Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort - Udawalawe National Park

A larger, more resort-style option offering modern amenities, a swimming pool, and spacious rooms. It's a popular choice for families and groups, providing comfortable accommodation and easy access to the park for elephant safaris and birdwatching, with frequent sightings of elephants and water buffalo nearby.

Location
Udawalawe National Park, Southern & Southeastern Dry Zone, Sri Lanka, South Asia
Type
hotel
Coordinates
6.476400, 80.864500
Price range
luxury
Phone
047 223 2000
Email
[email protected]
Website
https://grandudawalawe.com/
Activities
Spa
Amenities
Spa, Dining, Bar, Lounge
Tank Filling
mid-range

PlnrScore: 35/100

Best Time to Visit Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort

The best months to visit Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort 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%

Frequently Asked Questions

We're considering Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort for our family trip. What makes it a good choice for kids, and what should we pack for them?

We love Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort for families because its spacious rooms and large pool offer plenty of room for everyone to relax after a thrilling safari. We recommend packing light, breathable clothing, swimwear, and of course, binoculars for the little ones to get the most out of the incredible elephant sightings. Don't forget sun hats and plenty of sunscreen; the Sri Lankan sun is strong.

What's the real difference between staying at Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort versus a smaller boutique lodge near Udawalawe National Park?

If you appreciate modern comforts and a resort feel, Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort is our top pick. While smaller lodges offer intimacy, this resort provides a luxurious and timeless ambiance with amenities like a fantastic spa and a generous swimming pool, perfect for unwinding. It’s a more substantial, comfortable base for exploring the park, especially if you appreciate having these facilities readily available.

We've heard the elephant sightings at Udawalawe are legendary. Can we really expect to see them easily from Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort?

Absolutely. We've always been impressed by the sheer number of elephants you encounter on safaris from Grand Udawalawe. The resort's location is superb for accessing the park, and our drives consistently yielded sightings of large herds, often just a short distance from the lodge. You'll also be amazed by the diverse birdlife, particularly around the water bodies.

What's the best time of year to book a stay at Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort for optimal wildlife viewing and pleasant weather?

We find the dry season, from May to September, offers the most reliable wildlife viewing at Udawalawe, as animals congregate around water sources. The weather during these months is generally sunny and warm, making it ideal for both safari drives and enjoying the resort's pool. While you can visit year-round, this period truly enhances the experience.

Beyond the safari drives, what other experiences does Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort offer that enhance a luxury stay?

We highly recommend indulging in the resort's spa facilities; it's a wonderful way to soothe muscles after a day in the jeep. The sunsets over the surrounding landscape are sensational, and we love enjoying a sundowner drink on the terrace. The lodge feels luxurious and timeless, offering a peaceful sanctuary that perfectly complements the adventure of the park.

Other Safari Lodges in Udawalawe National Park

Parks in Southern & Southeastern Dry Zone

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Sri Lanka

Travel advisory for Sri Lanka