Udawalawa, Sri Lanka Sabaragamuwa Province Adventurous City
Best time to visitAll year
Getting thereAbout 170 km from Colombo, 3.5–4 hours by road
Recommended stay1–2 days
Welcome to Udawalawa
Discover Udawalawa
Udawalawe National Park is one of the best places in Asia to see wild elephants. Herds of 50 or more often gather around the reservoir, and sightings are almost guaranteed on a jeep safari through its open grasslands.
The park is also home to water buffalo, crocodiles, jackals, mongooses and a wide variety of birds, including raptors and peacocks. Next door, the Elephant Transit Home cares for orphaned calves before releasing them back into the wild.
Kura's tip
Combine a morning safari with the calves' feeding time at the Elephant Transit Home, held several times a day.
Top attractions
Things to see in Udawalawa
8 highlights, from must-see landmarks to local favourites. Tap any photo to view it larger.
Conservation
Elephant Transit Home
Watch orphaned baby elephants being fed milk before they're returned to the wild.
Landmark
Udawalawe Dam
A large dam and reservoir at the edge of the national park, with views across the water.
Lake
Chandrika Wewa
A reservoir surrounded by countryside, beautiful at sunset and good for birdwatching.
Reservoir
Udawalawe Reservoir
The reservoir at the heart of the national park, where elephants gather to drink and bathe.
Heritage
Maduwanwela Walawwa
A historic manor house of a local chieftain, with a large collection of antiques and colonial-era artefacts.
Temple
Sankapala Raja Maha Viharaya
An ancient rock temple with caves, carvings and a rich history.
Culture
Gem Mining
See traditional gem mining in the nearby gem country of Ratnapura, where pits are dug by hand.
Experience
Ceylon 1850
A local experience inspired by the island's heritage. Ask Kura to include it in your plans.
Signature experience
Udawalawe National Park Safari
Udawalawe National Park in Sri Lanka is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. The park is known for its abundant wildlife and stunning landscapes, including a large population of elephants. Visitors can observe elephants bathing, feeding, and socializing at the Udawalawe Reservoir. The park also features a diverse array of fauna, including leopards, sloth bears, sambar deer, water buffalo, and crocodiles. Over 200 bird species can be seen, including the colorful peacock, crested serpent eagle, and kingfishers and hornbills. The park’s landscape is a mix of grasslands, forests, and wetlands, providing a picturesque backdrop for the safari. Guides offer insights into the park’s ecology and wildlife behavior. Traveling in a comfortable 4×4 vehicle ensures optimal viewing and photography. Udawalawe National Park plays a vital role in wildlife conservation and protection, contributing to Sri Lanka’s natural heritage preservation.
Kura’s Adventure. Negombo, Kithulgala, Nuwaraeliya, Ella, Haputale, Udawalawa, Mirissa & Bentota
Kura’s All Ceylon. Negombo, Kalpitiya, Anuradhapura, Mannar, Jaffna, Trincomalee, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Riverstone, Kandy, Mahiyanganaya, Batticaloa, Arugambay, Ella, Nuwaraeliya, Haputale, Udawalawa, Yala, Tangalle, Mirissa, Sinharaja, Galle & Bentota
