Udawalawe National Park

Udawalawe is a premier destination for elephant viewing, often compared to an African savanna for its open grasslands and large herds. It's an excellent...

Udawalawe National Park at a Glance

Location
Southern & Southeastern Dry Zone, Sri Lanka, South Asia
Coordinates
6.512168, 80.869260
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
January to March for Yala and southern parks. June to September for northern parks (Wilpattu).

Getting to Udawalawe National Park

Nearest airport: Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI), 38 km away.

Nearest international airport: Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI), 38 km away.

Big Five in Udawalawe National Park

1 of the Big Five can be found here: Leopard.

Weather & Climate in Udawalawe National Park

The warmest temperatures in Udawalawe National Park occur in August, averaging 28.0°C (up to 32.8°C). The coolest conditions are in December at 25.6°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in June with average rainfall of 48.2mm. Average humidity: 73.9%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 25.7°C (rainfall: 125.7mm)
  • February: 26.9°C (rainfall: 72.0mm)
  • March: 27.6°C (rainfall: 109.3mm)
  • April: 27.5°C (rainfall: 178.7mm)
  • May: 27.6°C (rainfall: 180.2mm)
  • June: 28.0°C (rainfall: 48.2mm)
  • July: 28.0°C (rainfall: 61.6mm)
  • August: 28.0°C (rainfall: 74.2mm)
  • September: 27.5°C (rainfall: 95.5mm)
  • October: 26.8°C (rainfall: 212.0mm)
  • November: 25.7°C (rainfall: 340.8mm)
  • December: 25.6°C (rainfall: 184.1mm)

Best Time to Visit Udawalawe National Park

The best months to visit Udawalawe National Park are February, March, June, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 25.71°C, rainfall 125.7mm, sunshine 9.9 hrs, humidity 80.1%
  • February: Great, temperature 26.86°C, rainfall 72mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 73.9%
  • March: Great, temperature 27.6°C, rainfall 109.3mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 73.8%
  • April: Good, temperature 27.47°C, rainfall 178.7mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 80.5%
  • May: Good, temperature 27.64°C, rainfall 180.2mm, sunshine 9.4 hrs, humidity 80.6%
  • June: Great, temperature 28°C, rainfall 48.2mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 73.9%
  • July: Great, temperature 28°C, rainfall 61.6mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 71.9%
  • August: Great, temperature 28.03°C, rainfall 74.2mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 71.1%
  • September: Great, temperature 27.53°C, rainfall 95.5mm, sunshine 9.9 hrs, humidity 74.2%
  • October: Good, temperature 26.83°C, rainfall 212mm, sunshine 9.1 hrs, humidity 78.5%
  • November: Good, temperature 25.71°C, rainfall 340.8mm, sunshine 8.1 hrs, humidity 85.3%
  • December: Good, temperature 25.62°C, rainfall 184.1mm, sunshine 8.9 hrs, humidity 83.6%

Wildlife in Udawalawe National Park

Home to 80 recorded species including 28 waterbirds, 21 iconic birds, 17 birds of prey, 8 tropical birds, 3 big herbivores, 1 primates.

Recommended Packing List for Udawalawe National Park

Based on average temperature of 27.1°C, typical conditions, humidity 77%.

  • Lightweight breathable clothing - warm 27°C weather calls for light fabrics
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Udawalawe National Park

10 safari lodges available.

Other

mid-range

luxury

Similar Parks in Southern & Southeastern Dry Zone

Visitor Tips - Udawalawe National Park

Udawalawe is an absolute must for elephant enthusiasts; the sheer number of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat is breathtaking. We love the park's open landscapes, which make for excellent viewing opportunities, especially when the herds gather around the reservoirs. It feels like a true immersion into the wild heart of Sri Lanka, offering consistently rewarding sightings.

Gate Times

The gates at Udawalawe National Park typically open at 6 AM and close at 6 PM daily. We always recommend an early morning start, ideally by 6:30 AM, to catch the wildlife at its most active and enjoy cooler temperatures. Permits are purchased directly at the gate upon arrival, and while no advance booking is required for park entry itself, we strongly advise arranging your safari jeep and driver in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure availability and a prompt start.

Tipping

Tipping is customary and much appreciated in Sri Lanka's safari industry. For your safari jeep driver-guide, we recommend LKR 1500-2500 per half-day safari, depending on the quality of service and sightings. If you have a separate tracker, a smaller amount, perhaps LKR 500-1000, is appropriate. We suggest handing the tip directly to the individual at the end of your safari, discreetly and with a genuine thank you.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Sri Lanka

Travel advisory for Sri Lanka

Udawalawe National Park FAQs

When is the optimal time to visit Udawalawe National Park for the best wildlife viewing experience?

The dry season, from May to September, is generally considered the best time as water levels recede, concentrating animals around the remaining water sources and making sightings more frequent. However, elephants are abundant year-round due to the park's consistent water supply from the Udawalawe Reservoir.

What can I expect during a typical safari in Udawalawe, and how long should I plan for it?

A typical safari lasts about 3-4 hours, either in the morning or afternoon, offering excellent opportunities to witness large elephant herds roaming the open grasslands. Beyond elephants, you'll likely encounter water buffalo, various deer species, crocodiles, and a remarkable array of raptors soaring overhead.

What are the approximate costs involved for a safari in Udawalawe National Park?

Safari costs typically include the park entrance fee, which is around $25-30 USD per person for foreigners, plus a vehicle fee. A private safari jeep for a half-day tour usually ranges from $40-60 USD, depending on the duration and negotiation, and can be shared among passengers.

What makes Udawalawe a particularly unique destination for elephant enthusiasts in Sri Lanka?

Udawalawe stands out for its consistently high density of elephants and its expansive, savanna-like landscape, which provides unobstructed views of large herds, often compared to an African experience. The park also hosts the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home nearby, offering a unique opportunity to see orphaned elephants being rehabilitated.

Are there any specific health or safety considerations visitors should be aware of when exploring Udawalawe National Park?

While the malaria risk is is moderate, it's advisable to use insect repellent, especially during dawn and dusk. Due to the open environment, sun protection (hat, sunscreen) and staying hydrated are crucial, and always follow your safari guide's instructions for safe wildlife observation.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.