udawalawe safari jeep

Udawalwe safari is  the best activity  in South Asia to witness the Wild  Elephants. Because, they will be in their natural habitat. Get an unforgettable safari  experience in Udawalawe National Park with Jaan Safari. We are rather different.

We offer well maintained 4×4 off road Safari Jeeps to explore the wilderness. Furthermore, all our drivers are well experienced in Udawalawe safari. As a result, you are lucky to hare their experiences . Hence,feel the adventure and get the maximum benefit from the safari. May be  a 4 hour short trip, half day tour or one day safari. ( Normally we do 4 hour, 6 hour and 8 hour safari ) Certainly,we will make you satisfied with your Udawalawe safari.

Even more,our rates are starting from Rs. 7000. May be the best rates when compared to the service given. As a result, we have continuous repeat customers.

Newly built resort situated on the banks of the river, providing a beautiful natural setting for guests to enjoy with all modern comfort.

Double rooms : LKR 5000 Family rooms : LKR 6500

We offer Taxi Service and Tours from anywhere in Sri Lanka. We have a fleet of vehicles including cars, vans and jeeps to match any transport  requirement of the guests.  Just contact us and get a quote on your requirement.

Google reviews on our service

Our Location

Udawalawa National Park is one of the frequently visited wild life parks of Sri lanka. It is the best place in Sri Lanka to witness wild Elephants closely It is popular due to the world famous Udawalawa National Park and magnificent reservoir. In addition,

In addition……we can offer 

Night camping, bird watching, accommodation.

Mobile: +94 77 257 7362 / Home : +94 76 158 6161 / Other: +94 77 3755725 Address – Siphon Road, Udawalawa , Sri Lanka Email – [email protected]

Book your Safari Now

Udawalawe National Park Safari

Udawalawe national park safari provides a great experience, for those who are interested to see a large number of flora and fauna. This valuable national park is considered one of the best wild activities that can be done in Sri Lanka. This safari is which you are carried by a jeep along the paths in the park while you can visit all-natural habitats in their freestyle.

A maximum of six people can be carried in one jeep comfortably as we care for your protection. As your wish, you can reserve the time and the duration in different categories which we can provide like 3,4 hours half or full day. We already have a focused special birds-based safari for those who are curious and interested in birds. You can do the safari throughout the daytime while the morning and the afternoon are the best. We can gladly recommend that you will really be lucky to see a lot of herd of elephants in addition to that deer, crocodiles……. Etc. Lots of bird varieties also can be captured into your memorable heart.

Before entering the safari you must be careful about your needs as we don’t have a place inside the park to fulfill your needs. You should obey the driver or the guide who cares for you.

Udawalawe National Park Safari Information

A maximum of six people can be carried in one jeep comfortably as we care for your protection. As your wish, you can reserve the time and the duration in different categories which we can provide like 3,4 hours safari, half day or full day. We already have a focused special birds-based safari for those who are curious and interested in birds. You can do the safari throughout the daytime while the morning and the afternoon are the best. We can gladly recommend that you will really be lucky to see a lot of herd of elephants in addition to that deer, crocodiles……. Etc. Lots of bird varieties also can be captured into your memorable heart.

3 Hour Safari

In these three hours, you can cover a good area of the national park. You will be able to see a different kinds

of wildlife. If you are a photographer three-hour safari may not be enough. On this tour, you will have a chance to get down from the jeep if you have the luck to see wildlife early. Otherwise, the driver will drive to other different areas to find wild animals. If you have limited time choose this safari, otherwise if you can pay a bit more and spend more time choose a half-day safari.

Per person cost of the group of six.

(Price varies by group size)

Half-day Safari

In a half-day Safari ride, you can cover a considerable area of the park and will be able to see many different

kinds of wild animals. This safari takes around 5- 6 hours. So this is better for photography. You can get down from the jeep in some places.

Full-day Safari

This is the best safari for photographers, explorers, wildlife enthusiasts, and Researchers who want to 

explore more about the park and about wildlife. You can cover a huge area of the park and you will be able to go to different biodiversity zones. You can get lunch in the park. We recommend this Safari, especially for photographers.

Why Book With Us?

Experienced safari game drivers.

We have friendly drivers who extend your time if you want.

Good condition safari jeeps

Quality jeeps with front-facing seats

Free hotel pick-up and drop-off

We provide free transport 10 KM radius of the park.

Focus on your needs

If you are a photographer our driver will focus on it.

No hidden fees.

We provide a good service with good value for your money.

Great safari experience. We saw many animals from really close - especially elephants, but also spotted deer, peacocks, varans, wild boars, and many different birds. The guides are very vigilant and they will alert you of the presence of any animals nearby, that you have no chance of spotting with untrained eyes.

Jakub Jaroš

I loved and enjoyed every moment in this beautiful park. Saw lots of elephants crocs monkeys water buffaloes and birds. The guides are really helpful and friendly. Can't wait yo go back again.

Brandy Newberry

A wildlife safari through Sri Lanka. One of the only parks in the world where the elephants are friendly and will get up very close to the truck without causing violence

Vacation Joe

Reservation

Book your safari.

Reserve your Safari early for a quality service. We will provide you with the best Safari drivers in Udawalawe National Park. we are able to send our jeeps to you. Fill out this form Precisely.

Email Address

Phone Number

No of Adults

Hotel (Where you stay)

Entrance Tickets price

Sri Lanka National park entrance fees have been increased for local and foreign tourists from the 1st of September 2022 (Gazette Notification No. 2292/11 Aug 2022).

You have to buy tickets before you enter the national park from the entrance gate. These tickets are issued by Wildlife and conservation department. Sometimes the entrance ticket counter is busy. our drivers will support buying tickets.

All tickets will be added 15% VAT, Service charges, and Other taxes.

* If you stay overnight in the National park this price will be doubled.

Peak season 

Off peak Season

 Foreign Adult (12+)

 foreign child (6-12), saarc country adult (12+), saarc country child(6-12), local adults (12+), local child (6-12), our rates include, safari jeep with experienced driver, free hotel pickup and drop, bottle of water, our rates do not include, entrance fee.

• North Dakota
• Czech Republic
• Switzerland
• Vegan City Guides
• Vegan Travel & Tips
• Vegan Fashion
• Sustainability
• Blogging Tips
• Photo Diaries
• Unfortunate (but hilarious)
• Recommendations
• Get in Touch
• Work With Me
• Best Travel Insurance
• Freelance Gig

• Asia , National Parks , Sri Lanka

Interested on going on an Udawalawe safari jeep tour in Sri Lanka? Packed with wild elephants, water buffalo, boars, and more, there’s no shortage of wildlife to see here! Here’s my experience, tips, and things to know before going on a safari in Udawalawe National Park.

Psst. This post contains affiliate links. Read our disclosure .

Sri Lanka is one country I never really considered traveling to until about a month and a half ago… and I definitely never expected it would become one of my favorite countries I’ve ever visited.

Featuring a beautiful blend of beaches, mountains , jungles, and cities, Sri Lanka — though it may be a small country — has no shortage of things to do and places to see.

And let’s not forget about the incredible number of national parks! In fact, there are 22 declared national parks … in country that’s just about the same size as Ireland !

Holy moly. No wonder it has a booming wildlife!

And hands down one of the best places to see this mesmerizing wildlife ofinSri Lanka is Udawalawe National Park, which is located in the southern half of the country.

Table of Contents

Visiting Udawalawe National Park

While many choose between visiting Udawalawe or Yala National Park, after speaking to numerous people who’d visited Yala said it was overcrowded and much more expensive, we chose Udawalawe instead.

And, personally, I think we made the right choice…

Throughout our Udawalawe Jeep Safari, here’s a few things we experienced:

✓ Hardly seeing another soul . Other than about 15 jeeps being lined up outside the park entrance right before it opened, we hardly saw another tourist while actually in the park! (This could have been due to us visiting right after the 2019 Easter bombings but still, Udawalawe is known for being less visited than other national parks!)

✓ Each safari tour is private . While I’m not sure what the tour case is in Yala, all Udawalawe safari jeep tours are private. Meaning you get a 6-seater jeep and tour guide all to yourself ! Heck yeah.

✓ Our private tour guide had eagle eyes . Wowza! This guy could spot a needle in a haystack. He pointed out a crocodile nestled in the bushes, two turtles resting on a long nearly a quarter a mile away, a tiny little lizard perched on a branch, and a jackal running along in the brush (so cool!).

✓ Wildlife is abundant . In addition to the wildlife mentioned above, we spotted loads of wild Asian elephant, water buffalo, massive birds (like eagles), peacocks everywhere , wild boars (with babies!), deer, monkeys, and more. It was incredible!

No doubt, heading out at 5 in the morning to Udawalawe for a safari tour is something I’ll never forget! And if you go on one too, you won’t either.

So, if you’re traveling Sri Lanka and thinking of doing a safari tour in Udawalawe National Park, here’s a few tips and things you need to know beforehand.

Everything You Need to Know Before Doing a Udawalawe Safari Jeep Tour

What’s included.

Before you head out or book any Udawalawe safari tour, make sure to ask and clarify what’s included in the tour price.

For our tour, the jeep, tour guide, and national park entrance fee for the two of us was included. Any food, drinks, or whatever weren’t a part of the deal.

Some tours do included a breakfast basket filled with things like bottled water, bread, and Sri Lanka local snacks.

While we were at one of the stops on the tour where we could get out and walk around, I noticed another couple were snacking on some foods from a hefty basket (and yes, I was more than a bit jealous, as my stomach grumbled with longing).

So, with that said, always always always make sure to ask what’s included in the tour price. And if food isn’t included, bring snacks!

For reference, our Udawalawe safari price in 2019 was 13,000 LKR (roughly $75) for a 5 hour tour. This included the driver, jeep, and park entrance fees.

Suitable Udawalawe Safari Clothing

While you don’t need to go on your safari tour looking like your heading out on a 5-day African safari adventure, you shouldn’t go out looking like Tarzan either (no matter how good a makeshift sarong looks on you).

Appropriate clothing for a safari in Udawalawe includes:

• Long pants (especially if you do a morning tour, it’s pretty cold in the early hours)
• T-shirt that’ll cover your shoulders (or long sleeves)
• And something to cover your face and head
• Additionally, choose light colored clothing, as you don’t want something bright (like a crimson red shirt) to piss off any of the male animals

Personally, I wish I would have worn a hat, as our driver careened down the roads leading to the national park at breakneck speed. Keep in mind the jeep is totally open and the back seating area is lifted, so any wind is coming right at ya!

My hair got whipped around my face and totally tangled! It was a bitch to brush out when we got back to the guesthouse.

Thus, if you have longer hair, make sure to tie it up real good or wear something to cover your head.

On a Budget? Split the Cost.

The best part about booking an Udawalawe safari jeep tour is that it’s completely private. Which means that if you want to have the entire jeep to yourself, you can.

Or, if you’re on a budget, find a group to split the cost with! You pay for the entire jeep, Udawalawe guide, and park entrance in your tour price and that price doesn’t change whether you have one person or six.

**This was the case for our safari jeep tour — it might be different for other tour operators but from what I’ve heard, 10,000 LKR to 15,000 LKR is the standard price for the jeep, guide, and entrance fees. Don’t take my word as gospel though, as this is likely to change!

Morning or Evening Tour

When planning your Udawalawe safari jeep tour, you have the option to go on a morning or evening tour — or an all-day safari adventure for a higher price (but honestly, you’d probably get bored! Your call though).

We decided to do a morning tour and it was awesome. We arrived at the park entrance about 25 minutes before it opened and had the opportunity to see wildlife waking up with the sun .

Although, while I loved our Udawalawe morning safari, I feel as though there might be less people during the evening tour — which could work out in your favor!

In any case, it’s totally up to you. If you’re not a morning person, do an evening tour. If you like watching the sunrise and prefer to nap later in the day after a full morning, do a sunrise tour.

Driver OR Experienced Tour Guide

As mentioned earlier, our guide had eagle eyes and could spot anything from a deer in the thick brush to a little lizard perched on a branch.

But while he could point out wildlife like a seasoned pro, he couldn’t speak the best english — which was a huge bummer. He tried to tell us tidbits of information about the national park and whatnot but it didn’t translate across very well!

Thus, I recommend you pay a bit extra to hire an experienced safari guide.

In most tour cases, you’ll either have the opportunity to pay for just the driver or pay for a full-on experienced tour guide. (Hint: go with the latter! Worth every penny).

Ready to book now? Check out these Udawalawe Safari Tours !

Staying Near the Park or…?

To simplify things, we stayed pretty close to Udawalawe National Park. In the morning, we only had to drive about 15 minutes to get to the park entrance — which was nice, as we didn’t have to wake up too early.

If you do stay near the park in the neighboring town of Udawalawe, there are some really awesome places to put yourself up for the night!

Do keep in mind one thing if you stay in one of the Udawalawe National Park hotels…

Udawalawe Hotels Require You Book Their Safari

One thing we noticed when searching for hotels near Udawalawe was that most, if not all, were super duper cheap. Like I’m talking as cheap as $2-4 for a private, air-conditioned room — which is unheard of, even in Sri Lanka.

Although, after reading the reviews and experiencing this ourselves, most hotels that boast cheap rooms require you to book their safari tour to make up for the cheap room price.

In fact, many reviewers mentioned they were kicked out of said hotels when they turned up and already had another jeep safari booking!

Thus, make sure to check whether or not you can stay at a certain place without booking their safari tour. Or you can do what we did and book through your hotel anyways — it worked out for us!

Make it Ethical

One of the great things about choosing Udawalawe over Yala National Park is that there’s less people, which means less overcrowding — which is awesome for the animals!

After reading numerous Yala safari reviews, so many travelers mentioned how the jeeps would crowd animals for the tourists sake, which means unnecessary stress for the wildlife.

Since Udawalawe is less visited than its neighboring national parks, you have the opportunity to have a more ethical and sustainable experience .

Here’s my tips to have an ethical animal experience in Udawalawe:

• Ask your driver or guide to head to a lesser known area of the national park.
• Clarify you don’t want to crowd any animals or drive to close to wildlife. Only view from a respectable distance.
• Leave no trace. Don’t litter — ever! Especially in a national park where garbage can get eaten by animals (which can kill them).

To read more about ethical animal experiences, take a look at this post on animal encounters no “animal lover” would participate in !

Don’t Forget these Essentials

• Travel Insurance . As I said, the jeep is entirely open. Thus, it’s not the safest! That’s why I always recommend travel insurance if you’re considering a safari in Sri Lanka. (BTW, you should have travel insurance anyhow if you’re traveling Sri Lanka! You never know what could happen.) Get a quote for World Nomads or SafetyWing . (Both are great.)
• Fabulous camera . To capture all those memories, and I suppose the incredible wildlife too, you need to have an exceptional camera. An iPhone won’t cut it here! My favorite is this one , or if you want something a bit more schnazy, this one is awesome , too.
• Refillable, filtering water bottle . My savior traveling throughout Asia! The amounts of plastic water bottles I didn’t buy that’ll just fill up the ocean is countless. And heck, you know you’re gonna get thirsty on a safari! Get your own Grayl filtering water bottle here .
• Positive attitude . As with any traveling, things might not always go as planned . Your driver might be late, you might not see the notorious leopard (like we didn’t), or whatever else. But just remember… you’re in Sri Lanka! The land of delicious food, marvelous landscapes, and incredible locals.

With those helpful tips in mind, you can go forth booking an Udawalawe jeep safari tour that you’ll never forget! Hands down, this was one of the most memorable experiences I had while traveling Sri Lanka.

Are you thinking of going on a safari in Udawalawe National Park? Have any questions or concerns? Head down to the comments and ask away!

Not sure what to check out next? Readers love these posts:

• Best vegan food spots in Ella, Sri Lanka (and where to avoid!)
• 21 photos that’ll make you want to visit Sri Lanka ASAP
• 10-day Sri Lanka itinerary: Colombo, Galle, Mirissa, Udawalawe, Ella, & Kandy
• The unbelievable series of unfortunate events in Sri Lanka
• 15 things that shocked me when backpacking Southeast Asia for the first time

Like this post? Pin it to help others planning an Udawalawe safari!

As mentioned above, this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, this site receives a small commission at no extra cost to you, which helps us to continue bringing you wanderful inspiration! Read our full disclosure here .

Related Posts

How to spend 3 weeks in Thailand: cities, mountains and island life

The best 3-week south Thailand itinerary

8 fun things to do when visiting Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota

Article comments.

Safari Tours

Informative post

Great post,,

Leave a Comment Cancel Comment

Sign me up for The Wanderful Me newsletter!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Experience the Wonders of Udawalawe National Park and Safari

Udawalawe safari.

Discover the unparalleled beauty of Udawalawe National Park, a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. With its breathtaking landscape, abundant wildlife, and fascinating history, Udawalawe offers a truly unforgettable safari experience. Let us take you on a journey through this remarkable destination.

Why Choose Udawalawe Safari?

Udawalawe National Park stands out as the ultimate destination to witness magnificent wild elephants roaming freely in their natural habitat. But that's not all - it is also renowned as one of the most picturesque national parks in Sri Lanka, with its towering highlands and the majestic Udawalawe reservoir surrounded by lush marshes, verdant grasslands, and enchanting forests. This unique combination creates a thriving ecosystem not only for elephants but also for a myriad of bird species, reptiles, and mammals.

What to Expect on Your Safari Adventure!

Udawalawe may be a smaller park, covering approximately 308 square kilometers or 119 square miles, but it offers a compact yet immersive safari experience. A half-day safari is usually sufficient, unless you are a devoted animal enthusiast, particularly fascinated by elephants. Upon arrival, you will be greeted with a complimentary refreshment pack before embarking on your adventure. Our experienced safari drivers possess an intimate knowledge of the park, ensuring that you traverse the best trails and encounter the most awe-inspiring wildlife.

The Highlight of Your Visit

Prepare to be captivated by the breathtaking landscape that surrounds you. Witness the magnificent sight of wild elephants in their natural habitat, a truly awe-inspiring experience. While exploring the park, keep your eyes peeled for other fascinating creatures, and if luck is on your side, you might even catch a glimpse of the elusive leopard. Another advantage of visiting Udawalawe is its proximity to the Elephant Transit Home, located just a stone's throw away. Take the opportunity to visit the Elephant Transit Home and witness firsthand the noble efforts made to rehabilitate orphaned elephant calves before releasing them back into their natural habitat.

One of the Perks

In addition to its natural wonders, Udawalawe National Park offers the advantage of being less crowded, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the serenity of the surroundings. The number of tourists remains low throughout the year, ensuring a tranquil and undisturbed experience in the midst of nature's splendor.

MORNING SAFARI GAME DRIVE

AFTERNOON SAFARI GAME DRIVE

FULL DAY SAFARI GAME DRIVE

• 1: Free pick up and drop from Yala area hotels
• 2: Park entrance fees
• 3: Park vehicle entry fee
• 4: Park taxes
• 5: All business taxes
• 6: Free guidance from Park ranger (Depends on Availability)
• Sri Lankan Elephants, Rusty-Spotted Cat, Fishing Cat, Sri Lankan Leopard, Sri Lankan Sloth Bear,Sri Lankan Sambar Deer, Sri Lankan Axis Deer, Indian Muntjac, Sri Lankan Spotted Chevrotain, Wild Boar, Water Buffalo, Golden Jackal, Asian Palm Civet, Toque Macaque, Tufted Grey Langur, Indian Hare, Golden Palm Civets, Mice, Ceylon Spiny Mouse, Indian Bush Rat, And Mongoose
• Hawk-Eagle, White Wagtail, The Spot-Billed Pelican, Cormorants,Sri Lanka Spurfowl, Booted Eagle, Changeable, Indian Roller,Grey-Headed Fish Eagle, Black-Capped Kingfisher,Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill,Crested Serpent-Eagle,Pied Cuckoo,White-Bellied Sea Eagle,Eurasian Spoonbill,Red-Faced Malkoha,Painted Stork, Brown-Capped Babbler,Black-Headed Ibis, Asian Openbill,Indian Peafowl,Malabar Pied Hornbill And Sri Lanka Junglefowl.

Reptiles and fish

• Painted-Lip Lizards,Mugger Crocodiles,Oriental Garden Lizards,Bengal Monitors,Asian Water Monitors,Garra Ceylonensis,Giant Gourami,Catla,Oreochromis Spp And Rohu

Explore the Magnificence of Udawalawe National Park

Situated at the crossroads of Sri Lanka's wet and dry zones, Udawalawe National Park encompasses a diverse range of habitats, including plains, mountains, marshes, forests, and grasslands. Despite its smaller size, the park boasts a remarkable density of wildlife, particularly elephants, making it a true haven for animal enthusiasts. Spanning approximately 8.6 kilometers (5.3 miles) in length and with a maximum perpendicular width of 7 kilometers (4.3 miles), Udawalawe is home to the captivating Udawalawe Reservoir, which adds an enchanting allure to the park and serves as a magnet for elephants. A resident herd of about 250 elephants thrives in this area, drawn by the allure of the reservoir. The park is also a vital habitat for various waterbird species, making it a haven for birdwatchers.

Unearthing the Historical Significance

Before Udawalawe National Park was declared a protected habitat, the land was utilized by local farmers for shifting cultivation, also known as "China farming." However, with the construction of the Udawalawe Reservoir, the park was established to provide a sanctuary for the wildlife displaced by this development. Today, remnants of human intervention can still be seen, with ancient trees standing silently in the depths of the reservoir, serving as visual reminders of the once-extensive forest that flourished here.

Immerse Yourself in Nature's Splendor

Flora that Thrives in Udawalawe National Park

Udawalawe National Park boasts several endemic floral species, such as Memecylon petiolatum, Hopea cordifolia, Erythroxylon zeylanicum, and Jasminum angustifolium. Along the river, you can find Terminalia arjuna and Hopea cordifolia. Imperata cylindrica and Panicum maximum serve as vital food sources for elephants, while other notable floral species include Berrya cordifolia, Chloroxylon swietenia, Adina cordifolia, Diospyros ebenum, Schleichera oleosa, Diospyros ovalifolia, and Vitex pinnata. The park is also adorned with the presence of Grewia tiliifolia bushes and Cymbopogon confertiflorus grass species. Additionally, you will discover several medicinal plants of value within Udawalawe, such as Phyllanthus emblica and Terminalia bellirica.

Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home

As part of our visit to Udawalawe, we highly recommend a visit to the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, which serves as a rehabilitation center for orphaned elephant calves. Established in collaboration with the Born Free Foundation, this home is situated approximately 5 kilometers west of the park entrance. Visitors can witness the feeding of the elephants from a designated viewing platform, although close interaction with the elephants is not permitted. Combining a visit to the Elephant Transit Home with your safari experience provides a comprehensive understanding of the conservation efforts dedicated to these majestic creatures.

Embark on a safari adventure in Udawalawe National Park, where nature's wonders unfold before your eyes. Immerse yourself in the captivating landscape, encounter remarkable wildlife, and leave with memories to cherish forever. Book your safari with us today and embark on a journey of awe-inspiring beauty.

Jeep fee for Half Day Safari is USD 45 - Jeep fee for Full Day Safari is USD 118 - Child age 6-12

Udawalawe jeep safari – complete guide (Sri Lanka)

Welcome to the ultimate guide to the Udawalawe Jeep Safari. This is your gateway to an unforgettable adventure amidst the breathtaking wilderness of Sri Lanka ‘s nature.

Moreover, Udawalawe is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, and adventurers alike.

In this guide, we’ll navigate through everything you need to know to make the most of your safari experience. From planning your visit to maximizing wildlife sightings.

So get ready to embark on a journey filled with awe-inspiring encounters, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable moments.

Table of Contents

Where is Udawalawe

Udawalawe National Park can be found in southeastern Sri Lanka. It’s aproximately 156km far from Colombo. It covers 308 square kilometers of land area. Furthermore, can be easily reached from Galle, Weligama or Ella .

Best hotels in Udawalawe

If you use the links below, you pay the same and we earn a little commision. It helps us run this blog. You can also check more hotels in Udawalawe on booking.com .

Nature World

Super low budget

Best Safari House

Private organic house

How to get to udawalawe.

Udawalawe National Park is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Sri Lanka. For the same reason getting here is relatively easy. No matter where in Sri Lanka you’re staying.

Hence you’re likely gonna be able to find a private driver that will take you there. Another more budget friendly option is to go by shared van.

It’s also possible to arrive to Udawalawe by local bus, either direct or with transfer. For example from Colombo there’s direct bus.

You should also be able to catch a bus in every major city along the coast between Colombo and Udawalawe. If you’re traveling to Udawalawe form Ella, check the link below.

READ: How to get from Ella to Udawalawe

No time to read now?

Save this post for later!

Where to book Udawalawe jeep safari

You can certainly find multiple tour agencies organizing these trips. Mostly because it’s such a popular activity. For the same reason we highly recommened to book you safari adventure ahead. Especially during high season.

Otherwise it’s also possible to book a safari trip directly in Udawalawe. You can also decide to spend a night or two in the area. Most homestays as well as hotels are able to organise a safari trip for you. You might actually get even cheaper prices this way.

Best Udawalawe safari tours

Udawalawe safari cost.

Entrance fee: 13 000 LKR for adult (39€)

Other fees: 8 000 LKR per person (24€)

Udawalawe safari cost might differ for each person a lot. We managed to book our adventure for a very good price. We only paid around 50€ per person for a private tour. But expect to pay around 50-70€ for a shared trip.

As soon as you enter the park, you need to pay the entrance fee. For adult it’s 13 000LKR. Additionally you also pay small entrance fee (0.5€) for you guide.

The rest goes to the driver and to the one who organized the tour for you. One jeep can be shared by 4 people. Therefore if you want to save some money try to find a group of people who will go with you.

What to expect at Udawalawe jeep safari

At Udawalawe Jeep Safari, prepare for an unforgettable experience amidst the pristine wilderness of Sri Lanka’s nature.

Moreover, expect to be greeted by a breathtaking landscape of vast grasslands, dense forests, and shimmering water bodies, all teeming with an incredible array of wildlife.

One of the main highlights of the Udawalawe Jeep Safari is undoubtedly the chance to witness herds of majestic elephants in their natural habitat. Udawalawe is renowned for its thriving elephant population.

Visitors often have the opportunity to observe these gentle giants up close as they roam freely across the park. Furthermore, the chance of seeing an elephant is very high.

In addition to elephants, Udawalawe is home to a diverse range of wildlife. You can also spot elusive leopards, sloth bears, water buffalo, sambar deer, and a multitude of bird species .

Do not expect to see leopards though, it’s very hard to find them.

Even the jeep ride is an adventure on its own. You’ll have a lot of fun cruising around in every terrain. The driver will make sure to find the best spots for watching the wildlife.

Usually they are very konwledgeable and provide lots of information about animals you will see.

Morning or evening Udawalawe jeep safari

When planning your safari, you’ll find two enticing options: a morning or afternoon ride. The morning safari typically kicks off around 6 am. It offers early risers a chance to witness the park come to life with the sunrise.

Alternatively, the afternoon tour commences at 2 pm. This provides a different perspective as the day transitions into evening.

Having personally joined the morning safari, we were treated to a plethora of sightings and encountered various animal species.

According to other visitors the time of day may not significantly impact wildlife sightings . I would say that both morning and afternoon safaris offer equal opportunities to witness Udawalawe’s rich biodiversity.

Therefore, I would recommend you to select the timing that aligns best with your itinerary and preferences.

You can be sure that your Udawalawe safari will be an unforgettable adventure, regardless of the chosen time slot.

Travel Insurance

One of the worst things you could do is travel without insurance. We never go on a trip without travel insurance. Anything can happen during your adventures.

Our go-to company is SafetyWing . They will save you hundreds or thousands of dollars if something goes wrong.

If you purchase the insurance through our link, you still pay the same, and we will earn a small commission. This helps us run our blog. Thank you ❤️

Best time to visit Udawalawe national park

Dry season: December – March

Rainy season: June – August

Udawalawe is open all year round, and you can have an incredible experience anytime.

However, the best time to visit Udawalawe National Park is during the dry season between December and March. The weather is mostly sunny, which creates perfect conditions for animal spotting. It’s also easier to spot the animals since the grass will be drier and shorter.

During the dry season, also prepare for hot and sweaty weather.

If you come towards the end of this season, the grass might be dry, and animals are affected by harsh conditions and lack of nutrition. We visited in February, and it was visible that the elephants had lost some weight.

Heavy rains in the wet season might cause the cancellation of the safari tour. If you’re lucky and it doesn’t rain, you can expect lush green nature full of life. During the rainy days, it’s harder to photograph animals. Many of them are also hiding from the rain.

A period worth mentioning is the shoulder months right after the rainy season. Nature is blooming with thriving flora, and the rains are already gone.

What to pack for Udawalawe jeep safari

You are going to spend a few hours sitting in a jeep enjoying the nature around you. Comfort is key for this journey, so be sure to pack comfortable and layered clothing .

Mornings in the park can be chilly, so bring along a jacket or sweater to stay warm. Opt for darker clothing to avoid getting dirty from the occasional muddy tracks.

Don’t leave behind your camera and binoculars . You’ll want to capture every moment and spot distant wildlife. Pack some snacks as well as lots of water.

Udawalawe jeep safari – conclusion

A Udawalawe Jeep Safari offers an immersive experience in Sri Lanka’s natural wonders. We hope this guide has equipped you with all the essential tips. Remember to respect the environment to ensure its preservation for future generations.

Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or a newcomer, Udawalawe promises unforgettable encounters with elephants, diverse birdlife, and breathtaking landscapes.

So, pack your essentials and embark on an adventure you won’t forget easily.

If you liked this post and found it helpful let us know in the comments. Also check our other blog posts for more travel tips.

Plan with us

Ready to start planning your next trip? If you use our referral links, you pay the same and we earn a little commision. It helps us run this blog. Thank you! ❤️

Hotels: Booking.com

Car rental: Discover cars

Tours: Get your guide

Insurance: Safety Wings

Hostels: Hostel world

Bus, train: 12.Go Asia

Tours: Viator

Visa: iVisa

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

[email protected]

Udawalawe Jeep Safari : Finding Sri Lanka’s Giants

Some of my links may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I might earn a small commission at no cost to you. See our Privacy Policy for details.

We spent nearly a month exploring Sri Lanka and when planning our itinerary there were a few things that I knew we had to do. Taking an Udawalawe Jeep Safari to see Asian elephants in the wild was certainly high on my list and so an overnight stop was added. 

Let’s just say that we weren’t disappointed!

Table of Contents

Where Is Udawalawe?

Udawalawe is a small unassuming town in the southern part of Sri Lanka in the Ratnapura district.  What makes the town special is that it’s the entry point into Udawalawe National Park; renowned for its population of wild elephants.

Udawalawe lies on the cusp of Sri Lanka’s wet and dry zones and its verdant grasslands are framed by the glorious mountains of Sri Lanka’s Highlands. 

Udawalawe is :

• 100 kms from Ella (2 hour drive)
• 98 kms Mirissa (2 hour drive)
• 124 kms Galle (2 hour drive)
• 237 kms from Colombo (3.5 Hour drive)

Why Is Udawalawe National Park Special?

Udawalawe National Park is renowned for its large population of elephants, offering visitors a unique opportunity to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

The National Park was created to provide a sanctuary for wild animals displaced by the construction of the Udawalawe reservoir in 1972; now the third largest reservoir in Sri Lanka.

Largely comprised of marsh, grasslands and bush, the park’s diverse ecosystem supports a wide array of other wildlife, making it a biodiversity hotspot.  And of course, it’s special because it’s one of the best places in the world to view Asian elephants in the wild.

Top Tip : You drive beside the reservoir on your way to the park. Get your camera ready because the morning light (for us at least) was magical and it felt like we were entering Narnia.

Why Take A Jeep Safari In Udawalawe?

One of the things that we absolutely loved about Sri Lanka is its diversity.  For an island about half the size of England you get to explore rain forests, jungles, mountains, grasslands, rice paddies, beaches and even watch blue whales in her oceans; the diversity of wildlife is astounding. 

Imagine driving through sun-dappled grasslands and spotting a family of elephants crossing your path. Or sitting beside a lake surrounded by sleeping crocodiles.  Or getting stuck in a traffic jam with a family of jackals?  This all happened to us.

The Udawalawe jeep safari offers flexibility and a thrilling way to explore the park with freedom to stop for photographs or to stop and watch the wildlife whenever you wish.

Udawalawe is easily accessible if you’re visiting Sri Lanka and offers you the chance to get up-close and personal with so much wildlife but at a fraction of the cost of other safari tours.

highest rated Udawalawe Jeep safari tour

• Highest ratings from verified bookings
• Offers a range of 3,4 or 6 hour tours
• Pick-up from hotel

What Can You Expect From An Udawalawe Jeep Safari?

The park is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including elephants, water buffalo, deer, crocodiles, and numerous bird species. If you’re lucky, you might even spot one of the parks leopards and sloth bears (although these sightings are very rare).

Honestly, be prepared to be dazzled! The open-air jeep allows for unobstructed views, enhancing the thrill of spotting animals in their natural surroundings. 

Aside from the iconic elephants, Udawalawe boasts an array of creatures. Picture troops of Toque Macaques swinging through trees, deer grazing, exotic birds painting the sky with incredibly vibrant hues. We saw swarms of butterflies, crocodiles, wild boar, water buffalo and even a pack of jackals.

The park is a haven for wildlife from insects and snakes and small mammals to the larger animals that folks love to spot.  There really is a lot of life here to see!

How Long Are The Udawalawe Jeep Safaris?

Udawalawe offers a range of safaris from 3,4,6 7 and even 10 hour tours.   

Opt for a 3-hour safari if your time is short or if you think you may find 6 hours in a bumpy jeep a bit too uncomfortable. 

We decided to go with a 6-hour experience and had no regrets.  The time flew by and if we had not taken the longer tour we would have missed a number of sightings later in the day. We also noticed a marked difference with the number of jeeps in the afternoon.

Ultimately your choice will come down to

• And Comfort

Top Tip : Do not underestimate the bumpy journey.  If you suffer with any kind of back problems, or if you’re pregnant you may wish to reconsider this tour.

Should You Book A 3 or 6 Hour Safari?

Both offer a great experience.  Your choice is going to be down to your budget and the time available.  We opted for a longer safari and have zero regrets.

A 3-hour safari is perfect for an introduction to the park’s wonders. A 6-hour safari allows you to delve deeper, increasing your chances of spotting elusive animals and enjoying a more tranquil encounter. The park is noticeably quieter in the afternoon and we enjoyed many additional animal sightings that we would have missed had we left early.

For the small additional cost, I would say choose longer if you have the time.

How Much Does A Udawalawe Jeep Safari Cost?

Prices for the Jeep Safari do vary from one tour operator to the next.  The jeep size and quality, and the safari duration all play a part. 

In addition to the cost of the jeep tour, visitors also have to pay a Park Entrance Fee , along with Guide Entrance Fees , taxes and even a Jeep Entrance Fee .

Currently the costs are :

• Entrance for Foreigner adults 25$ (around LKRs 8,000), children 15$ and under 6’s free. The price is in dollars but you must pay cash in LKRs at the entrance.
• Driver and Jeep Entrance Fee : LKR 400
• Vehicle/Jeep Charge per group :  LKR 2500 (8$)
• The grand total is subject to 15% tax

For two adults (us) the cost to enter the park is 16,000 + 400 + 2,500 = 18,900 + 2,835 (15%) : Total LKR 21,735 (around 61€ / £53 / 67$)

Bear in mind exchange rates will fluctuate a little and prices can and do rise without notice but certainly this was what we paid.  We gave the money to our jeep driver and he paid on our behalf but it’s possible to join the queue and pay yourself at the entrance if you prefer.

Top Tip : You need your Passport at the park entrance

In addition to these costs you should also expect to pay from LKR 4,000 for the cost of a 3 hour safari. Longer tours and more passengers will impact on the cost.

The highest rated safari tour that we found has a fee of  LKR 8,500 for a 7 hour private jeep tour for two people.  We feel this represents excellent value for money.

How Much Will A 7-Hour Safari Cost for 2 Adults?  

• Total Park Entrance Fee : LKR 21,735
• 7 Hour Private Jeep Tour : LKR 8,500
• Total cost of a 7 hour private Udawalawe jeep tour for 2 people : 85€ / 92$ / £73 / LKR 30,235

Top Tip : Don’t forget you will probably wish to add a tip at the end of you’re happy with your driver; expect to add perhaps LKR 1500 if you’re really happy.

Is The Jeep Safari Private?

The safaris that we looked at were all private; ours was. 

Most of the vehicles that we saw in the park had what appeared to be groups of friends or family and we never saw a full jeep.  My guess would be that the jeep safaris always tend to be private. 

The tour that we recommend is certainly private but if you’re in any doubt check with your tour operator.

How Do I Arrange A Jeep Safari?

There are a few ways to organise your safari. 

You can search booking sites such as TripAdvisor , GetYourGuide and Viator .  The beauty of this method is that you can read the reviews and ensure that you are booking the right driver for you and your party.

Some hotels offer safaris too; indeed some hotels will only let you stay if you book with them.  It’s entirely possible that their jeep safaris are excellent but you have no way of comparing or reviewing.

There are jeeps at the entrance to the park and it would be possible to arrange a tour on the day.  My concern with this would be that you are not able to vet the standard of the safari.  However, if your trip is last minute this might be a good option for you.  Do be aware that the drivers may charge a premium for your last minute booking.

There are also a number of Facebook groups for Sri Lanka and it might be good to ask other travellers for feedback and recommendations.  Do be prepared to be sent several private messages offering you a safari though.

My preferred option is always either by personal recommendation by someone that I know and trust, or by doing the research myself and ploughing through reviews to find the best tour. 

Thankfully we’ve done that work for you and we recommend this tour :

Whichever method you choose, book your safari through a reputable source. This ensures hassle-free arrangements and a certain quality of transport and guides. And when booking on a recognised platform you also have some protections if something goes wrong or you have to cancel.

Top Tip : Remember to confirm pick-up times, vehicle type, inclusions and safari duration before committing to your booking.

Do I Need A Guide As Well As A Driver?

You don’t need a guide but I think the quality of your driver is important.  Our driver was super experienced and knowledgeable; he knew the park and understood the animal behaviour

He carried spare binoculars, books and he knew the names of the birds, flowers and fauna we saw.  He had the eyes of a hawk and could spot wildlife that we would have never seen.  And he was able to answer questions about the animals we saw. 

If you are very interested in the flora and fauna a guide might provide insightful commentary and enrich your wildlife experience  and you may therefore feel it is worthwhile paying extra, but generally, choose a great driver who speaks your language and he can do the job for you.

What Should I Wear For A Jeep Safari?

Comfort is key! And the main influence is going to be the weather.  We took our safari in December and the weather was pretty perfect, dry but not too hot not too humid; although it did warm up as the day went along.

Wear something easy to move around in; we wore hiking gear.  You’ll need to climb in and out of the jeep and we also moved around a great deal within the jeep so hiking wear was perfect.

It was later suggested neutral colours; sadly my hiking shirt was bright pink!  If you have a choice go for something more subtle.

Breathable fabrics might be useful and I also wore long trousers.  You do get an opportunity to get out of the jeep and there are plenty of biting insects around so I prefer to be covered.  And as the sun creeps under the jeep roof, I prefer to have my legs and arms protected from the sun.

Gerry took a hat as the sun was on the back of his neck.

Comfortable shoes; remember that you’ll be climbing in and out and moving around so definitely not flip-flops.  Gerry wore his hiking shoes and I wore a hiking sandal.

You may also want to pack a warm layer for the early morning start.

What Do I Need To Take AND What Should I Leave Behind?

You don’t need to take a great deal with you but there are some essentials

• Do take your passport as you’ll need this at the entrance
• Take a camera and a spare battery or charger and a good lens if you have one; you’ll take a lot of photos
• Binoculars if you have them; our driver carried spare
• Take water, your driver will probably have some but do be prepared
• Take sunscreen
• Take insect repellent
• Any medications that you may need.
• A sunhat and perhaps warm layer

If your breakfast or picnic is not provided by the driver then you may wish to bring food or snacks.  Our hotel made us a packed breakfast which we ate mid-morning.  BUT!  Elephants can smell a sweet treat a mile away and if you are carrying food then hand it over to the driver for safe keeping. Certainly do not keep it in a bag in the back of the jeep as it will certainly bring you the wrong kind of attention.

You won’t need to bring valuables, bulky items, or walking poles and remember to leave no trace, minimize your environmental impact and avoid littering.

Is A Jeep Safari Safe?

Jeep safaris are generally safe. We felt very safe.  It is important to choose a good driver with a jeep that is in good condition and a guide/driver who knows the park and the animal behaviour well. 

Before we started our driver explained how we should behave if we encountered elephants or wildlife unexpectedly. 

He took excellent care when driving on rough terrain.  It’s bumpy in the back of a jeep and he was clearly experienced enough to take his time when needed; not all drivers were doing this!

There were two occasions when elephants appeared at the side of the jeep from out of the bush.  Our driver immediately responded by moving slowly away from any hazard and we never felt in harms way.

Of course, you are driving in an open vehicle amongst wild animals and you have to respect the environment that you are in.  Always follow instructions stay inside the jeep and avoid disturbing the animals.   Do remember to respect the park’s rules and regulations.; the animals may appear gentle giants but they are wild.

The jeeps can be ‘bouncy’ and there is potential to lose balance or stumble if you move around but you have to take responsibility for your own actions and act sensibly.

Top Tip : At the risk of repeating myself, it can be jumpy in the back of a jeep.  If you suffer with back problems then this trip may not be for you.

What Time Do Tours Start?

Our started at 6:00am and if you can start early then do.  The light as we drove by the reservoir was incredibly beautiful at dawn.

Do expect a long queue at the entrance of the park, our driver stood in line for well over 30 minutes and others reported longer waits.  The earlier you arrive the closer you are to the start of that queue.

There are later tours and for folks who arrive later in the day take comfort from knowing that we spotted a number of animals in the afternoon..

Where To Stay And Potential Problems

We had to change hotels at the last minute as ours decided to close for renovations, but our new hotel was perfect.  We had little choice of accommodation due to the last-minute switch but we were blow away by the quality of our accommodation.   

We Stayed at Forest Edge Safari Villa and had the Deluxe Triple Room. Everything was exactly as the photos show and the breakfast was excellent. We totally recommend a stay here.

We were a little out of town but only a simple tuk tuk ride away.  And we got to sit on our terrace and look out at the jungle beyond.

Our hotel did offer safari tours but they were cool that we had made alternative reservations.  It’s important to check if your accommodation will be equally happy with this arrangement.

Is An Udawalawe Jeep Safari Really Worth It?

Yes. Yes. Yes.  We were delighted with our safari and it by far exceeded our expectations.  The vehicle was comfortable, our guide was good and we saw so much wildlife.

We expected to be thrilled by the elephants and wow yes, they were amazing.  We even got to see a tiny baby just a few weeks old learning to copy mum eating.  We saw lone males and groups of elephants and that was amazing. 

But we also loved the birds; their colours are incredible.  And don’t under-estimate the glorious setting.  The bush isn’t perhaps the most scenic of places but the mountain views and the lake are glorious. 

Remember to avoid shady deals or operators offering unrealistic viewing guarantees. Remember, responsible tourism means respecting the animals and their natural habitat. Research reliable tour operators with good reviews and transparent pricing.

The Udawalawe Jeep Safari was the perfect day out for us and we’ll pack it away with all our other incredible memories from Sri Lanka.

Going to Sri Lanka? You might be interested in other great experiences

• Tea Tasting in Nuwara Eliya and our amazing High Tea at the Grand Hotel
• Best Time To See Whales In Mirissa And 2 Great Whale Watching Tours

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Whenever you travel, you should have a great travel and medical insurance policy.  None of us expect anything bad to happen, but in the event of an incident, you want to be sure that your insurance will be there for you.

I’ve ended up in hospital in Peru, Indonesia, Portugal, Japan and Ireland! Every time my insurance took care of everything. I would never leave home without full and comprehensive insurance.

TrueTraveller  : We have this policy and we are very happy with the cover, especially considering our ages and pre-existing conditions.

Globelink   : We have used and recommended Globelink for years and we’ve not heard of any issues. They are a great choice for European and UK Residents.

Safety Wing  : Many of my travelling buddies from the USA have recommended this company to me, although we’ve not used them personally.

Try Our Trip Planning Tools

Start here to find the best accommodation

Start here to find flights for your adventure

Start here to find the best sightseeing tours

Author : Colleen Sims

Hey I’m Colleen. I’m married to Gerry, we’ve three fabulous kids and been living in France for almost two decades. I fell in love with Spain in the 1980s and I’ve walked 1000s of miles along the Camino de Santiago. Now we’re exploring and walking the world and I can’t wait to share what we’ve learned!

How to plan your visit to the park. You must have an entrance ticket and a vehicle with a driver or guide. It is not allowed to enter the park by your car, you need a specially equipped safari car.

Udawalawe Park entrance fee

The ticket prices are set by the Department of wildlife conservation (DWC) of Sri Lanka and revised year to year. Entrance fee include the park admission fee per person, jeep entrance fee, and group service fee

Udawalawe is a Category I National Reserve and as for now, the price is a $29 entrance fee (incl. 15% VAT) per person + 14$ group fee per car. (Last time revised on Aug.22)

Below you may find a table with fees per group. Note that the maximum jeep capacity is 6 persons.

Note that it is special prices for children 6-12 y.o. (15$ + VAT) and SAARC citizens ($20 + VAT). The child under 6 years is not charged.

It is no need to buy tickets in advance, the number of tickets is enough for everyone. You may ask your guide to buy the tickets for you at the entrance. USD and rupees are accepted as well.

As for now, the online ticket service is under development.

Jeep and guide

It is no official guide service by the park, but you may find licensed and professional guides on TripAdvisor, Google Maps, or other services.

Regular jeep (max 6 persons) price is around 40-60$ for a half-day tour. The guides listed below accept cash payments after the end of the trip and never ask for prepayment. There are a lot of offers with card prepayment on TripAdvisor, Viator, etc., but usually, it is more expensive and you may face troubles with money return if something goes wrong.

It is strongly recommended to contact your guide in advance for a few days before your visit as a minimum. It is possible to find a guide in Udawalawa town at the last minute but it may not be comfortable and not guaranteed.

What to have with you?

Don’t forget to take enough water and protect yourself with sun protection. Nothing more, grab your camera and you are ready to go.

Please note that it is prohibited to feed the animals in the park. It may be really dangerous.

See also: How to get to the Udawalawe Park

Username or E-Mail

Forget Password?

Do not have an account?

Already a member.

• Terms and Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Travel Blog

Udawalawe National Park Jeep Safari

Adding item to wishlist requires an account, already a member.

Username or E-mail

Don't have an account? Create one.

Why book with us.

• No-hassle best price guarantee
• Customer care available 24/7
• Hand-picked Tours & Activities
• Free Travel Insureance

Get a Question?

Do not hesitate to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.

+94 11 432 2200

[email protected]

Read Reviews

Sri Lanka Car Rental With Driver

Udawalawe Jeep Safari

Udawalawe national park jeep safari provides you an opportunity to observe the plants and animals. Jeep safari and entrance ticket package are now available to book online. Udawalawe safari price inclusive of all tax and service charges. Half-day morning jeep safari starts daily at 05:30 am and the afternoon safari starts at 02:30 pm. The park is located in the dry zone in Sri Lanka approximately 165 kilometers from Colombo. The average rainfall of 1,500 millimeters in the period of October to January and also March to May. The recorded annual average temperature was between 27 to 28 °C and the relative humidity from 70% to 82%.

The Udawalawe national park covering 30,821 hectares with lush planes and shades. Udawalawe safari is a perfect getaway to spend your time observing like large herds of water birds and Asian wild elephants wandering around their free natural habitat along with many plants species and wild animal such as 184 birds, 135 species of butterflies, 94 plants 43 mammals, 33 reptiles, 21 fish, 12 amphibians, etc. As well as 400 elephants found in this park and 250 of them are considered permanently residing within Udawalawe national park.

Departure Location

Udawalawe national park main entrance or Udawalawe city hotels

Return Location

Price includes.

• Free hotel pickup and drop from Udawalawe city hotels
• Private Safari Jeep (Not sharing with other groups)
• Entrance tickets to national park
• Current applicable all government taxes & service charge

Price Excludes

• Tips & Gratuities
• Any Private Expenses
• Meals and drinks for half day safari

Complementaries

• Meals and drinks for full day safari

Good to Know

• Reservations will be confirmed within 10 hours of making a Booking Request
• Above prices are subject to change due to new government taxes and levies
• Carry a cap or hat to cover from sun
• Sunscreen to avoid burns
• Breakfast packed from hotel for Morning safaris
• Shades (Sun Glasses)
• Additional Liquids (Mineral water)
• * Terms and conditions

Udawalawe Jeep Safari Highlights

Udawalawe National Park Safari consists of 02 options. One is the morning or afternoon half-day safaris while the other one is a full-day safari inside the park. Half-day jeep safari starts at 06:00 am in the morning and 03:00 pm in the afternoon both covering a time period of 03 to 04 hours. A full-day jeep safari starts at 06:00 am followed by lunch and ends at 06:00 pm.

The 4WD Safari jeeps are the only permitted way of observing the Udawalawe National Park . Therefore safari package includes free pickup from Udawalawe National Park area hotels and drop off. Udawalawe safari price inclusive of jeep hiring fees, entrance tickets, and currently applicable government taxes and service charges.

Besides hotel pickup from Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Tangalle, Unawatuna, Galle, Bentota, Colombo, etc. available for extra charge therefore please enquirer prior to your booking. Car Rental Sri Lanka

Udawalawe Jeep Safari Options

05:30am to 10:00am morning safari.

Half-day Udawalawe Jeep safari morning segment starts at 06:00 am from the gate. If you were to be picked up from your hotel nearby the Jeep will pick you up at 05:30 am because waiting for the purchase of tickets. The duration of this safari will be 03 to 04 hours which is from 06:00 am to 10:00 am. Do not forget to request your takeaway breakfast most importantly which will be prepared on your request.

You will be provided with a 4WD safari jeep. Sanki Leisure driver/ tracker takes you to locations where the animals are. It’s important to keep your eyes on alert so you don’t miss spotting the fascinating creatures in the park. At the end of the safari, you will be dropped at the gate or at your hotel where you were picked up from.

We also arrange pickup transfers on private vehicles to reach the Udawalawe national park . If you do not have your own transportation to your next destination, we also able to arrange a vehicle for an additional cost. please inquire prior to your booking.

02:30am to 06:00pm Afternoon Safari

The Afternoon safari segment starts at 15:00 (03:00 pm) from the gate. Same as the morning safari segment we will be picking you up near the gate or from your nearby hotel. If the pickup happens from a hotel nearby, the jeep will pick you up by 02:30 pm.

You will be provided with a 4WD safari jeep. Sanki Leisure driver/ tracker will take you to locations where the animals are. It’s important to keep your eyes on alert so you don’t miss spotting the fascinating creatures in the park. You will also be able to witness the stunning view of sunset if the sky is clear.

At the end of the safari, you will be dropped at the gate or at your hotel where you were picked up from. We also arrange pickup transfers on private vehicles to reach the Udawalawe national park. If you do not have your own transportation to your next destination, we will be able to arrange a vehicle for an additional fee. lease enquirer prior to your booking.

05:30am to 06:00pm Full Day Safari

The full-day safari at Udawalawe national park is the best out of all to sweep through the national park and observe how wild lives spend their day. At 05:30 in the morning, a 4WD safari jeep will pick you to start your day at Udawalawe national park. Either you will pick up at the entrance (If you travel from your own transportation) or from a hotel nearby to the park.

Since you are entering a national park in the dry zone and in the early morning, it is most important always to prepare yourself with necessary liquids you may need. Therefore ask your hotel to prepare a takeaway breakfast for you, such as some fruits, sandwiches or any other meal you prefer.

After the morning secession, you will take to a resting area at the park. Udawalawe safari price (full day package) includes lunch and mineral water. Therefore in order to make the necessary arrangements, please keep us informed on your preferred meal type while you doing the booking. Your safari will finish while the sun goes down with a breathtaking view by 06:00 pm and will drop you at the entrance or at the hotel where you picked up from.

Udawalawe National Park Map

Udawalawe National Park Photos

Related Tours

Minneriya National Park Jeep Safari

Anuradhapura City Tour

Trincomalee Whale Watching

Nuwara Eliya City Tour

We did the morning safari and our guide was really nice. He seemed really knowledgeable about the animals and the park and was really nice. However the whole atmosphere for competition for the safari put us off a bit. We ended up seeing lots of elephants, water buffalo, a few peacocks, a hawk, and crocodiles.

I had a great time with my family in this safari! I have done many safaris in Africa, and I must say I was very impressed! Our Udawalawe natioanl park safari lasted barely 4 hours, yet we saw plenty of animals including elephants, crocodiles, spotted dears, coyotes, eagles, and so many varieties of birds!

We had an excellent visit – we saw elephants, water buffalo, crocodiles, peacocks, jackal, birds, monkeys, etc etc.

We loved our Udawalawe safari. Lots of elephants, buffaloes and peacocks. We also spotted several deer, iguanas and a crocodile.

Udawalawe national park is huge and we saw several groups of elephants on our safari. We also saw water buffalo, crocodiles, jackals, monkeys, peacocks, eagles and lots of different toes of birds. Fabulous experience!

Proceed Booking

Or continue as guest.

A Complete Udawalawe National Park Safari Guide For 2023

Taking an Udawalawe National Park safari with kids was the highlight of our Sri Lanka holiday with the kids and one of our top recommendations for things to do in Sri Lanka with kids .

With around 500 resident elephants, an Udawalawe National Park safari is a great choice for a Sri Lankan safari if your kids love elephants.

Udawalawe NP has the largest population of Asian elephants of all of the national parks in Sri Lanka. They come for the abundant supply of water and so on an Udawalawe National Park safari, elephant sightings are all but guaranteed.

Note : It is not widely known yet but in September 2022, the Sri Lankan government increased the entrance fees for Udawalawe National Park. See below for more info.

Before you start reading about safaris in Udawalawe National Park, we wanted to let you know that we have a comprehensive guide to the best safaris in Africa that might interest you.

This post contains affiliate links. Should you click on them, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Udawalawe National Park safari

History of Udawalawe National Park

Udawalawe National Park was created in 1972 to provide a habitat for animals displaced by the construction of the Uda Walawe dam.

The damming of the Walawe river created a reservoir and wetlands which attracted many aquatic birds and animals.

It’s backed by the dramatic highlands to the north and made up of 119 square miles of open grassland, with wetlands and dense jungle.

Where is Udawalawe National Park?

Udawalawe National Park lies about 160km southeast of Colombo and 120km northeast of Galle. It’s a relatively easy hop from the Sri Lankan coast if you’re staying on one of the many beautiful Sri Lanka beaches .

According to Google Maps, Udawalawe should be around 2 hours 45 mins from Galle but there’s no accounting for what the traffic will be like.

Our journey from Galle took around 3 hours 30 mins because traffic was quite heavy. We were travelling on a Poya day though which didn’t help.

Every full moon is a public holiday in Sri Lanka (Poya), with more Sri Lankans travelling on the roads. This is something you can check in advance when planning your itinerary.

Some people arrange day trips to visit Udawalawe National Park but we’d recommend staying locally the night before.

The best wildlife spotting opportunities are sunrise and sunset. If you don’t stay locally, you would have to get up in the middle of the night to get to the park for sunrise or get back late to your hotel after a sunset safari.

Udawalawe National Park sign

Where to stay in Udawalawe National Park

There are dozens of small Udawalawe hotels or homestays to suit all budgets within 10 minutes drive of the main park entrance. Click here to see our family-friendly Udawalawe hotels guide .

We decided to stay in budget accommodation for this part of our trip because we just needed a bed for the night, arriving late in the afternoon and leaving at 5.30am for our safari.

We stayed at Peacock Riverside which was basic but clean. It had hot water, ceiling fans and mosquito nets over two double beds.

The owner and his wife were very friendly and accommodating but for us, the highlight was the incredible homemade food. It was some of the most delicious food in Sri Lanka but it’s hard to convey just how delicious it was.

The fact that the boys allowed us to pile their plates will have to be proof enough!

Dinner at the Peacock Riverside in Udawalawe

For more suggestions on where to stay in Udawalawe, check our best family-friendly accommodation in Sri Lanka which gives options to suit every budget.

Best time to visit Udawalawe National Park

The best time to go on a safari in Udawalawe is between December and March and May to September. This is the dry season when there will be less scrub and it’s easier to see elephants.

Access can also be an issue outside of these months, with roads and tracks getting flooded.

We chose to take an Udawalawe National Park safari when we visited Sri Lanka in December because it was the right time of year and it was conveniently on our loop of southern Sri Lanka .

How long is an Udawalawe National Park safari?

You can choose between full-day safaris or half-day safaris in Udawalawe. Half day Udawalawe safaris are probably enough if you have young children as they last about 3 hours.

Any longer and we find the kids start to get restless.

Our guide had no problem cutting ours a little short when the kids started getting hangry. If you have kids with you, we would recommend hiring your own jeep and driver so you can make this decision.

If you’re staying in Udawalawe for a couple of days, you could do a morning and an afternoon safari to see the park at different times of day. See below for details on the cost of a half-day safari.

How to choose an Udawalawe safari guide

If you arrange a jeep through a tour company, please do check the reviews. Some offer a poor experience with inexperienced drivers/spotters.

We had to flag one driver to slow down as he was about to run over a monitor lizard that he hadn’t spotted.

We also spent a little while helping out a family whose driver had got them stuck in a large mud rut and broke their axle trying to get out.

Our driver was not impressed and explained that there are a few cowboy operators out there.

We arranged our jeep and driver through our accommodation. See below for details on the cost of a half-day safari.

If your accommodation can’t arrange a guide, then here are some reputable safari tours you can do.

Jeep stuck in the mud at Udawalawe

Our Udawalawe safari experience

We had an early night and set the alarm for 5am. Our host had arranged for the jeep to pick us up at 5.30am.

This allowed time to get to the park, get our tickets (expect to queue or for your driver to queue for up to 15 minutes at the ticket office) and get in for 6am when it opened.

An early start (or dusk safari) gives the best opportunity of seeing wildlife as the animals are most active then (read our guide to wildlife spotting ).

After getting our tickets, we drove straight into the park. The first thing we heard (after getting away from the many other jeeps at the entrance) was the call of peacocks, and very quickly noticed the abundance of bird life to start with.

Within five minutes we saw eagles, peacocks, bee-eaters and many other birds we weren’t familiar with.

Bee eater in Udawalawe National Park

Our Udawalawe safari did not disappoint on the elephant front either. We saw several individual elephants up close and in the distance.

There were a couple of family groups – including babies and adolescents – hanging around and feeding.

Elephants in Udawalawe National Park

We then headed to the wetland section of the park which surrounds a large lake and is populated with many types of aquatic birds (egrets, cormorants, stork, heron among others).

On the far side of the lake we were told there was a crocodile sunbathing on the shore. Although we had binoculars, we still weren’t sure we could make it out.

It looked like a log! If it was a crocodile, it most certainly wasn’t our best sighting of one.

Some guides have amazing eyesight and will spot things that you may be completely oblivious to.

Kids are also great spotters which is a great reason to take them on safari. Sadly we didn’t spot the elusive leopard, but we knew that this would be unlikely.

For better chances of seeing leopard, you may want to consider heading to Yala National Park , which supposedly has the highest density of leopards of any national park worldwide.

We did indeed see a leopard there, though sadly it was dead and being eaten by a crocodile… but that’s another story.

Udawalawe Safari Costs

Our costs for arranging a safari at Udawalawe were:

• Private jeep with driver/guide – around LKR 4000  for half day (3-4 hours).
• Park entrance fees of $25  per adult and $15 per child (under 6 are free) plus a LKR 250  jeep charge, all plus 15% tax.
• If you are staying overnight in the park, there is a $50 charge per adult and $30 per child.

Please note that new entrance fees were introduced by the Sri Lankan government in September 2022.

You can check here for the most up to date park fees .

Top Tips for taking an Udawalawe National Park safari

Go to the bathroom before setting off as there are no facilities in the park!

To keep the kids interested and engaged, why not print off an animal spotting list. Remember to take a pen.

Interesting animal fact – Sri Lanka has the highest number of deaths from snake bites each year. But don’t worry, unless you are wandering around in the rice paddies or in rural areas at night you are highly unlikely to ever see a snake – much to my boys’ disappointment!

Accommodation around Udawalawe National Park

Booking.com has a wide range of properties available in and around Udawalawe National Park.

We also have a list of accommodation for families near Udawalawe .

If you found this post helpful, why not bookmark it, share it with friends or pin it for later?

Hi guys, great little blog!!!! We are heading to Sri Lanka in 3 weeks (yay) and planning a morning safari to Udawalawe NP. So excited! Love the photo of the jeep in the mud. Our kids are almost 7 and 4 and quite well travelled. My main worry with Sri Lanka is going from Ella-Kandy on the train. I have read so many horror stories. Did you do this trip? Thanks, Amber

Hi Amber, thanks for the comment… officially our blogs’ first comment :) We have done the Ella-Kandy train ride, but on a previous trip without kids a few years back. I’d recommend booking at least a few days in advance (there were no next day tickets to anywhere from Ella when we were there this Dec), and if you’re travelling with all your bags it will be a real squeeze – the trains on this stretch of line all seem jam-packed with locals and tourists. If you are thinking that it is a long journey (8ish hours), then you could consider doing the most scenic stretch on the train and then getting a driver to pick you up to complete your journey. The views and street food on sale on the trains make it very special though. Have a fantastic trip, and let us know if you have any specific questions or worries!

Just a heads up, the park now costs 43 dollars per person to enter! I just went this morning, it gets a little less per person if you have more in your group! Hadn’t seen anything online about the price increase so just thought to mention it so people aren’t surprised!

Thanks for the heads up. The fees apparently changed in September 2022 but it was very hard to find this info!

Sujie from peacock Riverside is greeting and thanking u for the block. We are staying there to night, after have been reading your review. We also thank you for sharing!!)

Best wishes from the jungle.

That is great to hear – thank you for letting me know Lisa! Enjoy your time there.

Leave a Reply

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

We participate in various affiliate marketing programs. Flashpacking Family is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Most popular posts

Guide to visiting Lake Louise, Canada

Jordan itinerary

Sri Lanka’s best beaches

Things to do in Suffolk with kids

Free things to do in London for kids

How to Plan an Udawalawe National Park Safari

By: Author Lora Pope

Posted on May 7, 2024

This post may contain affiliate links. By clicking and making a purchase through the links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my disclaimer for more information. This and display ads allow me to keep the site up to date and give back .

Planning a Udawalawe National Park Safari? Let me help! I’ve visited Udawalawe twice – it’s one of my favorite places in Sri Lanka.

There is no better way to see animals than in their natural habitat. With the highest density of wild Asian elephants in the world, Sri Lanka, and particularly Udawalawe, is one of the best places to go on safari in Asia.

However, you still need to be careful when choosing where to go on an elephant safari in Sri Lanka, as some parks and ‘orphanages’ engage in abusive and harmful practices such as elephant riding.

Despite this, Sri Lanka has done a fantastic job of protecting its wildlife while still making it accessible to tourists through the country’s national parks.

Established in 1972, Udawalawe National Park has become a sanctuary for wild elephants displaced by the construction of the Udawalawe Reservoir. It is a important habitat for Sri Lankan elephants and other wildlife.

Covering over 309 square kilometers of wilderness, Udawalawe is the perfect place to go on an ethical elephant safari in Sri Lanka. This complete guide to visiting Udawalawe National Park has everything you need to know to plan a great trip.

My experience on an Udawalawe National Park Jeep Safari

I went on my first Udawalawe National Park safari while on a week-long surf camp in Weligama , which was a great experience. We had to wake up at 5 am for a three-hour drive to the park, but it was so worth it.

Upon arrival, the jeep heads straight to the ticket office to collect pre-paid tickets

The jeep ride through the park is bumpy and rough, so don’t expect a comfy ride. Learn from my mistakes and don’t eat a big breakfast beforehand. With the excitement of finding the elephants, you’ll hardly notice after a while.

A half-day safari lasts about three hours long. During that time we saw a ton of wildlife, including many elephants. As a bonus, many of the elephants came close to the jeep to say hello. It’s an incredible experience to see them just hanging out being happy elephants in their natural habitat.

I was hoping to see the baby elephants on my safari, but it wasn’t the right season. All of the elephants we spotted were lone soldiers. In total, we had six different sightings but no herds of elephants.

Aside from the elephants, we saw wild water buffalo, crocodiles, lizards,  monkeys (toque macaque), and many types of birds, including eagles and peacocks.

The safari jeeps are massive with open sides, so regardless of where you sit, you will have a good view of the surrounding scenery and wildlife. I was in the back of the jeep and still had a great view.

You aren’t allowed to get outside of the vehicles (for safety), but they are huge, so there’s lots of room to move around and take photos.

At the end of the wildlife safari, we went to a watering hole where there were dozens of pelicans and water buffalo hanging out. It was such a beautiful and tranquil setting to watch.

On top of all the incredible wildlife, the landscape of Udawalawe is beautiful. It was completely different than anywhere else I visited in Sri Lanka, it felt like we were on a safari in Africa.   The mountain ranges of Ella provide a stunning backdrop to the park.

Our safari guide was great at spotting wildlife and knowledgeable about the animals, giving us facts throughout the safari. The guides seemed to have concern for the animals and conserving them, which was great to see.

Best Udawalawe National Park Safari Tours

Udawalawe national park private 4 hours safari tou r.

⭐️  RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   4 Hours | ✅  Book it!

If you’re staying near the park, this private tour is a great choice for a half day safari tour. Each journey starts in a 4×4 private safari jeep, guided by a knowledgeable tour executive who provides detailed insights into the local wildlife.

“Amila my driver was brilliant. He is very knowledgeable about the wildlife and birdlife, and has an amazing eye to find birds that other driver’s drove straight past. I would 100% recommend.” – Janelle (read more reviews here).

Experience includes bird watching with binoculars and flexible scheduling with morning safari or afternoon options. The day tour offers a personal and immersive experience of the wildlife of Udawalawe at a reasonable price, promising a memorable exploration of nature.

🐘 Check prices of Udawalawe Safari Jeep Tour Here

Udawalawe National Park Safari Day Trip from the South

RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   9 to 11 Hours | ✅  Book it!

This trip to Udawalawe National Park is designed for those based in southern Sri Lankan areas such as Wadduwa, Kalutara, and Hikkaduwa.

It includes a captivating 3-hour jeep safari through the park, famed for its large elephant populations and varied wildlife. Additionally, the itinerary features a visit to the Elephant Transit Home, where orphaned elephants are rehabilitated.

“Once in a lifetime experience, could not believe how close we came to the animals in their natural environment, a day full of wonderful memories” – Mandy (read more reviews here).

The package covers all essentials—transportation in a private vehicle with an experienced driver-guide, entry fees, a safari jeep, lunch, and mineral water.

🐘 Check prices of Udawalawe Safari Tour from the south here

Double Safari Day Trip (Yala & Udawalawe)

RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   13-16 Hours | ✅  Book it!

Embark on an exceptional adventure with a day trip exploring two of Sri Lanka’s most famous national parks : Udawalawe and Yala. This tour offers a unique opportunity to experience diverse ecosystems and spot various wildlife, including Sri Lankan leopards, known for their high density in Yala.

“What an absolutely fantastic day out! We were collected on time by a happy Rahul who whisked us away for our 2 safaris in one day! An exhilarating tour after breakfast was followed by lunch, watching the orphan elephants at feeding time then the afternoon safari, where the animals and landscapes were breathtaking!!” – Simon (read more reviews here).

The journey includes safaris in both parks, a visit to the Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe, and all necessary amenities like lunch and transportation. This comprehensive package provides an insightful, all-inclusive experience, allowing you to witness the natural beauty and conservation efforts of these spectacular settings without any hidden costs.

🐘 Check prices of double safari day trip

Elephant Transit Home

Just a short distance from Udawalawe National Park, the Elephant Transit Home serves a noble purpose, providing care for orphaned elephant calves with the ultimate goal of reintroducing them to the wild.

This initiative, established by Sri Lanka’s Department of Wildlife Conservation, showcases the country’s commitment to wildlife protection.

During my recent visit, I observed the calves being fed from a designated viewing platform. While it’s clear that the funds raised from these viewings support vital conservation work, the experience felt somewhat theatrical and could be overwhelming for the elephants due to the noise and frequency of feedings.

Many from my tour group shared these concerns, though they recognized the importance of the home’s mission. Personally, I found the tranquility of the safari in Udawalawe National Park to be more enjoyable.

Where to stay in Udawalawe National Park

Grand udawalawe safari resort.

I had a fantastic stay at the Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort. This premier 4-star facility is conveniently close to Udawalawe National Park and the Elephant Orphanage. Nestled on 7 acres of land, this environmentally friendly hotel offers a range of luxurious accommodations and amenities.

The resort’s delightful elephant-themed decor resonated with my love for wildlife, creating a unique and immersive experience. Spending time with friends by the large, refreshing pool was the perfect way to unwind after a dusty day of exploring.

The resort’s buffet was incredible, offering a mouthwatering selection of Sri Lankan dishes and the pasta bar was fantastic for fueling up at breakfast and dinner. We went back for seconds both nights!

Where to eat in Udawalawe: Craft Tunnel

Before or after your Udawalawe safari, I highly recommend visiting Craft Tunnel for a meal. Located conveniently near the park, Craft Tunnel is not just a restaurant but an artistic retreat. I had my most memorable meal of the trip there.

Despite the buffet style, each curry was bursting with flavor and made with such care that my plate was a vibrant mosaic of colors.

The owner, a skilled potter, infuses the place with his fascinating life story. I even picked up a beautifully crafted teapot as a souvenir. The restaurant’s ambiance, combined with the opportunity to engage in pottery, makes it a must-visit. For more information, visit the website .

Udawalawe Vs. Yala National Park

When deciding between Udawalawe and Yala National Parks in Sri Lanka, consider a few key differences. Yala is the most visited and can be crowded, with more expensive safari options, and closes annually for several weeks. It’s renowned for leopards, boasting the highest concentration worldwide.

In contrast, Udawalawe, though less crowded and cheaper, offers superior chances to see elephants due to its high concentration in a smaller area. If your trip coincides with Yala’s closure, Udawalawe becomes an excellent alternative for wildlife viewing.

FAQ: Udawalawe National Park Safari

How much is the jeep safari at udawalawe.

The price varies depending on the number of people in your group. It costs $43 for one person, which includes the park entrance fees of $29. For a group of six people, the maximum allowed, the price is approximately $188. You can find the most up-to-date prices and details here .

How long does Udawalawe safari take?

A typical safari in Udawalawe National Park lasts about 3 to 4 hours.

Is Udawalawe National Park worth visiting?

Absolutely, especially if you’re interested in seeing elephants in their natural habitat, as the park offers one of the best opportunities in Sri Lanka to see these incredible wild animals.

Which safari is better, Yala or Udawalawe?

Udawalawe is better for reliable elephant sightings, while Yala is preferred for a broader range of wildlife, including the elusive leopard.

What do you wear on a Jeep safari?

Wear light, breathable clothing, preferably in neutral colors that blend with the natural environment such as the REI Sahara Line . Don’t forget a hat and sunglasses for sun protection.

What is the best time of day to visit Udawalawe?

Early morning or late afternoon are the best times for wildlife viewing, as animals are more active during the cooler parts of the day.

What to do in Udawalawe besides safari?

Besides safari, you can visit the Elephant Transit Home, which rehabilitates young elephants, or explore nearby villages, restaurants, and nature trails.

What animals are in Udawalawe safari?

Udawalawe is home to a large population of elephants, as well as water buffalo, monkeys, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.

Can you see leopards in Udawalawe?

Leopards are present in Udawalawe, but they are much rarer and harder to spot than in Yala National Park.

How many elephants are in Udawalawe National Park?

Udawalawe National Park is known for having a significant elephant population, commonly estimated at around 600 to 700 elephants.

When is the best time to visit Udawalawe?

During the dry season, from May to September. During these months, the weather is more stable, and the reduced foliage and water levels make wildlife viewing easier, especially for spotting elephants near the water bodies.

What are the opening hours for Udawalawe National Park?

The Udawalawe National Park is open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Visitors can enter the park for safari tours during these hours, and it’s best to plan morning or late afternoon safaris for optimal wildlife viewing.

Final Thoughts: Udawalawe National Park Safari

Udawalawe National Park is a gem for safari lovers in Sri Lanka, offering a more intimate and less crowded experience compared to its more famous counterparts. It’s a paradise especially for those passionate about elephants, as it boasts one of the highest densities of these gentle giants.

With its affordable safaris, stunning landscapes, and rich biodiversity, Udawalawe isn’t just a visit; it’s a memorable adventure that echoes the wild heart of Sri Lanka.

Planning a trip to Sri Lanka? Check out these posts!

• What to do in Ella Sri Lanka: 12 Fun Activities
• How to Plan an Epic Sri Lanka Itinerary
• The Ultimate Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Guide
• 6 Reasons Weligama is The Perfect Surf Town
• Is Kandy Worth Visiting in Sri Lanka?

Lora is a full-time digital nomad on a quest to visit every country in the world and pet as many dogs as she can along the way. Over the last 15 years, she has traveled to 70+ countries and six continents solo. She currently calls Puerto Vallarta, Mexico home and enjoys ending each day with sunset and tacos on the beach.

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I’d love to go on an elephant safari, seeing them roaming freely in their own environment – thanks for sharing this. 🤗

• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Holiday Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travellers' Choice
• Help Centre

Simply Fantastic - Udawalawe Trails

• Asia    
• Sri Lanka    
• Sabaragamuwa Province    
• Udawalawa    
• Udawalawa - Attractions    
• Udawalawe Trails

Great driver, great service and cheap. We saw many animals, he knew exactly where to take... read more

Good hotel breakfast. Good staff good people. And very clean room.everything is best here. I ADVICE... read more

Simply Fantastic

Udawalawe is the most beautiful place and seeing the wildlife, especially the elephants thriving in the natural habitat was just spectacular. Fabulous birds, so many elephants, crocodiles and water buffalo happily wallowing. As you'd expect some areas are 'jeep heavy' but the guides were very good and respectful of the wildlife so moved around in a good way. Overall a truly fabulous experience, i hope the park maintain control so it remains a positive experience for both the abundant wildlife and visitors alike.

You can get a jeep at the entrance. We paied 20000 Rs. for 4 people in total, and our tourguide tried to get 40 USD. We had a very clever birdguide mr Saman. We sew a lot of elefants quite close to the car and krocodiles, shakals, lizards and above all so many kinds of birds: eagels, pelecans, hornbills, storks, beeters, kingsfischer and all types of herons. We vent there in the afternoon and that was ok.

We stayed near the park at Eliyanthe hotel. We took the afternoon tour arranged by the hotel. We were very pleased. Even excited about this experience. Very good. We declined the park guide and gave the tip to our driver. Glad we did. Do this,it's great.

You will not be disappointed by this incredible National Park and its ability to house around 300 elephants in various sizes herds. We spent a spectacular evening there with some VERY close encounters with elephants at dusk. We also saw many crocodiles and birds. With no real predators in the park, you will witness the natural behaviours and movements of these magnificent creatures, on their terms. We paid for an afternoon entry ticket and had a private jeep safari organised by our hotel. You don't really need a guide, unless you want to know more about the creatures. You can just see and enjoy them for yourselves.

Besides the elephants, most of the animals to be seen are birds, and a crocodile here and there. If you have a smart driver, hiring an extra guide is waste of money. It' s nice just for spending the afternoon.

Very bumpy roads as you'd expect so if you have a back complaint you may sadly have to skip this but otherwise what an attraction. The animals are used to having vehicles coming past them and the noise of jeep engines starting up without spooking them. Telephoto lens is a plus so make sure you take more than your camera phone to capture beautiful shoots. Highly recommend visit.

Athgira River Camping - Udawalawe

View prices for your travel dates

• Excellent 233
• Very Good 202
• Terrible 31
• All languages ( 585 )
• English ( 281 )
• French ( 182 )
• Dutch ( 50 )

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

ATHGIRA RIVER CAMPING - UDAWALAWE (Udawalawa) - Campground Reviews, Photos, Rate Comparison - Tripadvisor

Car and Driver

2024 Easter Jeep Safari: Four New Concepts, Each with a Different Purpose and Palette

Posted: March 25, 2024 | Last updated: March 25, 2024

Spring means Easter, and for the Jeep faithful, that means the annual pilgrimage to Moab, Utah, for the Easter Jeep Safari. 2024 marks the 58th annual gathering, and, as has been the tradition for the past few years, Jeep has granted its talented crew of in-house designers the freedom to create a small batch of one-off concepts that express their artistic vision in fully realized concepts that might otherwise never make it past the drawing board. Plus, it's a great way to get some public input on stylistic themes, accessories, and functional add-ons that might already be in consideration for production. Here are the four concepts they cooked up for 2024.

Jeep Vacationeer Concept

We knew the creatives at Jeep couldn't keep their hands off the new Wagoneer for long, and the Vacationeer is here to prove us right. And no, that's not a typo; the "ee" is a not-so-subtle nod to the Wagoneer it's based on. As long as we're pointing out the obvious, it would be pointless to pay homage to the Wagoneers of yore without at least a touch of woodgrain, and the Vacationeer wears it in the thin-strip style of select Jeep models from the late 20th century, including the low-volume Wagoneer Brougham of the early 1980s.

The custom exterior paint, dubbed Spearminted, is similar to the hue of the paint on the Willys Dispatcher Concept also found on this list, but it ramps up the spent nuclear fuel rod effect to Simpsons levels of iridescence. Larger wheel openings and custom body-side flare extensions shroud 35-inch BFGoodrich mud-terrain tires mounted to 18 x 9.0-inch 701 Method racing wheels. The tire and wheel package provide a 1.5-inch lift while front and rear skid plates help to deflect obstacles, and a front-mounted Warn winch and a trio of 11-inch TYRI LED lights provide peace of mind. Jeep's 510-hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six "Hurricane" engine provides the power to keep the vacation rolling.

The Overlanding vibe is strong thanks to the custom carbon-fiber RedTail Overland Skyloft affixed to the roof. Featuring climate control, room for two, and panoramic viewing capabilities, it seems like the ideal place to spend a night in the boonies, or even your driveway. To make climbing up and in via the weatherproof pass-through easier, Jeep removed the second- and third-row seating and mounted a small step that doubles as a table.

The rear area features a bed liner to stow gear. Distinguished fashion designer and Wagoneer enthusiast/owner Kiel James Patrick was tapped for the front upholstery, coming up with a design featuring classic Jeep vehicles dotting a distinctive and charming New England–inspired pattern. (Attn. Jeep: You know you could sell this fabric for real, right?)

Jeep Wrangler Low Down Concept

Longtime fans will likely remember the Jeep Lower 40 concept the brand dropped back in 2009 at the 43rd annual Easter Jeep Safari. This year's Jeep Low Down concept exists as an update of sorts, following the theme of fitting the biggest tires possible without altering the suspension or lifting the ride height.

The formula involves some clever cleaver work to make room for ginormous BFGoodrich Krawler 42 x 14.5 R-20 mud-terrain tires mounted on 20-inch beadlock wheels. Custom carbon-fiber fender flares help facilitate the project. Otherwise, the Wrangler Rubicon 392 suspension remains untouched, but Dana 60 axles with 5.38 gears are brought in to replace the standard Rubicon Dana 44s. The result is a low center of gravity teamed with increased ground clearance, breakover, and approach and departure angles.

The exterior is finished in Poison Apple Red paint, and the hood is a custom carbon-fiber unit with a see-through power dome. The profile gets a bit of streamlining with the removal of the exterior door handles, and a race-style fuel filler resides in the driver's-side rear quarter.

Interior tweaks include a Rhino-lined floor, black leather seats with cloth inserts, and a radio delete instrument panel. "Listening to the engine is enough, in the Low Down," says Chris Piscitelli, design manager for Dodge/SRT, who had a hand in creating this year's concepts. A custom red-tinted semi-transparent bikini top makes sure any light that passes through glows with a red hue.

Like its Lower 40 inspiration, the Jeep Low Down relies on a V-8 engine, in this case a modern 475-hp 6.4-liter 392 (you saw the numerous callouts, right?) and an eight-speed automatic transmission, whereas the Lower 40 made do with just a 390-hp 5.7-liter Hemi.

Jeep Gladiator Rubicon High Top Concept

Born from the efforts of Jeep Performance Parts designers and the Mopar engineering teams, the Gladiator Rubicon High Top Concept channels the '70s J-series pickups, particularly the highly decorated versions from the mid-'70s when Jeep tried to get hip. (Remember the Jeep J-10 Honcho ?)

Brown was the official color of the 1970s, so Jeep starts off with a two-tone Ginger Snap metallic exterior with bold graphics that look the part. Interior mods are subtle but appropriate. The seats have been trimmed with custom quilted and perforated tan and black Alea leather, and JPP logos reside on the headrests. JPP provides the sun bonnet, pedal kit, floor mats, and doorsill guards. JPP also provided some concept flat fender flares.

Mods from outside vendors include a front bumper from American Expedition Vehicles—check the custom protective hoop sitting just above a Warn winch—rock rail power steps from Rock Slide Engineering, and a truck bed storage system with lockable dual sliding drawers from Decked.

Power comes from the trusty 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine mated to a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. Torque is funneled to Dana 60 front and rear axles with matching 5.38:1 gears, then moves on to 40 x 13.5 R-18 BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 tires mounted on 18 x 9.0-inch Satin Black KMC Grenade Crawl beadlock wheels. An AccuAir adjustable suspension helps fine-tune the suspension for the task at hand.

Willys Dispatcher Concept

Aside from the paint, the Willys Dispatcher doesn't look much different from the current Wrangler. And although there's a lot more going on here than just its Element 115 green paint, we'd be fine if there wasn't. As designer Chris Piscitelli not so coyly mentioned in brief preview, more than one current Jeep color first debuted on concept vehicles like this. A gloss-black windshield surround almost disappears—along with the standard black roll cage—due to the high contrast with the nuclear-age-inspired green paint.

Exterior color aside, the Willys Dispatcher, which counts the postwar-era Willys Jeeps as its inspiration, has some pretty cool features, including front and rear Dana 50 axles with 4:70 gears and 36-inch Traxion tires mounted on 16 x 7.0-inch white steel wheels for the perfect vintage look. The bumpers are crafted to look homemade old-school, the front with a beefy Warn 8274 winch mounted. The flat fenders and "Willys" stamped lettering in the hood really play into the retro vibe.

Inside, distressed saddle leather mixes with houndstooth cloth inserts; combined with the low back seats—sans headrests—the midcentury vibe is palpable. The vinyl flooring is from Jeep Performance Products, as are the bikini top and the onboard air compressor.

For all the looking back, the powertrain is undeniably modern, the Willys Dispatcher using Jeep's 2.0-liter plug-in-hybrid 4xe propulsion system that delivers 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque through an eight-speed automatic. It's a blend of old and new that successfully transcends time.

More for You

Stephen Hawking once gave a simple answer as to whether there was a God

Anthony Davis didn't want JJ Redick to coach the Lakers

Dolly Parton says it was ‘bold’ of Beyonce to change ‘Jolene’ lyrics without telling her

10 most common PINs have been revealed – see if yours is on the list

More unpleasant legal surprises for Trump possible, newly revealed investigations suggest

Ted Cruz Praises Tom Hanks at D-Day Celebration

12 Uncomfortable Truths About Christianity That People Aren't Ready to Hear

Florida woman’s Apple Watch traces lost luggage to airport worker’s home

The Only Major Actors Still Alive From All In The Family

Dallas Cowboys Expected To Demote Veteran QB Amid Trey Lance’s Big Spring; Dak Prescott’s Contract Situation

If you have this much money in your 401(k), you're doing better than most—here's how to save even more

Supreme Court Hits Biden Admin With a Bill

Angel Reese Going Viral For Pregame Outfit In WNBA Homecoming

Sam's Club ending unpopular policy still in effect at Costco

32 Celebrities You Didn't Know Were Bilingual

11 Vegetables That Are Safe For Dogs To Eat

Did Donald Trump's guilty verdict drive away pivotal voters? Here's what the early polls say.

Photos Of Japan's Most Bizarre Car Culture

I've Owned Homes for 15 Years. Here Are the 3 Biggest Repair Expenses I've Faced

The hit on Caitlin Clark was a cheap shot, in any basketball league