Udawalawe National Park Travel Guide

Udawalawe is the most reliable national park in Sri Lanka for spotting elephants, thanks to open grassland around the Udawalawe Reservoir that gives them nowhere much to hide, unlike the denser jungle at Yala or Wilpattu. Jeep safaris here almost always turn up herds of Asian elephants, plus water buffalo, deer and, occasionally, a resident leopard. Many visitors also stop at the Elephant Transit Home just outside the park, a rehabilitation centre for orphaned elephant calves where you can watch supervised bottle-feeding sessions a few times a day before the calves are eventually released back into the wild. Udawalawe sits on the road between the hill country and the south coast, so it's an easy add-on if you're travelling between Ella or Nuwara Eliya and Yala or the southern beaches.

In addition to wildlife safaris, Udawalawe National Park offers other activities such as birdwatching, nature walks, and camping experiences. The landscape of Udawalawe National Park is diverse, comprising grasslands, forests, and wetlands, all of which provide ideal habitats for different species of animals and plants. The centerpiece of the park is the Udawalawe Reservoir, which not only serves as a vital water source for the wildlife but also adds to the scenic beauty of the surroundings.

Udawalawe National Park is easily accessible from various parts of Sri Lanka, including the popular tourist destinations of Kandy and Ella. The park is located approximately 165 kilometers southeast of Colombo, Sri Lanka's capital, and can be reached by road in about four hours.

While Udawalawe itself is not a large town, several accommodation options are available near the park to suit different budgets and preferences. You can choose from eco-lodges, safari camps, guesthouses, and resorts located near the park, offering comfortable lodging and easy access to wildlife experiences. Whether you're a nature lover, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply seeking a tranquil escape into the wilderness, a visit to Udawalawe promises an unforgettable adventure.