Planning a safari in Udawalawe National Park in Sri Lanka? This guide is packed full of practical tips about tours, clothing, and must-haves.
Silently, we sat in our jeep metres from a baby elephant who was feeding from his mother. A cherished moment, an intangible bond. I couldn’t believe how lucky we were to witness something so personal in the wilds of Udawalawe National Park in Sri Lanka.
We were visiting on our honeymoon. The adventurous trip had already shown us beautiful, spiritual places such as Sigiriya, stunning landscapes in Ella and now we were here, seeing nature at its finest.
Don’t be scared by the word honeymoon. We didn’t blow our budget on this one! We organised our tour through a local company in the area and stayed at a budget hotel.
If you want to follow in my footsteps (I’m sure you will when you see the pictures!) then this guide has everything you need to know before planning a safari in Udawalawe National Park. I’ll cover how to book your safari tour, rough prices, what to expect, clothing and a few other tips.
Also, if you’re looking for a really great plan for your time in Sri Lanka, I’ve written up our two-week itinerary, and a shorter 7-day itinerary.
Things to know about visiting Udawalawe National Park
What to expect on a safari in Udawalawe National Park
This was my first safari. I was giddy with excitement about seeing elephants in the wild. If we saw other animals, it’d be a bonus. We entered the path around 6am, just as the sun was rising. It cast rays through the dusty terrain and we started seeing birds and small creatures all around. A five-minute drive from the entrance and we were parked up four metres from a small herd of elephants. We sat eating breakfast sandwiches, witnessing a mother feeding her baby. What a start to our morning!
The entire day was magical. In fact, the safari tour was the highlight of our honeymoon! Being on a private tour meant we could explore the park at our own pace, away from the noisier jeeps. I remember pulling up near a waterhole and watching the elephants covering themselves in mud. We even spotted water buffalo, turtles, and saltwater crocodiles along the way.
We chose a six-hour tour, which meant we also had lunch in the park. When the hotel staff who were sorting the tour asked if we had any dietary requirements, we joked that we just loved curry! Sure enough, at lunchtime our safari guide opened up a warm box of curries and rice! We couldn’t believe it! We sat there in the wilds of the national park, eating some of the best Sri Lankan dishes of our trip. I can’t promise everyone gets this experience, but it certainly added to our enjoyment!
How to get to Udawalawe National Park
We travelled from Ella to Udawalawe in one day. The direct drive takes around 2 hours 15, but we chose to stop at Diyaluma Falls on the way. Alternatively, if you’re coming from the south, the drive from Galle or Mirissa will be a similar length.
The best way to reach the National Park is by taxi. Wherever you go in Sri Lanka, you’ll find people offering taxi services. It can take a bit of negotiating, but it’s not difficult to organise a ride. We ended up finding a company which offered drivers all over the country. It became easier to WhatsApp them and organise rides in advance, than the constant efforts of haggling on the streets!
When we visited, our taxi from Ella to Udawalawe cost LKR 8700 (£23 / $30 USD). I’m sure prices will have increased since then, but I know it’s helpful to have a ballpark figure.
How to organise a safari tour in Udawalawe National Park
It’s unlikely you’d visit this area of Sri Lanka and not book a safari. It’s the main reason to see this region and one of the highlights of the whole country. There are numerous tour operators; some bigger operations with multiple vehicles and guides, some one-man-bands.
We booked our tour via our accommodation, Eliyanth Udawalawe, which was a great base for this part of the trip. The staff were helpful and professional. They have guides going out every day into the park, so it was simple to organise a jeep tour for us. We contacted them in advance, then confirmed and paid on arrival. I spotted they now list prices on their website here.
It’s worth knowing that you can choose between a group tour (with other people) or a private jeep for your group. If you can afford it, I’d recommend a private tour. I’ll explain why in a moment.
There are plenty of tours you can book online ahead of your trip. You might find this more reassuring, as it’s probably easier to cancel / change dates etc. I found this half day tour on GetYourGuide (my preferred tour website), which is a reasonable price, has great reviews and includes pickup from local hotels. Alternatively, there are full-day tours like this one, which pick up from locations further away.
How much does a safari in Udawalawe cost?
I was amazed by the prices! Under £25 per person for the shorter tours. I’m not publishing prices here as they change all the time. But, I’m sure you’ll also be surprised by how reasonable they are! Just remember, you’ll need to pay for park entrance too.
Is it better to book a private tour or a group tour in Udawalawe National Park?
We booked a private tour, and I was so glad we did. We saw some of the larger groups in the park. They had multiple vehicles, were noisy and a lot more disruptive. They didn’t feel like they were respecting the nature in the same way either.
With just the two of us, plus our driver, we could be more flexible with our route. We drove further away from the big groups, found some lovely peaceful spots and got close to the wildlife without disrupting. A much better experience!
Is there an entrance fee?
Yes, you’ll need to pay an entrance fee when you reach the park. This is in addition to the price of your tour. These prices change each year, so check with your tour guide when you’re booking, and carry change with you.
What time are the safari tours?
If you book a morning tour, be prepared to set your alarm! They leave very early. Ours set off at 5.40am so that we could be in the park by sunrise. Animals tend to be active first thing in the morning, so it’s a great time to experience the nature of the park.
If you book an afternoon tour, they usually set off at 2pm. This can also be a good option, as animals are pretty active around dusk.
The majority of visitors to this region book a three hour morning tour. However, we opted for a six-hour tour. It was amazing to spend longer in the park! I’ll explain more about this in a moment.
Comparing a half day vs full day safari in Udawalawe
We debated whether to go on the short or long safari tour. Once we got into the pros and cons, the longer tour won by a mile! The mornings are amazing in the park, but with only three hours there, you’ll find you can’t travel that far. The short tours have points they won’t go beyond as they need to allow enough time to get back to the entrance.
If you book a six-hour or full-day tour, you’ll be able to explore more of the grounds, away from other jeeps. This allows for a more intimate experience, a greater chance to see more animals, and a more memorable safari trip.
I worried it might be too hot or tiring being out for that long, but it was totally manageable.
I should add that I’d have felt differently if we were travelling with children. I think the longer tour would be fine for teenagers, but small children might get tired, restless, and perhaps a little hot and bothered!
What animals can you see?
Udawalawe National Park is renowned for its incredible wildlife and is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see animals in their natural habitat. While the elephants are the main draw, there are lots of other creatures roaming free. Here’s a quick list of the animals you might encounter if you’re lucky!
Mammals
- Asian elephants: The park is renowned for its large population of wild elephants.
- Water buffalo: Frequently seen near waterholes.
- Leopards: Rare but possible sightings. More likely in the evenings.
- Sambar deer: Found grazing in open areas.
- Golden jackals: Often seen roaming in packs.
- Wild boars: Common throughout the park.
- Toque macaques and grey langurs: Playful monkeys in forested areas.
Birds
- White-bellied sea eagles
- Crested serpent eagles
- Malabar pied hornbills
- Peacocks
- Kingfishers
- Bee-eaters
Reptiles
- Mugger crocodiles: Found in the water.
- Land monitor and water monitor lizards: Common sightings.
Where to Stay in Udawalawe
We stayed at Eliyanth Udawalawe, a highly-rated boutique hotel just a short drive from the park entrance. I remember spotting it during my research and immediately loving its appearance. It’s got that cool treehouse-in-the-jungle look, with lots of wooden accents and floor-to-ceiling glass.
It didn’t disappoint! Our room was gorgeous, with massive windows overlooking lush greenery. It also had an outdoor pool and restaurant serving delicious Sri Lankan cuisine (and a few western favourites). All of this at a bargain price too. It’s easy to see why we chose it!
Nature was literally everywhere. There were lizards darting across the paths and colourful birds squawking in the trees. It felt like we were right in the middle of the wild!
I’d recommend the hotel as a great base for your trip. The team there will happily organise your safari tour too. If you’re looking for other options, I had a few others on my shortlist:
Waraka – Udawalawe by Thema Collection – More expensive resort than many, with room options including suites. Lovely pool, spa area, and just a short drive to the park.
Jungle Paradise – Relaxing accommodation in natural surroundings, with a swimming pool and close proximity to national park.
Siyambala Resort – Quirky and photogenic design hotel with a few rooms featuring pointed ceilings.
Centauria Wild – Larger resort with a swimming pool and great location for the park.
What to wear on a safari in Sri Lanka
If you’re wondering what to wear for a day out in nature, I’d recommend taking a quick look at my guide to what to wear in Sri Lanka. I’ve shared what I wore for a number of different activities.
For a safari trip in Udawalawe or Yala National Park you’ll want to wear lightweight, comfortable items as it gets really warm once the sun comes up. I wore denim shorts and a sleeveless vest top. I also took a hat and sunglasses to protect from the powerful UV rays.
You might have a chance to get off the vehicle (toilets, stretching your legs etc – away from wildlife, of course), so wear trainers or sturdy sandals such as Birkenstocks.
What to take on a safari in Sri Lanka
These are the items I’d recommend packing for your safari trip in Sri Lanka:
- Hat
- Sun cream
- Insect repellent
- Sunglasses
- Light cardigan or jumper for before the sun comes up
- Money (entrance fee, plus tip for your guide)
- Hand fan (if you struggle with the heat)
- Camera (with zoom lens if you have one, for better photos of the wildlife)
- Phone (for videos)
- Snacks
Which Sri Lankan safari is better – Yala or Udawalawe?
We did tonnes of research before our trip. I’m talking blogs, Youtube videos and personal recommendations from friends who had been. If you want to see elephants, most say that Udawalawe is better. If you want to see more variety of species, you might prefer Yala.
I’ve heard from several sources that Yala can be a bit overrun with tourists in jeeps. It sounded hectic and not what we wanted from our trip. We were very happy with our decision to visit Udawalawe. It was such an incredible day!
When is the best time to visit Udawalawe?
The best time to visit is from May to September, although it’s an excellent year-round destination due to its relatively dry climate. We actually visited in February and had great weather and saw lots of wildlife.
Dry season (May to September)
- Best time for wildlife viewing, especially elephants near waterholes.
- Less vegetation, making it easier to spot animals.
- Comfortable weather with lower chances of rainfall.
Wet season (October to April)
- Lush greenery and picturesque landscapes.
- Migratory birds are abundant, making it great for birdwatching.
- Occasional rain showers, but safaris are still possible.
What are the opening hours at Udawalawe National Park?
The park is open every day from 6am – 6pm. The morning safaris aim to be at the gates to the park by 6 so you get maximum time inside seeing the wildlife.
I hope this guide to visiting Udawalawe has given you lots of tips and info to plan your trip. Have an amazing time. I’m sure it’ll be just as magical as our experience!
Looking for more travel inspiration for visiting Sri Lanka? Check out these posts:
- The Perfect Two-Week Sri Lanka Itinerary: Beaches, Safari and Culture
- How To Spend 1 Week In Sri Lanka: 7-Day Itinerary
- What To Wear In Sri Lanka For Women And Men: Sri Lanka Packing Guide
- How To Plan A Safari In Udawalawe National Park, Sri Lanka
- The Best Honeymoon Hotels In Sri Lanka
- 9 Amazing Things To Do In Ella, Sri Lanka
- 16 Best Places To Stay In Ella, Sri Lanka
- 12 Best Places To Stay In Mirissa, Sri Lanka