Udawalawe National Park Ticket Price (2025 Update)

Udawalawe National Park is one of Sri Lanka’s top wildlife destinations, attracting visitors from around the world eager to experience its rich biodiversity and iconic elephant sightings. If you’re planning a visit in 2025, it’s important to know that the Udawalawe National Park ticket prices have been updated due to inflation and an increase in government taxes. This guide provides the latest entrance fees, helping you plan your safari adventure without surprises.

Udawalawe National Park Entrance Fees

The entrance fees for Udawalawe National Park are set by the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) and are reviewed annually. As of 2025, the prices have been adjusted due to inflation and increased government taxes.

Visitors	Entrance Fee
Foreign Adults	USD 25
Foreign Children (6-12 years)	USD 15
Foreign Children under 6 years	FREE
Local Adults	LKR 150
Local Children (6-12 years)	LKR 100
Local Children under 6 years	FREE

Additional Fees

In addition to the entrance fees, the following charges apply:

• Government Tax (18%) on the total amount.
• Park Jeep Entry Charge: LKR 300 (mandatory for all visitors).
• Park Service Charge:
  • Foreign Visitors: USD 10
  • Local Visitors: LKR 400

Note: The park service charge contributes to the maintenance and conservation efforts of the park.

Udawalawe National Park Ticket Price Calculation

Visitors	Entrance Fee	Jeep Entry	Service Charge	Subtotal	18% Tax	Total Fee
Foreign Adult	USD 25	LKR 300	USD 10	USD 36	USD 6.48	USD 42.48
Foreign Child (6-12 years)	USD 15	LKR 300	USD 10	USD 26	USD 4.68	USD 30.68
Local Adult	LKR 150	LKR 300	LKR 400	LKR 850	LKR 153	LKR 1003.00
Local Child (6-12 years)	LKR 100	LKR 300	LKR 400	LKR 800	LKR 144	LKR 944.00

Where to Buy Park Tickets

Purchasing your entrance tickets for Udawalawe National Park is simple, but it’s essential to plan ahead to avoid any inconvenience.

At the Park Entrance

Tickets can be purchased at the park’s entrance gate on the day of your visit. However, it’s important to note that on peak days, tickets may sell out by midday. To avoid disappointment, it’s advisable to plan accordingly.

The entrance ticket counter only accepts Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR). If you prefer to pay in other currencies, this option may not be convenient for you.

Early Online Booking via A Visitor

To ensure a hassle free experience, you can book your tickets online in advance through avisitor.lk. This option guarantees your entry without the risk of tickets being sold out.

Important Details

• Additional Booking Charge: A small fee applies if you book only tickets online.
• Free Ticket Purchase with Safari Booking: If you choose to book your safari ride with A Visitor Safari Service, they will purchase your park tickets for free, saving you both time and effort.
• Verified Safari Service: A Visitor Safari Service is a verified safari service of the Udawalawe Safari Help Center, ensuring you receive reliable and quality service.

By choosing A Visitor’s online booking service, you can focus on enjoying your safari experience without worrying about ticket availability or payment issues.

Do You Need a Guide or Jeep?

When planning your safari at Udawalawe National Park, it’s essential to understand the park’s transportation rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Can You Use a Private Vehicle?

Technically, the park allows private vehicles to enter; however, the roads inside the park are very damaged and unsafe. Due to the rough terrain and the need to protect the wildlife and natural environment, it’s highly discouraged to use your own vehicle.

For your safety and the best wildlife viewing experience, it’s recommended to use park approved safari jeeps, which are specifically designed to handle the park’s rugged conditions safely.

If you need more details about luxury vs. budget safari in Sri Lanka, read our latest blog post here.

Jeep Rental Costs

Using a park approved jeep is the most convenient and secure way to explore Udawalawe. Here’s an estimated cost for jeep rentals:

• Half Day Safari (04 hours): LKR 16000 – LKR 18000
• Full Day Safari (06 hours): LKR 18000 – LKR 20000
• Bird Watching Safari (03 hours): LKR 12000 – LKR 14000
• Photography Safari (03 hours): LKR 10000 – LKR 12000
• Budget Friendly Safari (04 hours): LKR 8000 – LKR 10000

Each jeep comfortably accommodates up to 6 passengers, providing a safe and enjoyable ride throughout your safari adventure.

Is a Guide Mandatory?

While hiring a guide is optional, it’s highly recommended for a richer safari experience. Guides have expert knowledge about the park’s wildlife, natural history, and the best spots for animal sightings, enhancing your overall experience.

• Optional but Beneficial: Guides offer insights and help spot wildlife you might otherwise miss, especially if it’s your first visit.
• Booking a Guide: If you book your safari with A Visitor Safari Service, a licensed guide can be arranged for you, ensuring you have an informative and unforgettable wildlife adventure.

Using a park approved jeep, with or without a guide, ensures your safari at Udawalawe is both safe and memorable.

Best Time to Visit Udawalawe National Park

To make the most of your wildlife safari experience at Udawalawe National Park, choosing the right time to visit is crucial. The park offers unique wildlife encounters throughout the year, but certain seasons and times of day enhance your chances of spotting animals.

Best Seasons to Visit

Udawalawe National Park is open year round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season, from December to March. During this period, animals gather around water sources, making wildlife sightings more frequent and easier to spot.

• Dry Season (December – March): Ideal for wildlife viewing as animals come closer to waterholes due to the lack of rain. The weather is also more pleasant during this period.
• Wet Season (April – July): While the park is still open, heavy rains may reduce wildlife visibility and make roads more challenging to navigate. However, this season offers lush landscapes and fewer crowds if you prefer a quieter experience.

Morning vs. Evening Safaris

The time of day significantly impacts your wildlife viewing experience. Udawalawe National Park offers two safari sessions, each with its own advantages:

• Morning Safari (6:00 AM – 10:00 AM): Mornings are cooler and wildlife tends to be more active after the night. You’ll often spot animals feeding or moving around, offering excellent opportunities for photography. The early hours are especially great for observing elephants, deer, and various bird species.
• Evening Safari (2:30 PM – 6:30 PM): The late afternoon is another prime time for wildlife activity, as animals prepare for the night by grazing or heading towards water sources. The lighting during this time also provides a beautiful backdrop for photography, with golden hues enhancing the park’s natural beauty.

Do you need to know more about udawalawe safari times? Read our latest article here.

Conclusion of Udawalawe National Park Ticket Price

Udawalawe National Park offers an incredible wildlife experience, and understanding the updated 2025 ticket prices will help you plan your visit better. Here’s a quick recap of the Udawalawe National Park Ticket Prices:

• Foreign Adults: USD 25
• Foreign Children (6-12 years): USD 15
• Local Adults: LKR 150
• Local Children (6-12 years): LKR 100
• Children under 6: Free

Additional Fees

• Park Jeep Entry Charge: LKR 300
• Park Service Charge:
  • Foreign Visitors: USD 10
  • Local Visitors: LKR 400
• Government Tax (18%) is applied to the total amount (including Entrance Fee + Jeep Entry + Service Charge).

Due to inflation and government tax increases, these updated prices reflect the current costs of preserving the park and ensuring a quality experience for visitors.

To avoid disappointment, especially during peak tourist seasons, it’s highly recommended to plan your visit in advance and book your tickets early. Booking ahead guarantees your entry and allows you to choose the best safari options without worrying about ticket availability.

If you’re booking a safari with A Visitor Safari Service, we’ll take care of purchasing your park tickets for free, offering you a hassle-free wildlife adventure.

Plan your Udawalawe safari today and get ready to explore one of Sri Lanka’s most incredible wildlife destinations!