Udawalawe Safari Sri Lanka: Best Tours, Tips & Wildlife Spotting
Udawalawe National Park is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see elephants in the wild. With its open grasslands, jungle areas, and reservoirs, it is home to hundreds of elephants, along with buffalo, crocodiles, peacocks, and many more surprises. Unlike Yala National Park, Udawalawe sees far fewer crowds, offering a more relaxed and immersive safari experience. In this guide, I will cover everything you need to know to plan your Udawalawe safari, including the best time to visit, entrance fees, how to book a tour, where to stay, what to expect, and more. Welcome to your one-stop Udawalawe shop!
Oh & as always practice sustainable tourism while traveling please— do not feed, touch, or disturb the animals while on your safari.
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Udawalawe Safari Sri Lanka
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Table of Contents:
Where is Udawalawe National Park
How to Get to Udawalawe National Park
Ella to Udawalawe National Park
Mirissa & Other Coastal Towns to Udawalawe National Park
Best Time to Visit Udawalawe National Park
Where to Stay Near Udawalawe National Park
Entrance Fees and Tour Options
What You Can See In Udawalawe National Park
My Experience at Udawalawe National Park
About Udawalawe National Park
One of the safari jeeps taking a breakfast break underneath a tree in Udawalawe National Park in Sri Lanka.
Udawalawe National Park, located near the town of Udawalawe in Sri Lanka, is one of the best places to experience a safari without the overwhelming crowds of Yala. The park is home to wild elephants, crocodiles, water buffalo, deer, and many bird species, making it an incredible spot for wildlife lovers.
Many people visit Udawalawe National Park on a day trip from Mirissa, Tangalle, or Dickwella, while others include it in their itinerary when traveling between Ella and the south coast beach towns. It is the perfect stop to break up the journey and experience a safari without venturing too far off your route.
But, one of the coolest things about visiting Udawalawe is that you can stay right along the park’s borders, meaning you might spot elephants or other animals from your accommodation. If you are looking for an unforgettable safari experience in Sri Lanka, Udawalawe is 100% worth it.
Where is Udawalawe National Park
The official Google Maps location is here.
How to Get to Udawalawe National Park
You can reach Udawalawe National Park by bus or taxi. If you are coming from the south coast, the train will only take you as far as Beliatta Station, while from the north, the closest train stop is Ella. From either of these points, you will need to take a bus or taxi to Udawalawe. It is always a good idea to check with your accommodation for the most up-to-date transport options, but here are the best routes I found.
Pro Tip: Haven’t booked your flight into Colombo, Sri Lanka yet? Book your flight through Kiwi.com or Skyscanner.com for the best flight deals. Unlike Google Flights, Kiwi and Skyscanner include regional flights in their search results.
Ella to Udawalawe National Park
Option 1: Public Transport
Taking public transport from Ella to Udawalawe is possible but can be a bit chaotic. Buses often brake suddenly, weave through traffic, and pack in as many passengers as possible. Some days, I was lucky enough to board early, snagging a seat by an open window for the whole ride. Other times, I stood for an hour in a crowded, non-air-conditioned bus with the windows shut tight against the rain.
If you have larger luggage, I do not recommend the bus. Storage space is minimal, with only a small section in the back for bigger backpacks.
You can check bus timetables here, but they can change, so it is best to check with your accommodation for the latest schedule and use Google Maps to find routes and track your journey in real-time. The average travel time by bus or train is between 2.5-6 hours.
The cost to travel between the two with public transport is likely to be between 500 and 1000 rupees (1.69-3.38 USD). I reccomend asking your accomodation what the price of each bus or train should be as many ticket sellers on the buses will take whatever you give them and provide no change.
Here are some routes I found between the two:
Route 1: 1 Train | 2 Buses
The Train: Ella Train Station to Bandarawela Railway Station.
Estimated Travel Time: 31 minutes
Walk 5 minutes to Bandarawela bus stop
Bus 1: Bandarawela to Pelmadulla Central
Bus Route Number: 99
Estimated Travel Time: 2.20 hours
Bus 2: Pelmadulla Central to Ret Junction (or your stop in Udawalawa)
Bus Route Number: 98-2 (Badulla to Colombo)
Estimated Travel Time: 1-1.5 hours
Route 2: Ella – Wellawaya – Udawalawe (By Bus)
Bus 1: Ella to Wellawaya
Bus Route Number: 99 (Badulla to Colombo)
Estimated Travel Time: 1-1.5 hours
Bus 2: Wellawaya to Udawalawe
Bus Route Number: 98 (Monaragala to Colombo)
Estimated Travel Time: 2 to 2.5 hours
Route 3: Ella – Thanamalwila – Udawalawe (Bus)
Bus 1: Ella to Thanamalwila
Bus Route Number: 31-1 (Badulla to Kataragama)
Estimated Travel Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Bus 2: Thanamalwila to Udawalawe
Bus Route Number: 98 (Monaragala to Colombo)
Estimated Travel Time: 1 to 1.5 hours
Option 2: Shared Van
Supposedly in Ella, you can find shared vans that travel to Udawalawe by simply walking around and asking the local drivers, although I recommend asking your accommodation for help finding them.
These vans usually accommodate 7-8 passengers and offer a more comfortable ride compared to public buses. The fare ranges between 1,400 to 1,700 LKR (around 5-6 USD) per person, and the journey takes about 2 hours. I have not experienced these shared vans anywhere in Sri Lanka, but I have been told they exist.
Option 3: Private Taxi
The third option for getting to Udawalawe from Ella is by private taxi. I recommend asking your accommodation for pricing and if they can arrange one for you. Local drivers on the Pick Me app (Sri Lanka’s version of Uber) often show up and ask for more money than the listed price, so it is best to avoid it. Uber can be a good option for longer distances, but in most cases, your accommodation will be able to find you a better price at a set time.
Total Cost: 12,000 - 20,000 (40 - 67 USD)
Estimated Travel Time: 2.20 Hours / 100 KM
Option 4: Day Tour
The final option is joining a day tour from Ella, which includes transportation to Udawalawe National Park. Just keep in mind that these tours usually leave super early (before 4 AM) or get you to the park around midday. Also, the park entrance fee (43 USD per person) is often not included, so double-check what is covered before booking.
If you want to visit the national park in 1 day you can join a tour like this one, which includes transport.
Mirissa & Other Coastal Towns to Udawalawe National Park
Option 1: Public Transport
Your first option for traveling between these two destinations is by train and public bus. The bus ride can be a bit chaotic, so be prepared for that. Drivers often brake suddenly, swerve through traffic, and cram in as many passengers as possible. On some days, I was lucky enough to board at an early stop, getting a seat and an open window for the ride. Other times, I stood for an hour in a crowded, non-air-conditioned bus with the windows shut tight against the rain.
If you have larger luggage, I would not recommend taking the bus. There is only a small storage area in the back for bigger backpacks.
You can find bus timetables online, but your best bet is to check with your accommodation for the best route and use Google Maps to check timetables and track your journey. Below are some routes I found between the two.
Route 1: 1 Train | 1 Taxi
The Train: Mirissa - Beliatta via Train
Estimated Travel Time: 54 Mins
Cost: 2-4 USD depending on class
You can also catch this train from Weligama, Unawatuna, Ahangama, Galle, etc.
The Taxi: Beliatta - Accommodation via Taxi
Estimated Travel Time: 1 hour or so
Cost: 8500-9000 rupees (28-30 USD)
Route 2: 1 Train | 2 Buses
The Train: Mirissa - Beliatta via Train
Estimated Travel Time: 54 Mins
Cost: 2-4 USD depending on class
You can also catch this train from Weligama, Unawatuna, Ahangama, Galle, etc.
Bus 1: Beliatta Bus Station - Nonagama Junction
Estimated Travel Time: 49 minutes
Cost: 1-2 USD
Bus 2: Nonagama Junction - Udawalawa Junction
Estimated Travel Time: 1-1.5 hours
Cost: 1-2 USD
Option 2: Shared Van
I am unsure if there are shared vans between the two destinations. If you know there are any, please send me a message!
Option 3: Private Taxi
I will be honest, I did not want to figure out the buses and trains or sit on either for 5 hours in the rain, so my boyfriend and I opted for a taxi, which we split. If you feel the same way, you could try to find 1–3 other people heading to the national park and split the taxi with them. It is a much more comfortable and stress-free option if you are not up for the bus chaos.
We traveled from Mirissa to Udawalawe, but of course, you can grab taxis from anywhere in Sri Lanka to Udawalawe.
Cost: 13000 rupee
Estimated Travel Time: 2 Hours / 100-110 KM
Option 4: Day Tour
The final option is joining a day tour from places like Mirissa, Tangalle, or Dickwella, which includes transportation to Udawalawe National Park. Just keep in mind that these tours usually leave super early (before 4 AM) or get you to the park around midday. Also, the park entrance fee (43 USD per person) is often not included, so double-check what is covered before booking.
Best Time to Visit Udawalawe National Park
Udawalawe National Park can be visited year-round, but the dry season from mid-May to the end of September is generally considered the best time for wildlife viewing. During this period, rainfall is relatively low, causing water to become more limited, which attracts animals and makes them easier to spot.
The wettest months are typically October and November, with the highest rainfall occurring in November. The driest month is July, while there is often a "dry spell" between February and March.
If you are interested in birdwatching, specific migratory bird species can only be seen between November and March. The dry season is also the best time for observing elephants, as they gather in large herds around waterholes to drink.
Despite these general trends, I visited Udawalawe in mid to late January and had a full day of sunshine during my safari. It had rained the days leading up to my visit, which my accommodation mentioned was unusual for that time of year.
Where to Stay Near Udawalawe National Park
A rare tusked elephant along the road of our accommodation in Udawalawe National Park, Sri Lanka.
For the best safari experience, I highly recommend staying near Udawalawe National Park, in the neighboring town called Udawalawa. This gives you easier access to the park, making your ride there more enjoyable and less stressful. My accommodation was less than 10 minutes from the park, which meant we did not have to be up until 5:40 AM for our 6 AM safari. Staying on the road leading to the park also increases your chances of seeing wildlife right from your balcony. During our stay, we spotted elephants, buffalo, peacocks, monkeys, and more while enjoying breakfast outside our accommodation.
Many accommodations near the park offer their guests delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner for less than 5 USD. Overall, staying close to the park greatly enhances your experience. I cannot imagine staying in Mirissa or Tangalle and enduring a 1.5 to 2-hour drive to the park, followed by 4 hours in the jeep and another 1.5-2 hours driving back.
These accommodations also offer flexible tour times, allowing you to choose a morning, midday, or early evening safari. Additionally, you can easily adjust your tour time if you are concerned about weather or rain. Because these accommodations run their own safaris, rather than going through larger companies, the prices tend to be lower since they do not have to pay commission to anyone.
Best Accommodation Options For Every Traveler:
Backpacker/Hostel Option: Peacock Villa (Non-AC Room)
Best Low-Budget: Walawa Reach Hotel or Ali Weta Safari Resort
Best Mid-Budget: Kottawatta River Bank Resort or Nature House
Best High-End Budget: Mahoora or Jungle Paradise
Where I Stayed (Highly recommend): Peacock Villa (I chose the air-conditioned room)
You can also find hotel deals at Agoda and Hostel World! You can help support my travel blog by clicking and booking through the links!
Entrance Fees & Tour Options
You can see the difference between wild elephants and captive in their eyes, they just appear happier. This was one of my favorite elephants from my Udawalawe National Park safari in Sri Lanka.
Colorful Bee Eater Birds from my Udawalawe National Park Safari in Sri Lanka.
Udawalawe National Park Entrance Fee: 43 USD per person. This includes the 29 USD entrance fee, a 15% VAT charge, and a 14 USD group fee per car. This does not include the mandatory safari guide (more on this further down).
Tickets can be paid in either Sri Lankan rupees or USD (credit cards are not accepted).
For groups, the ticket price decreases with each additional person. Here's the breakdown:
2 people: 72 USD total (36 USD per person)
3 people: 101 USD total (33.67 USD per person)
4 people: 130 USD total (32 USD per person)
5 people: 159 USD total (31.80 USD per person)
6 people (jeep capacity): 188 USD total (31.33 USD per person)
The more people in your group, the cheaper the cost per person!
Special rates apply for children aged 6-12 years (15 USD + VAT) and SAARC citizens (20 USD + VAT). Children under 6 years old enter for free.
As mentioned earlier, a designated safari car and guide are required to enter Udawalawe National Park. Tour prices depend on the number of people in your group and whether you choose a private or shared tour. There are both full-day and half-day tour options available. Safari costs can also vary based on high and low seasons.
A private half-day tour typically costs between 40-120 USD, while a shared half-day tour ranges from 25-40 USD per person.
For example, my private half-day tour (4 hours) for 2 people cost 40 USD total, excluding the entrance fee. I found that 4 hours was the perfect amount of time for a safari; any longer and I think I would have felt a bit over-saturated with the experience. We saw plenty of animals during this time (more on this in my experience section).
A private tour is not necessary unless you are looking for a more relaxed and personalized experience. Peacock Villa offered unbeatable pricing, and we wanted to compare the experience to a group tour we had in Yala.
You can also choose between a morning, afternoon, or evening tour!
The Best Day Tours From:
Please note the entrance fees do change. These fees are for 2025.
What You Can See In Udawalawe National Park
Changeable Hawk Eagle from my Udawalawe National Park Safari in Sri Lanka.
A hornbill from my Udawalawe National Park Safari in Sri Lanka.
Female Peacocks from my Udawalawe National Park Safari in Sri Lanka.
Here is a list of some of the animals I saw while visiting Udawalawe National Park in January. Your tour guide should have a big book of all of the creatures you may see, so they can identify them for you.
Elephants—many either with their packs or on their own. We saw many up close and one even walked right by our safari jeep. Unlike Yala, it was always just us or 1 or 2 other jeeps nearby
Water Buffalo
Peacocks—so many, the males have long feathers, and the females do not
Sri Lankan Jungle Fowl—native chicken-like bird to Sri Lanka
Ruddy Mongoose—an adorable-looking small mammal, that looks like a large rodent
Birds—Painted Storks, Green Bee Eater, White Breasted Kingfisher, Herons, Malabar Pied Hornbills (so cool), Changeable Hawk Eagle, and so many more.
Mugger Crocodiles
Deer Families—we saw so many
Bengal Monitor Lizards
Toque Macaque (Monkey)
Gray Langurs (Monkey)
You can also see sloth bears, wild boar, leopards (very rare), jackals, and more!
My Experience at Udawalawe National Park
A massive elephant that came right up to our jeep to hangout for a while!
I absolutely loved my experience at Udawalawe National Park. Our accommodation owner met us at 5:40 AM for a quick coffee, tea, and bananas, before we headed out to the national park. The ride there was a quick 10 minutes and we were the 3rd jeep there and went immediately inside after grabbing our park entrance tickets. After entering, we probably did not see another jeep for a couple of hours. Even when we did see a jeep, it never was more than 1 or 2 and we never felt crowded nor noticed them.
We drove down a dirt road and enjoyed the sunrise around us while birds and other wildlife were waking up and starting their day. Less than 30 minutes in we saw a group of 5 elephants enjoying their breakfast, including a baby! We sat and watched them for a while until we decided we wanted to move on. It was a unique experience just watching them go about their morning. We had perfect views of them all as they wandered near the dirt road through the grass and jungle.
In the next hour, we saw water buffalo, many peacocks in trees and walking around, and so many birds the ones that stood out for me were the Painted Storks, Green Bee Eaters, the Malabar Pied Hornbills (so cool), and the Changeable Hawk Eagle. I never thought I was one for bird watching but seeing these birds I did not even expect to see was an incredible surprise.
From there we saw crocodiles along an open lake landscape that sparkled in the sun. Then continued and saw so many different deer families (20 or so at once), some small babies, others full-grown males with antlers. We saw lizards on the side of the road, mongoose, monkeys cleaning each other, and at least 30 more elephants. Some of which walked RIGHT by our jeep. We nearly froze still in awe but also in fear that it could charge us at any moment– it is a wild animal.
I really cannot recommend my accommodation and ones similar to it enough, the family was so kind and welcoming and the location is incredible. They had breakfast waiting for us when we were back and even accommodated our vegan and gluten-free diet. While we sat at each meal, we enjoyed watching the wildlife along the road and saw elephants, buffalo, monkeys, and more!
My best piece of advice for the safari is to go in with an open mind and no expectations. Just enjoy the nature and wildlife around you—you will be pleasantly surprised!
Tips for Visiting Udawalawe National Park
A mother elephant and her baby on my Udawalawe National Park Safari in Sri Lanka.
Here are some tips to help you make the most of your visit to Udawalawe National Park:
Stay Close to the Park: The closer your accommodation, the more wildlife you might see and the shorter your ride to the park will be.
Wear Comfortable Clothes: The jeep ride can be bumpy. Go for breathable, comfortable clothes and closed shoes. Be prepared for sun or rain with sunscreen, hats, and rain gear.
Dress in Layers for Early Morning Safaris: Mornings can be chilly, especially on the way to the park. I wore long pants, a T-shirt, and a light coat to stay comfortable.
Bring Water: Your tour might provide water, but I always prefer to have my own reusable water bottle.
Binoculars: Some tours provide them, but it is nice to bring your own (so you do not have to share) to capture every moment up close.
Camera/Smartphone: For those wildlife shots—duh. A zoom lens is ideal for capturing animals that are farther away.
Sunscreen: If your tour is midday, sunscreen will be essential. A hand fan could also help if you tend to get warm.
Choose the Right Tour Length: A half-day tour (around 4 hours) is usually perfect. Longer tours can feel too long, and shorter ones can feel rushed.
Arrive Early: I was told the animals are most active at 6 AM. Get there early for the best experience. Some tour guides might try to persuade you to visit at a different time by saying animals are most active at whatever time. But my research showed mornings are best!
Private Tours for More Attention: Group tours can be crowded. If you want a more focused, relaxed experience, a private tour is the way to go.
Clarify Pricing: Ask about the total cost of the tour upfront to avoid any surprise fees for park entry or guides.
Hire a Knowledgeable Guide: A guide can make a huge difference in spotting wildlife and understanding the park. A great guide will point out hard-to-see wildlife and show you a guidebook to help identify the animals.
Respect the Wildlife To Sustain Life: Keep a safe distance from animals. Do not feed or disturb them.
Specify Your Wants: If your goal on the safari is to strictly see as many elephants as possible, then tell your guide! They cannot read your mind.
Mistakes can happen, even on a safari, so I recommend always having some form of travel medical insurance. Safety Wing is by far the best travel medical insurance. It has saved me numerous times by covering hospital visits when I was sick during my travels in Asia.
Get an eSIM—to help you navigate the buses, trains, etc. when you do not have wifi! I always use Airalo.
Find The Complete Travel Guide On Visiting Yala National Park Here!
Find The Udawalawe National Park VS. Yala National Park: Comparison Guide Here!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a safari in Udawalawe cost?
A private 4-hour morning tour for 2 people in Udawalawe costs around 140 USD in total. This includes the entrance fees, jeep fees, tax, and guide costs.
How long of a safari should I do—4, 7, or 12 hours?
It really depends on your interest, attention span, and how much time you are comfortable spending in a bumpy jeep. I found that 4 hours was the perfect balance—long enough to see plenty of wildlife without feeling drained or bored. Anything longer could get tiring, especially if you are not used to long jeep rides. If you are up for a more immersive experience and do not mind the extra time, then a 7-hour tour might be a good option. But I would recommend starting with 4 hours to get a feel for it! I do not know how much more I could have seen in 3 extra hours– I felt like I had seen it all.
Do I need a private safari or is shared okay?
This depends on if you want a more personalized experience without any background noise or if you want a cheaper price and a full jeep!
Which safari is better, Yala or Udawalawe?
Ah, the classic question! For me and my boyfriend, Udawalawe was the best experience. It felt less crowded, had just as much wildlife as Yala, and offered more of a jungle vibe. Plus, there are way more elephants in Udawalawe. We essentially saw the same wildlife in both parks. Yala, however, has stunning landscapes and the chance to see leopards (although they are often far away and spotted through binoculars). The downside is that Yala can get crowded—when a leopard is spotted, everyone rushes over, creating a line of jeeps. If you are after epic landscapes and a leopard sighting, then Yala is for you. But if you want a quieter, more intimate safari with more elephants, Udawalawe is the way to go.
Is Udawalawe worth visiting?
YES! I think people skip it because they go to Yala or because they think they have seen elephants before in sanctuaries, etc. in Thailand. But I do feel that seeing wild elephants versus those in ethical sanctuaries is quite different– you can see it in their eyes. I think if you go to Yala, you should still visit Udawalawe too.
How long is the Udawalawe safari?
You can opt for a 4, 7, or 12 hour safari!
How long do you need (in the area / on the safari)
I think 4 hours is a perfect length of time for a safari. I spent 3 nights in Udawalawe because I loved the wild animals I could see from my accommodation and the peacefulness of the area. But you only need 1 day for the safari, there is not much else to do in the area aside from relaxing and watching wildlife.
Is Sri Lanka SAFE?
I felt very safe during my entire time in Sri Lanka, the people here are some of the nicest and most welcoming I have ever come across during my travels. I did not travel alone, I was with my boyfriend. However, I recommend staying up to date with your country’s travel advisories. Follow basic rules of safety while traveling in addition to:
Always triple-check vaccination requirements and recommendations for countries. Some potential illnesses include Typhoid and Hepatitis A.
Pack mosquito spray to protect yourself from Dengue. There is a vaccination available now as well. Mosquitos are everywhere in Sri Lanka— I constantly had so many bites every day.
Be careful with the street dogs. Most are kind and well-fed in touristy areas, but rabies does exist in the country (in more animals than just dogs). I highly reccomend getting the rabies vaccination before traveling. The disease is fatal.
DO NOT drink the tap water. Keep your mouth closed in the shower and even use bottled water for toothbrushing, especially if you have a sensitive stomach like me!
Mistakes can happen, especially when trekking and walking around slippery areas or surfing, so I recommend always having some form of travel medical insurance. Safety Wing is by far the best travel medical insurance. It has saved me numerous times by covering hospital visits when I was sick during my travels in Asia.
Get an eSIM—so you have data in Sri Lanka. I always use Airalo for my eSims.
Emergency Contact Number: Police: 119 | Ambulance: 110
You can find a complete list of Sri Lanka’s Emergency #’s by location here.
Do I Need A Visa For Sri Lanka?
Yes, you do. Americans, the UK, Australians, and many other citizens can get a 30-day tourist visa for Sri Lanka online through the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) or on arrival.
THERE ARE SO MANY STRAY DOGS IN Sri Lanka, HOW CAN I HELP?
The easiest thing you can do is feed them. You can give them plain white rice and boneless chicken or any other boneless meat, as well as dog food. Many grocery stores sell dog food, but keep in mind that some dogs are picky eaters—do not take it personally if they do not eat what you offer. Of course, a starving dog will eat just about anything. Leaving out some water in a plastic bowl or even an empty coconut can also be helpful. Coconut water is highly hydrating and can benefit dogs as well.
Many dogs, especially those further from tourist areas, are afraid of human interaction. If a dog seems hesitant, simply place the food and water nearby and step away to give them space. I promise they will eat once you leave!
If you come across an injured or sick dog, you can notify Animal SOS, a non-profit organization that rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes stray animals in need. They currently have over 2000 dogs!! WECare is another incredible group providing veterinary care and sterilization programs to improve the lives of street dogs.
If you notice a dog with fleas or ticks and plan to stay in the area for a while, you can reach out to either organization for help in getting medication to distribute.
If you have more time, consider volunteering with one of these organizations to make an even bigger impact. I volunteered with Animal SOS, and it was a truly amazing day that left my heart even fuller.
