Wildlife Plains
Udawalawe
Over 500 wild elephants, open-roof jeep safaris, and expert naturalist guides.
About Udawalawe
Udawalawe National Park is one of the best places on earth to see wild Asian elephants in their natural habitat — the park is home to a resident population of over 500. Unlike the crowded national parks of East Africa, Udawalawe offers a genuinely intimate safari experience: open-roof jeeps, expert naturalist guides, and vast grasslands where herds wade through shallow reservoirs at golden hour. Buffalo, crocodiles, and over 180 bird species complete the picture.
Best time to visit
June – September & December – March
Region
Wildlife Plains
What makes this destination unforgettable
Curated experiences and landmark moments handpicked by our travel designers.
Resident herd of 500+ wild Asian elephants
Open-roof jeep game drives at sunrise and dusk
Expert naturalist guide throughout
Water buffalo, crocodiles, and wading birds
Elephant Transit Home rehabilitation centre
Vast open grassland safari landscape
Journeys through Udawalawe
These itineraries include curated time at this destination with private guides and premium stays.
Island-wide · 10 days
Grand Ceylon Discovery — 10 Days
A deeper journey through Sri Lanka — the Cultural Triangle, Kandy, tea highlands, scenic train, Ella, Udawalawe elephant safari, and the southern coastline.
Island-wide · 14 days
Ultimate Ceylon Explorer — 14 Days
Two weeks of immersive island life — from the Cultural Triangle and Kandy highlands to Ella, dual wildlife safaris, the southern coast, and the wild east.
Ready to visit?
Let us design your perfect journey through Udawalawe.
Share your dates and interests — we will respond within 48 hours with a curated proposal tailored just for you.