Yala Or Udawalawe Safari Sri Lanka: Which Park is Best?
If you are planning a Sri Lanka safari, Yala and Udawalawe National Parks are two of the top choices. Yala National Park is renowned as one of the best places in the world to see leopards in the wild, with its open, Africa-like landscapes home to wildlife including water buffalo and crocodiles. Udawalawe National Park, on the other hand, is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see wild elephants up close, offering a more relaxed and less crowded safari experience.
In this guide, I will explore the similarities and differences between Yala and Udawalawe, comparing wildlife sightings, safari tours, entrance fees, and my personal experiences to help you decide which park is the best choice for your adventure.
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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Yala OR Udawalawe Safari
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Table of Contents:
What to Know About Yala National Park
What to Know About Udawalawe National Park
Safari Experience: Yala vs Udawalawe
Wildlife Showdown: Yala vs. Udawalawe
Yala vs. Udawalawe: Which is Easier to Get To?
Cost Comparison: Yala vs Udawalawe
Yala Vs. Udawalawe? Picking the Right Safari for You
What To Know About Yala National Park
A stork siting in Yala National Park Sri Lanka.
Yala National Park is the most popular safari destination in Sri Lanka—and for good reason. It has the largest number of leopards in the world for its size, along with wild elephants, crocodiles, water buffalo, deer, and countless bird species. However, because of this, Yala National Park is usually far more crowded than other parks in Sri Lanka.
Most people visit Yala National Park on a day trip from Ella or the south coast beach towns like Mirissa, Tangalle, or Arugam Bay. Others stay overnight near the park to maximize their chances of spotting leopards and other wildlife on early morning safaris.
Location:
The official Google Maps location is here. The closest town near Yala National Park is Tissamaharama.
Best Time To Visit:
Yala National Park is open year-round, but the best time for spotting wildlife is generally from February to September. The driest months, June to September, make it easier to see animals gathering around the few remaining water sources, and this is also one of the best times to spot leopards. The northeast monsoon usually brings more rain from November to February, while March to May is a transition period with some rain but warmer temperatures.
Despite these trends, I visited Yala at the end of January and had a full day of sunshine during my safari.
What to Know About Udawalawe National Park
A beautiful wild elephant from my Udawalawe National Park Safari in Sri Lanka
Udawalawe National Park, located near the town of Udawalawa in Sri Lanka, is one of the best places to experience a safari if you want to avoid the overwhelming crowds of Yala. The park is home to wild elephants, crocodiles, water buffalo, deer, and tons of 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 if you want 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!
Location:
The official Google Maps location is here.
Best Time To Visit:
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.
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.
Safari Experience: Yala vs Udawalawe
A white safari jeep resting in Udawalawe National Park’s beautiful landscape.
Both Yala National Park and Udawalawe National Park offer similar safari experiences.
Both parks require a designated safari car and guide to enter the park. Each safari car will have 1-6 people depending on which type of tour you choose, private vs. shared, and both will be a bumpy ride!
Both offer safaris in the morning, afternoon, or evening.
Both offer a variety of timing options, i.e. 4-5 hours, 7 hours, 12 hours.
Both have tours that include transport from places like Ella and the southern coast.
Udawalawe National Park Safari Experience
Udawalawe National Park offers a more laid-back, slower-paced safari experience. It is easier to spot wildlife here without the crowds of jeeps and long waits to see the animals. The safari feels more authentic like you are out in the jungle on your own. Unlike Yala, where the atmosphere can feel more like an amusement park, Udawalawe feels peaceful and less commercialized. If you are looking for a quieter, more intimate safari, Udawalawe is the place to be.
Yala National Park Safari Experience
Yala National Park has a more busy safari atmosphere, especially with the rush to find wildlife first. It is easier to spot animals in masses due to the park’s open, expansive landscape, but the wildlife for me, tended to be farther off, requiring binoculars for a better view. When it comes to elephants, we were often surrounded by other jeeps, limiting the view. As for the elusive Yala leopard, patience was key, as we waited about an hour in line, binoculars in hand, to get a glimpse. Yala can still be an incredible experience, but it is definitely more crowded and less relaxed than Udawalawe.
Wildlife Showdown: Yala vs. Udawalawe
A crocodile sunbathing under a tree in Yala National Park, Sri Lanka.
A gray langur monkey foraging in Yala National Park, Sri Lanka.
Female peacocks resting high up in a bare tree in Udawalawe National Park, Sri Lanka.
It is not surprising that you will see the same animals in each park since both national parks are located in similar regions of Sri Lanka. They both are some of the best safaris in Sri Lanka for wildlife spotting. Here is a list of the animals you can see in both parks:
Elephants—You will see far more in Udawalawe National Park and have a more isolated experience with them.
Water Buffalo—We saw herds of them running wild across the plains and swimming in the reservoirs in Yala. In Udawalawe we still saw a few but not at the level of what we saw in Yala.
Peacocks— There are many wild peacocks throughout Sri Lanka in general. On the safari, we saw many more in Udawalawe up close.
Sri Lankan Jungle Fowl—looks like a chicken/rooster. Saw a few in both parks.
Ruddy Mongoose— so adorable up close!! We saw them in both parks.
Birds—Painted Storks, Green Bee Eater, White Breasted Kingfisher, Herons, Malabar Pied Hornbills (so cool), Changeable Hawk Eagle, Owls, and so many more. I definitely saw more birds and bird species in general in Udawalawe. Udawalawe is more renowned for seeing birds migrating between November and March.
Mugger Crocodiles—they are MASSIVE in Yala. We saw more here. There were some crocodiles in Udawalawe, but they were smaller and far off, which I believe was due to the flooding that occurred from the rain in the prior days.
Spotted Deer-so many families of deer and some with long antlers in both parks.
Bengal Monitor Lizards—seen in both parks.
Toque Macaque (Monkey)—seen in both parks.
Gray Langurs (Monkey)—seen in both parks.
You can also see sloth bears, jackals, wild boar, and some other animals, however, they are rarer and I did not see any while I was there.
Leopards—Yala’s elusive animal, but prepared to wait in line to see it. We sat in a line for one hour before seeing it quite far away in a tree. Our guide told us there were only 40 total in the park. Supposedly they do exist in Udawalawe but it is extremely rare. Our accomodation had told us their guests saw some once upon a time. But Yala will focus on finding a leopard, whereas in Udawalawe it would just be pure luck.
Yala vs. Udawalawe: Which is Easier to Get To?
Yala National Park and Udawalawe National Park are located just about 65 KM apart. Yala lies along the south coast, while Udawalawe is more inland. You can reach both by taxi, bus, or a combination of bus and train. However, neither is particularly easy to reach by train, as neither park has a station. Both, though, have bus stops within proximity.
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.
Yala National Park Safaris with transport:
There are options to visit Yala National Park in 1 day, like this day tour from Ella, which includes transport.
There are also 1-day tours from Mirissa and other southern coastal towns like this one.
There are also some tours which include transport from one destination to Yala, a safari, and then transport to your next destination.
Udawalawe National Park Safaris with transport:
If you want to visit the national park in 1 day from Ella, you can join a tour like this one, which includes transport.
For day tours from places like Mirissa, Tangalle, or Dickwella, this tour is a great option!
Where to Stay For Your Safari
For Yala National Park I highly recommend staying in the neighboring town called Tissamaharama. This gives you easier access to the park, making your ride there more enjoyable and less stressful. This also means you can wake up later in the morning to head to your safari!
Best Accommodation Options For Every Traveler:
Backpacker/Hostel Option: La Safari Inn Tissamaharama
Best Low-Budget: Ariya Tissa
Best Mid-Budget: The Coconut Gardens Hotel & Restaurant or My Village
Best High-End Budget: Yakaduru (Villa) or Wild Lotus Yala or Cinnamon Wild Yala (Booking.com) (Expedia)
Best Luxury All-Inclusive: Wild Coast Tented Lodge (Booking.com) (Expedia)
Best High-End Budget (Luxury Glamping): Leopard Nest (Booking.com) (Expedia) or Tribe Yala
Best Chain: Hilton Yala Resort
For Udawalawe National Park I recommend staying in the neighboring town called Udawalawa. You can also stay on the road leading to the park, which increases your chances of seeing wildlife right from your balcony. During my stay, we spotted elephants, buffalo, peacocks, monkeys, and more while enjoying breakfast outside our accommodation.
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, Expedia, and Hostel World! You can help support my travel blog by clicking and booking through the links!
Cost Comparison: Yala vs Udawalawe
Yala and Udawalawe have the same park entrance fee, 31-36 USD including all taxes and fees depending on how many people are in their safari jeep. The more people in your group, the cheaper the cost per person! This includes if you join a shared jeep tour. The same special rates apply to children aged 6-12 years and SAARC citizens. Children under 6 years old enter for free.
As previously mentioned, a designated safari car and guide are required to enter both National Parks. 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.
For my Yala National Park 4/5 hour shared tour (with 4 additional people not including my boyfriend and I) we paid 27 USD per person.
My Udawalwe National Park 4-hour private tour (my boyfriend and I) cost 40 USD, not including the entrance fee. So essentially 20 USD per person.
As you can see, Udawalawe National Park is generally the more affordable safari in Sri Lanka. You will pay the same price for a private tour in Udawalawe as you would for a shared tour in Yala. Personally, I find Yala to be quite overpriced for what you get with all of the busyness and waiting around. You can enjoy a private safari in Udawalawe for even less than a shared safari in Yala.
Please note the entrance fees do change. These fees are for 2025.
Yala Vs. Udawalawe? Picking the Right Safari for You
You should pick Yala if… you do not mind the crowds and you would really love a chance at spotting a leopard in the wild. If you prefer open landscapes and more herds of animals. This could be the best safari tour in Sri Lanka for families because I can see children enjoying the busyness of the park and the herds of animals around. They would find it incredible to see a leopard no matter how close or far away it is and I think the landscape would be more similar to what they imagine it would be like on a safari.
You should pick Udawalawe if…you love wild elephants and want to see them in larger numbers. If you love bird watching and more serene/quiet experiences. If you prefer the more affordable safari and do not mind skipping the chance for a leopard.
Things to keep in mind:
Do you want seclusion and a more private experience? — Udawalawe
Is seeing a leopard your sole focus? —Yala
Are wild elephants your goal? —Udawalawe
Do you love bird watching? —Udawalawe, especially during the bird migration seasons.
Do you prefer open expansive landscapes, (think more similar to Africa)? — Yala
Do you prefer the cheaper option? — Udawalawe
If you are still on the fence, you can use my personal experiences below to help you make the decision. Regardless of your choice, both are amazing safari experiences and you cannot go wrong with either.
My Personal Preference: Yala vs Udawalawe Safari
The lines of traffic waiting to enter Yala National Park in Sri Lanka, bright and early at 6:00 AM.
The leopard spotting from my Yala Safari in Sri Lanka. As you can see it was quite far off even with my iPhone zoom.
Yala National Park:
For Yala, I opted for a shared safari! My safari, like many others, began with a 4:30 AM pickup, with a 6:00 AM safari start time. My initial reaction to the safari was not the greatest—I felt like everyone was rushing and racing to be the first inside, cutting each other off, which kind of took away from my morning. From there, we started our very bumpy ride through the park (probably because of the recent rainfall, but who knows). And again, everyone was racing to pass one another.
However, not even 10 minutes in, we were rewarded with herds of buffalo swimming in ponds and the reservoir, spotted deer families grazing, wild peacocks calling to one another from the trees, and then—a MASSIVE crocodile. This one was much closer to the Jeep than the ones we saw in Udawalawe, which made it even more exciting!
Soon after, we spotted two elephants deep in the jungle, a changeable hawk-eagle, more water buffalo, and another elephant standing out in a vast plain—it looked like something straight out of an African safari. We also saw two hornbills flying, a large owl, a few monkeys, more crocodiles, and much more. However, many of the animals were far off in the distance, so we had to use the binoculars our guide provided. He brought a pair for each group—three in total, which was amazing!
Nearly three hours into our safari, our driver got word that a leopard had been spotted. We rushed to the site and pulled into a long line of jeeps waiting their turn. There was a line in both directions, and we waited nearly 45 minutes before it was finally ours. Do not get me wrong—seeing a leopard in the wild was incredibly cool, and I am grateful we even saw one, as I know many do not. BUT it was quite far away, partially blocked by tree leaves, so we had to use binoculars to get even a small glimpse. Even then, it was difficult to see. You can probably tell from my photos—I had to zoom all the way in on my phone just to capture the moment.
By the time we finished our leopard spotting, our safari was at an end and we headed back out for our journey home. Overall, it was a great safari. Yala felt huge and wild like we were deep in the jungle. It was definitely a cool experience, even if a bit chaotic at times. I had never seen such large herds of animals before, which made it all the more rewarding.
An elephant getting up close and personal during my Udawalawe National Park safari in Sri Lanka!
Udawalawe National Park:
Udawalawe, on the other hand, was an absolutely amazing experience all together. I did a private tour with my boyfriend, which began at 5:40/6:00 AM.
We drove into the park, enjoying the sunrise as birds and other wildlife woke up and started their day. Less than 30 minutes in, we spotted a group of five elephants having their breakfast, including a baby! We sat and watched them for a while, taking in the unique experience of seeing them go about their morning. With perfect views, we observed them 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.
The best part of this safari for me was that we rarely saw another jeep, and even when we did it never was more than 1 or 2.
My accommodation and ones similar to it enough, also make Udawalawe a really amazing experience. Since it was on the road of the National Park, we got to see elephants, buffalo, monkeys, and more while we enjoyed meals from our balcony.
So which safari is better in Sri Lanka: Yala National Park or Udawalawe?
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Udawalawe National Park 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.
Is Yala's morning or evening safari better?
I was informed mornings are best because more animals are out and about. However, the park is incredibly busy when I was there in the morning, so perhaps the evening is best for a more secluded experience.
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.
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.
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.
