Udawalawe National Park is the third most popular park in Sri Lanka. The primary attraction is a herd of approximately 250 elephants which are generally found near the Udawalawe reservoir. It is also possible to spot leopards in the park although this is rare. The national park is most famous as the best place in Sri Lanka to see Sri Lankan Elephants. In fact, it is the only national park in the country where an elephant sighting is guaranteed on every safari trip. Udawalawe National Park is said to have an elephant population numbering about 250. This population of elephants can be sustained in the national park owing to its lush greenery and large bodies of water that are vital for the survival of such a large population of elephants. The elephant population is not the only attraction in the national park. It is also known to be home to a wide range of flora and fauna, some of which exist only in Sri Lanka. Primates found in the national park include toque macaques and tufted grey langurs. Rodents include Indian hare and about five species of wild rat and mouse, including the rare and endemic Ceylon spiny mouse. The endemic golden palm civet and the Asian palm civet also call the national park home.
01 DAY Colombo To Udawalawe
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Pick you up at the hotel at 7.00 am
- Leave Colombo for Embilipitiya via Ratnapura.
- Arrive at Embilipitiya
- Check-in at the Hotel.
- Have Lunch
- Leave the hotel to visit the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home
- See the elephants feeding
Return to the Hotel stay overnight at the Hotel.
- 02 DAY - Udawalawe National To Colombo (via ratnapura)
After early breakfast
- Leave on a Jeep Safari to Udawalawe National Park.
Udawalawe National Park is the third most popular park in Sri Lanka. The primary attraction is a herd of approximately 250 elephants which are generally found near the Udawalawe reservoir. It is also possible to spot leopards in the park although this is rare. The national park is most famous as the best place in Sri Lanka to see Sri Lankan Elephants. In fact, it is the only national park in the country where an elephant sighting is guaranteed on every safari trip. Udawalawe National Park is said to have an elephant population numbering about 250.
Leave for Bopath Ella (Water Fall) in Ratnapura. Enjoy a river bath.
Commence return journey to Colombo and
4 Comments
4.2
The thrill of watching elephants roam freely in Udawalawa was a breathtaking experience that I’ll cherish forever. I spent hours in the jeep, captivated by their majestic presence as they interacted, played, and even squabbled over watering holes. Although the day was incredible, I would have appreciated a little more time to take photos during the safari to capture those unforgettable moments.
4.2
We had a fantastic day watching the majestic elephants roam freely in their natural habitat, which exceeded our expectations. The safari ride was thrilling, and we were lucky enough to witness a herd bathing in a waterhole—such a magnificent sight! The guides were knowledgeable and added depth to our understanding of these gentle giants and their ecosystem. One small suggestion would be to offer more time for lunch, as we felt a bit rushed. Overall, it was a memorable experience for our family, and we left with great stories and a deeper appreciation for Sri Lanka’s wildlife. We can’t wait to share our adventure with friends!
4.4
Our encounter with Udawalawa’s majestic elephants during the safari was an unforgettable highlight of our business trip. As we quietly observed a herd bathing in the shimmering water, the sheer grace of these beautiful creatures left us in awe. It would be even better if the tour included a bit more time for photos, but overall, the experience was truly enchanting.
4.2
Exploring the vast expanses of Udawalawa during our safari was an unforgettable experience, especially when we stumbled upon a family of elephants munching on some grass right by our vehicle. Watching the majestic creatures interact with one another was like stepping into a nature documentary—truly breathtaking! We also had a thrilling moment when our guide pointed out a playful baby elephant splashing in a nearby waterhole, which had us all in fits of laughter. The lush scenery and the vibrant wildlife made for a fantastic backdrop as we drove through the park, capturing incredible photos along the way. One suggestion would be to add a bit more time for lunch, as we were eager to savor the local Sri Lankan cuisine that awaited us. Overall, the day was filled with adventure, laughter, and a deeper appreciation for Lankas’ natural beauty. If you love wildlife, this is definitely an experience not to miss!