Udawalawe National Park is one of Sri Lanka’s finest wildlife reserves, famous for its large elephant population. The park features open grasslands, forests, and wetlands around the Udawalawe Reservoir, offering excellent opportunities to see elephants, crocodiles, deer, birds, and other wildlife in a natural setting.

Options:

Half-Day Safari (3 - 4 hrs) - Morning (6.00 –10.00 AM) Evening (2.00 – 6.00 PM)
Full-Day Safari (8 - 10 hrs) - Customizable with meals included

Animals You May See: (May vary ; depending on the time)

Water buffalo
Spotted deer
Sambar deer
Crocodiles
Wild boar
Monitor lizards
Jackals
Occasional leopards (Harder to spot than in Yala)

Birdwatcher’s Paradise :

Udawalawe is excellent for bird-watching with over 180 bird species, including :

Crested serpent eagle
Changeable hawk-eagle
Sri Lanka grey hornbill
Painted storks
Bee-eaters and kingfishers

Safari Experience :

Safari Duration : Typically 3–4 hours (Morning or afternoon safaris available)
Vehicle : 4x4 jeeps with experienced drivers and optional guides
Best Time to Visit : Dry season from May to September (The park is open year-round)

Tips for Visitors:

Bring binoculars and a good camera for wildlife and bird photography
Wear neutral colours, a hat, and sunscreen
Morning safaris (6:00 AM) often offer better wildlife sightings
There’s an Elephant Transit Home near the park entrance where orphaned baby elephants are cared for before being released into the wild