Little bit about Udawalawe National Park

The third most visited park in Sri Lanka, Udawalawe National Park is a popular tourist destination. The park is located 165 km away from the city of Colombo. It lies in the boundary of Sabaragamuwa and Uva Provinces, in Sri Lanka. The purpose of this park was to create and provide a sanctuary for wild animals displaced by the construction of the Udawalawe reservoir.  It attracts most tourists and visitors for its water birds and elephants. As the important habitat for Sri Lankan elephants, Udawalawe is home for about a herd of 250 elephants. These elephants are attracted to the park because of the reservoir in Udawalawe. Other than elephants, rusty-spotted cat, fishing cat and Sri Lankan leopards find home at the Udawalawe Park. Like other national parks, Udawalawe has also other species residing in it, birds, reptiles and fish are amongst them. Around a 30 species of snakes are found in this park. Udawalawe offers safari tours as well. These help explore the wildlife in a much closer and personal way. A variety of birds can be spotted at the bird watching site.

Bird watching, safari and many other adventure and activities can be experienced during a vacation to the city. Wildlife and nature lovers would enjoy their tour and will want to travel more often. It is known as one of the world’s best places to see wild elephants, and is largely comprised of grasslands and bush forests. They also call one of the best national park for game spotting.

Things to know before you go

• Do not feed the animals
• Do not tease the animals
• No smoking, no liquor
• Eat at designated rest areas only
• Do not get down from the Safari Jeeps
• Bring plenty of water, sun protections creams, sunglasses, caps/hats
• Always listen to the driver's/ guide's instructions

Photography by: Deshaka Gunawardana , Thilina Chandrathilaka

Tickets

Safari Jeep Price*

Half-day: From LKR 4,500 - 6,000

Full-day: Around LKR 10,000

*Prices vary based on the condition of the jeep and the additional facilities provided. Above are generic indicative prices

Udawalawe National Park Entrance Fee for Foreigners

Service Charge: $8

Veicle Entrance Fee: ~$2

15% VAT on the grand entrance fee

Udawalawe National Park Entrance Fee for Locals

Service Charge: ~LKR 1,400

Veicle Entrance Fee: LKR 250

15% VAT on the grand entrance fee