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Udawalawe, Sri Lanka.
Elephant safari
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Udawalawe National Park is Sri Lanka's best national park for guaranteed wild elephant sightings. The 300-square-kilometre park in the south-central plains has one of the highest concentrations of wild Asian elephants anywhere - herds of 30-plus are common, especially in the dry season. A half-day jeep safari costs USD 45-60 per person and the adjacent Elephant Transit Home is well worth a visit.
Why go to Udawalawe
Udawalawe is the safari for people who want to see wild elephants without the leopard-tracking obsession that dominates Yala. Sightings are close to guaranteed, the park is quieter, and it fits neatly into an Ella-to-south-coast route. For families with children and for anyone who wants a calmer safari experience, it is the better choice.
Best things to do in Udawalawe
- Morning jeep safari - dawn departure, 4 hours, close-range wild elephant encounters almost guaranteed.
- Afternoon jeep safari - 2:30pm departure, similar elephant odds, softer light.
- Elephant Transit Home - orphaned elephant calves are fed at 9am, noon, 3pm and 6pm. USD 5 entry. The ethical alternative to Pinnawala.
- Combine with Diyaluma Falls (45 minutes) if you are descending from Ella.
How to get to Udawalawe
From Ella it is 75 km and about 2.5 hours through Wellawaya. From Yala (Tissa) it is 75 km and 2 hours. From Mirissa 130 km and 3 hours. Almost no one drives direct from CMB; Udawalawe is a mid-itinerary stop.
| From | Distance | Drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Ella | 75 km | 2 - 2.5 hrs |
| Yala (Tissamaharama) | 75 km | 2 hrs |
| Mirissa | 130 km | 3 hrs |
| Colombo Airport (CMB) | 215 km | 4.5 - 5 hrs |
| Kandy | 195 km | 5 hrs |
How many days do you need in Udawalawe?
One night. Two if you want to combine a morning and afternoon safari with the Elephant Transit Home. The town itself is functional; the reason to stay is the park.
Best time to visit Udawalawe
Year-round. Dry season (May to September) concentrates wildlife at waterholes and is best for sightings. See all 12 months of Sri Lanka weather compared for a fuller picture, or browse tour packages that already sequence the seasons for you.
What to pair Udawalawe with
Udawalawe sits on the natural route between the hill country and the south coast. Ella to Mirissa via Udawalawe is a classic day.
The one thing that changes the visit
Include Udawalawe in a private tour
Every stop on our itineraries is optional and re-orderable. Tell us your dates, group size and interests and we build a private route around them - with a driver from your arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) to your final drop-off.
Read next: 7-day itinerary (Classic Loop) · 10-day itinerary · 14-day itinerary · Private driver costs · Attraction fees
What travelers ask us this week about ask-this-week
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How much does an Udawalawe safari cost?
A shared half-day jeep safari costs USD 45-60 per person including park fees. A private jeep costs USD 70-100 total for up to six people. Less than Yala; wild elephant sightings are close to guaranteed.
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Udawalawe or Yala for a safari?
Udawalawe for reliable wild elephants in a calmer park. Yala for the highest chance of a leopard in a busier, more expensive park. Families and first-time safaris often choose Udawalawe; photographers and leopard-hunt...
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What is the Elephant Transit Home?
A Department of Wildlife-run facility 5 km from the park entrance that rehabilitates orphaned wild elephant calves for release back into Udawalawe. Feedings at 9am, noon, 3pm and 6pm. USD 5 entry. Ethically the right ...
Good to know
Udawalawe - common questions
How much does an Udawalawe safari cost?
A shared half-day jeep safari costs USD 45-60 per person including park fees. A private jeep costs USD 70-100 total for up to six people. Less than Yala; wild elephant sightings are close to guaranteed.
Udawalawe or Yala for a safari?
Udawalawe for reliable wild elephants in a calmer park. Yala for the highest chance of a leopard in a busier, more expensive park. Families and first-time safaris often choose Udawalawe; photographers and leopard-hunters choose Yala.
What is the Elephant Transit Home?
A Department of Wildlife-run facility 5 km from the park entrance that rehabilitates orphaned wild elephant calves for release back into Udawalawe. Feedings at 9am, noon, 3pm and 6pm. USD 5 entry. Ethically the right elephant experience in Sri Lanka.
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