Overview
Udawalawe National Park straddles the border of the Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces around the Udawalawe reservoir, and is widely considered the most reliable place in Sri Lanka to see wild elephants. Open grassland and scrub around the reservoir give excellent visibility, with resident herds numbering several hundred elephants visible on almost every safari, alongside water buffalo, spotted deer, crocodiles, and occasional sightings of leopards and sloth bears. The park's Elephant Transit Home, which rehabilitates orphaned calves for eventual release back into the wild, adds an easy add-on stop just outside the park gates.
LOCATION
Sabaragamuwa / Uva Province
TYPE
National Park
BEST TIME
Year-round
SAFARI TIME
3 - 4 Hours
Why Visit Udawalawe National Park
➤ See wild elephants on almost every safari
➤ Visit the Elephant Transit Home for rescued calves
➤ Spot water buffalo, deer, and crocodiles around the reservoir
➤ Enjoy open grassland with excellent wildlife visibility
➤ Look out for leopards and sloth bears on a lucky day
➤ Take a sunrise or sunset game drive for the best light
Things to Know Before You Go
Udawalawe's open terrain makes it one of the most consistent parks in Sri Lanka for elephant sightings, with visibility much better than the denser jungle of parks like Yala. The Elephant Transit Home, just outside the main gate, holds public feeding sessions several times a day where orphaned calves are bottle-fed before eventual release, and makes an easy 30-45 minute add-on. Unlike some parks, Udawalawe stays open year-round without an annual closure, though early morning and late afternoon drives remain the best times for both light and animal activity.
Nearby
➤ Elephant Transit Home
➤ Yala National Park
➤ Sinharaja Rainforest
➤ Bundala National Park
➤ Uda Walawe Reservoir
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Udawalawe good for elephant sightings?
Yes, it's considered the most reliable park in Sri Lanka for elephants, with herds visible on nearly every safari thanks to open grassland terrain.
What is the Elephant Transit Home?
A rehabilitation centre just outside the park that cares for orphaned elephant calves until they're old enough for release back into the wild, with public feeding sessions.
Is Udawalawe open all year?
Yes, unlike some other parks, Udawalawe doesn't have an annual closure period, so it can be visited year-round.
How long is a Udawalawe safari?
Most game drives run three to four hours, typically in the early morning or late afternoon.
