Udawalawe is famous for elephant sightings, while Yala is more popular for leopards.
Can children join the safari?
Yes. Families with children regularly enjoy Udawalawe safaris.
Is the safari safe?
Yes. Visitors remain inside the safari jeep while exploring the park.
How early should I book?
Booking at least a few days in advance is recommended, especially during the peak tourist season.
Can I book transport and safari together?
Yes. Rusheli Travels can arrange your complete safari experience, including private transport, safari jeep, and hotel transfers.
Book Your Udawalawe Safari Today
Discover one of Sri Lanka's most unforgettable wildlife experiences with Rusheli Travels.
Whether you're arriving at Colombo Airport, staying on the south coast, or travelling from Ella or Yala, we'll organise a smooth, comfortable, and memorable safari from start to finish.
Contact us today for a personalised quote and let us help you create unforgettable memories in Sri Lanka.
