Udawalawe National Park

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Overview

The Udawalawe National Park is one of the finest wildlife safari destinations in the world to watch elephants in their natural habitat. Renowned for its immense populations of Asian elephants, this park comprises open grasslands and scrub forests in and around the humongous Udawalawe Reservoir. The open nature of this habitat, similar to Africa’s grasslands, makes it much simpler to locate wildlife than in forests.

What can we do?

  • Go on a Jeep Safari: Explore the Park on an open Gypsy. Explore the wildlife, come face to face with Elephants, Water Buffaloes, Spotted Deer, Crocodiles, and Peacock, and more.
  • Visit the Elephant Transit Home: You can watch a feeding show being organized for orphaned baby elephants to be released into the wild from the "Ath Athuru Sevana."
  • Bird Watching: Sight different species of water birds and birds of prey like the hawk eagles, pelicans, and the painted storks.
  • Enjoy the Reservoir View: Appreciate the beauty of Udawalawe Reservoir surrounded by a mountain range.

Which season is best for travel?

  • Best Months: January to April (Dry season).

  • Best Time of Day: Early morning (7:00 AM) is the absolute best time to start climbing to avoid the heat and crowds. Alternatively, late afternoon (after 3:30 PM) offers a beautiful sunset view.

How long to spend for a visit?

Total Time: Plan for 3 to 4 hours.

  • Climbing up and down: 1.5 - 2 hours.

  • Exploring the summit: 45 minutes.

  • Museum visit: 45 minutes to 1 hour.

How can we arrive?

  • From Colombo: Approx. 4 hours via the Kurunegala-Dambulla road.

  • From Dambulla: It is just a 30-minute drive (17km) from Dambulla town. You can take a tuk-tuk or a local bus.