Udawalawe National Park | The Best Place for Elephant Safaris in Sri Lanka

Udawalawe National Park was officially designated as Sri Lanka’s 5th national park on June 30, 1972, under the leadership of the Ministry of Fisheries and Tourism. The primary reason for establishing Udawalawe Park was to provide a safe habitat for wildlife that lost their natural homes due to the construction of the Udawalawe Reservoir. Additionally, preserving the water catchment area was a key objective. According to records, Udawalawa National Park attracted an impressive 188,388 visitors in 2023 alone. If you want to learn more about Udawalawe National Park, read this article till the end.

The Establishment of Udawalawe National Park and Its Notable Developments

• In 1995, the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home was established.
• The development of settlements near the park improved the livelihoods of local communities.
• Growth in the agriculture sector in the Udawalawe area
• Exposure to international tourists helped local people gain a better understanding of foreign languages.
• Expansion of the Udawalawe National Park accommodation and restaurant industry.
• Udawalawe experienced social and economic growth.

Location of Udawalawe National Park

Udawalawe National Park is situated on the border of the Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces of Sri Lanka. It lies approximately 165 km (103 miles) from Colombo. That is spans an area of 30,821 hectares (199 square miles). The park is bordered by both dry and wet zones, creating a diverse ecological landscape.

Before the establishment of Udawalawe National Park, the area was used for farming activities. However, after its designation as a national park, farmers were relocated to protect the ecosystem. Additionally, the park is surrounded

Differences between Udawalawe and Other National Parks

The reason for this is that Udawalawe National Park is one of the best places to observe tourist stopovers due to its morethan 400 elephant population and it’s large bird species.

However, when it comes to birdwatching, Kumana National Park is the most famous, and Yala National Park is famous mainly for spotting leopards. Udawalawe National Park remains the best location for observing a large population of Asian elephants and various bird species.

Although leopards are commonly seen in Yala National Park, they also inhabit Udawalawe National Park, meaning that if you are lucky, you may also get the chance to see a leopard in Udawalawe.

Udawalawe National Park is a diverse ecosystem with various types of habitats, including dry forests, grasslands, reservoirs, wetlands, mixed deciduous forests, and riparian forests. This diversity makes Udawalawa National Park an attractive destination for both wildlife enthusiasts and tourists.

Moreover, due to its unique geographic location, Udawalawe is easily accessible from major cities, including Colombo, and as it is located at the center of the country, it makes Udawalwe a convenient destination for tourists from all over Sri Lanka.

Arround Year Climate of Udawalawe

The city of Udawalawe generally experiences low rainfall, with an average annual rainfall of approximately 1925MM (according to weather-and-climate.com). The climate remains relatively consistent throughout the year, making it an ideal destination to visit at any time.

However, the most popular months for tourists are from December to March and June to October. During this period, you are more likely to spot elephants and other wildlife, as these months offer the best conditions for observing Udawalawe animals. In September and October, rainfall tends to be lower, so if your primary interest is bird watching, visiting during October and January would be more favorable.

Below is a summary of the weather conditions throughout the different months of the year at Udawalawe National Park.

Month	Max Temp (°C)	Min Temp (°C)	Rainfall (Days)
January	32°	20°	02
February	33°	21°	03
March	35°	21°	11
April	34°	22°	25
May	33°	23°	04
June	33°	24°	01
July	33°	23°	06
August	31°	23°	09
September	31°	23°	18
October	30°	22°	30
November	31°	22°	27
December	30°	22°	18

During the months with rainy and humid weather, plants and animals thrive and flourish. Due to the favorable climate, animals are often found in their habitats, and it becomes easier to spot them. However, during dry periods, when animals are in search of food and water, spotting them becomes more difficult. In contrast, during the rainy season, animals are more visible as they are more active and can be observed in their natural environment.

The park is home to over 183 species of birds, and during the rainy months, you are likely to witness their increased activity. Moreover, Udawalawe National Park also houses the Sri Lankan elephant and 3 other kinds of Asian elephants with a population of over 400 elephants.

Flora and Fauna of Udawalawe National Park

Udawalawa National Park is an ecologically diverse habitat rich in both plant and animal species. Below is a detailed list of significant plant species and bird varieties you may encounter during your visit.

Udawalawe National Park Wildlife Species

The Mugger Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris), known for its large size, is one of the most predetor species in the park. It is a predatory reptile capable of hunting down a wild buffalo, which is certainly surprising. The Ruddy Mongoose (Urva smithii), native to Sri Lanka’s hill forests and Indian subcontinent feeds on small mammals, serpents, birds, and insects, and it is frequently seen in the area. The Indian Star Tortoise (Geochelone elegans) is another notable species that resides in the park and is found across Sri Lanka, India, and Pakistan. However, it is considered endangered due to habitat destruction and the illegal pet trade.

Bird Species in Udawalawe National Park

• Sri lanka spurfowl
• red – faced malkoha
• Sri Lanka grey hornbill
• brown – capped babbler
• Sri Lanka junglefowl

Additional Statistics Based on Data

Animal Species	Quantity
Butterfly Species	135
Mammal Species	43
Bird Species	185
Migratory Birds	33
Reptile Species	33
Fish Species	21

Check out the wildlife in Udawalawe National Park! For more about the animals there, read our post, Animals of Udawalawe National Park.

Parks’s Plant Species

The park’s dense forests have been home to a variety of species for many years, but recently, some animals face the threat of endangerment. These pressures are largely caused by environmental impacts, including habitat destruction and poaching for meat. Additionally, human elephant conflicts and illegal hunting also pose significant risks to wildlife. Despite these challenges, the park still supports valuable plant species such as Imperata cylindrica, Chloroxylon swietenia, Psychotria gardneri, Trincomalee wood, and The cologne tree.

Endemic Flower Species

• Hopea cordifolia
• Memecylon petiolatum
• Erythroxylon Zeyanicum 
• jusminum angustifoolium

Other Plant Species

• Chloroxylon swieteni
• Berry cordifolia
• Diospyros ebunum
• Adina cordifolia 
• vitex pinnata
• Schlichera oleosa
• Diospyros ovalifolia

Medicinally Valuable Plants

• Terminalia bellirica
• Phyllanthus emblica

Grassland Vegetation

• Cymbopogon confertiflours
• Grewia tiliifolia

What season is the best in Udawalawe National Park

The most suitable times to visit Udawalawa National Park and capture photographs are as follows, making it easier to plan a safari in Udawalawe. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

April to July (Rainy Season)

• There is an opportunity to see birds migrating across the park.
• Due to the rains, some areas may be temporarily closed.
• Animals tend to stay in their habitats due to the wet weather.
• Taking photographs becomes more difficult because of the rain.

December to March (Dry Season)

• This is the best time for visits and photography.
• The sun is bright and the temperatures are high.
• Early morning and evening are the best times to view the wildlife in the park.
• Animals move around in search of food and water, which makes it easier to spot them.

May to June (Low Tourist Season)

• A time when there are fewer tourists.
• Some areas of the park may be closed for conservation activities.

If you want to learn about the Best time to visit Udawalawe National Park, read our post about Udawalawe Safari Timings.

Safari Experience at Udawalawe National Park

When you visit Udawalawe, Udawalawe safari jeep tours offer an extraordinary experience as you explore the beauty of the surroundings and wildlife. The park is open from 6 AM to 6 PM, and if desired, you can stay overnight in the park with camping facilities, where you can enjoy the night under the stars.

Important Points for a Safari at Udawalawe National Park

Safari Type	Duration	Estimated Total Cost
Full Day Safari	06 hours	$100 – $150 per Person
Half Day Safari	04 hours	$90 – $140 per Person
Photography Safari	03 hours	$70 – $110 per Person
Birdwatching Safari	03 hours	$80 – $130 per Person
Budget Safari (Only Jeep)	04 hours	$60 per Jeep (should purchase tickets)

Use this Udawalawe Safari Calculator to accurately determine the cost of your visit to Udawalawe National Park.

Check out the exciting adventure of a safari in Udawalawe National Park! For helpful tips on how to plan your visit, take a look at our guide here. You won’t want to miss it!

How to get to Udawalawe National Park

You can reach Udawalawe National Park by bus, your own vehicle, or a hired vehicle. While traveling by bus may be cheaper, it requires more time and effort. Therefore, my recommendation is to go by hired vehicle as it is more convenient. However, the final decision depends on your personal preference.

• To learn more about the most convenient ways to reach Udawalawe, refer to related articles.
• If you plan to hire a taxi to Udawalawe, contact reliable service providers in advance.
• To reserve your tickets, visit the booking page now.

Discover the best ways to reach Udawalawe National Park from major cities in Sri Lanka. Don’t miss out on our informative article that guides you on how to get to Udawalawe easily!

Udawalawe National Park Entrance Fees

For detailed information on entrance fees, see below:

• Local Adult – Standard fee: Rs. 150
• Local Child – Standard fee: Rs. 100
• Foreign Adult – Standard fee: $25
• Foreign Child – Standard fee: $15
• Additionally, a 30% service fee applies, and an 18% VAT is charged on the total amount.

Hotels and Accommodations in Udawalawe

It is recommended that you make a prior reservation if you need to book accommodation inside Udawalawe National Park. Please visit the relevant websites for bookings.

Available Accommodation Inside the Park

• Weheragolla Bungalow
• Thibiriyamankada Bungalow
• Goonawiddala Bungalow
• Sinuggala Bungalow
• Pokunuthanna Bungalow

(A jeep safari must also be booked for a day visit.)

Best Accommodation around Udawalawe

Wild Lake Side Udawalawe

Located just 10 minutes from Udawalawe National Park, this serene retreat is surrounded by lush Piriti trees, offering a peaceful and relaxing stay. Read more >>

Amare Safari Resort Udawalawe

Situated in the heart of Udawalawe town, this modern accommodation provides a tranquil environment, luxurious facilities, and a selection of authentic local cuisine. Read More >>

Attractions Around Udawalawe National Park

01. Udawalawe Reservoir

Built in the 1960s, the Udawalawe Reservoir is not only essential for hydroelectric power generation and irrigation, but it also plays a key role in sustaining the wildlife of Udawalawe Park. The reservoir is a fantastic spot to witness a breathtaking sunset, making it a must-visit location.

02. Sankapala Temple

According to historical records, Sankapala Raja Maha Viharaya was built by King Dutugemunu and was named after Sankapala, one of his ten great warriors.

03. Udawalawe Elephant Orphanage (Elephant Transit Home)

This sanctuary was established to rescue and rehabilitate orphaned or injured baby elephants, ensuring their safe return to the wild.

Elephant Transit Home Feeding Times

Morning: 10:30 AM
Midday: 02:30 PM
Evening: 06:00 PM

ETH Entrance Fees ( Updated 2025 )

Person Age	Locals	Foreigner
Adults	LKR 100 + 18% VAT	USD 05 + 18% VAT
Child (06 to 12 Years)	LKR 50 + 18% VAT	USD 03 + 18 VAT
Under 06 Years Child	Free	Free

Summary of Udawalawe National Park

Udawalawe National Park is a natural wonder abundant in biodiversity, making it an unmissable destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Here, you have the rare opportunity to witness valuable plant species, medicinal herbs, and a diverse range of wildlife up close.

Whether you visit for a day or stay longer, you can immerse yourself in the beauty of Udawalawe Park. Plan your visit accordingly by selecting a suitable date and time to experience its breathtaking surroundings to the fullest.

After your Udawalawe National Park safari, don’t forget to enjoy a relaxing time at Udawalawe Reservoir, where you can fly kites and unwind by the water. A visit to the Elephant Transit Home to see the baby elephants being cared for will be another unforgettable experience.

When planning your trip, choose the best season for Udawalawe to make the most of your adventure while ensuring your safety and comfort throughout the journey. I hope this guide helps you have a successful and enriching visit to Udawalawe National Park, and I look forward to bringing you more insightful articles in the future!

FAQ’s of Udawalawe National Park