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A Complete Guide to Udawalawe National Park

 

Udawalawe National Park is one of Sri Lanka’s most famous wildlife reserves, especially known for its large population of Asian elephants and open savanna-like landscapes. It lies on the border of Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces, covering about 308 square kilometres (118.9 sq mi). It was declared a National Park on 30 June 1972 primarily to provide a safe habitat for animals displaced during the construction of the Udawalawe Reservoir across the Walawe River. Today, the park is one of the most popular safari destinations in the country — second only to Yala — thanks to its reliable elephant sightings, open grasslands, and rich birdlife

📍 Specifications of Udawalawe National Park

General Information
  • Name: Udawalawe National Park
  • Area: 308 sq km (≈30,821 ha)
  • Established: 30 June 1972
  • Distance from Colombo: ~165 km (about 4–5 hours by road)
  • Nearest town: Embilipitiya
  • Coordinates: 6.47° N, 80.89° E
  • Purpose: Created to provide a sanctuary for animals displaced by the construction of the Udawalawe Reservoir on the Walawe River, which supplies water for irrigation and hydroelectric power.
Geography & Landscape
  • A mix of open grasslands, thorny scrub jungle, riverine forest, and wetlands surrounding the Udawalawe Reservoir.
  • Elevation: ~100 m above sea level.
  • Temperature: Warm year-round (~27–32 °C).
  • Rainfall: Mainly during October–January (intermonsoon and northeast monsoon seasons).
Biodiversity
  • Plants (Flora): ~ 94 species recorded.
  • Mammals: ~ 43 species.
  • Birds: ~ 184 species, of which ~ 33 are migratory.
  • Reptiles: ~ 33 species.
  • Amphibians: ~ 12 species.
  • Fish: ~ 21 species (including endemics and introduced species).
  • Butterflies / Invertebrates: ~ 135 species of butterflies recorded; many more in other invertebrate groups likely.
Conservation Status
  • IUCN Category: II (National Park)
  • Invasive species (e.g. Lantana camara) reducing native undergrowth and affecting food plants.
  • Human encroachment, illegal logging, gem mining, overgrazing and unregulated chena agriculture around borders.
  • Water level fluctuations in the reservoir (due to management, upstream use) affecting aquatic habitats.

Wildlife You Can Expect in Udawalawe National Park

1. Mammals (About 40 species)

Udawalawe is famous for its large herds of elephants and many other mammals.

🐘 Elephants

  • Sri Lankan Elephant (Elephas maximus maximus) – The star attraction!
    • Around 400–500 elephants live in the park.
    • Can be seen year-round, especially near waterholes and the Udawalawe Reservoir.

🦌 Deer and Grazing Animals

  • Spotted Deer / Axis Deer (Axis axis), Sambar Deer (Rusa unicolor), Wild Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), Wild Boar (Sus scrofa)

🐆 Carnivores / Predators

  • Sri Lankan Leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) – rare, occasionally seen
  • Golden Jackal (Canis aureus naria) – common
  • Rusty-spotted Cat (Prionailurus rubiginosus) – very rare
  • Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) – rare, near wetlands
  • Small Indian Civet (Viverricula indica)
  • Mongooses (Indian Grey, Ruddy, Stripe-necked)

🐒 Primates

  • Grey Langur (Semnopithecus priam thersites), Toque Macaque (Macaca sinica) – endemic

🐿️ Small Mammals

  • Indian Palm Squirrel (Funambulus palmarum), Giant Squirrel (Ratufa macroura), Indian Hare (Lepus nigricollis)

2. Birds (Over 180 species)

Udawalawe is a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to both resident and migratory birds.

🐦 Common Birds

  • Sri Lanka Junglefowl (Gallus lafayettii) – endemic, national bird
  • Peafowl / Peacock (Pavo cristatus)
  • Malabar Pied Hornbill (Anthracoceros coronatus)
  • Red-faced Malkoha (Phaenicophaeus pyrrhocephalus) – endemic
  • Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill (Ocyceros gingalensis) – endemic
  • Brown-capped Babbler (Pellorneum fuscocapillus) – endemic

🦆 Water Birds & Migrants

Found around the Udawalawe Reservoir and marshes:

  • Painted Stork, Asian Openbill, Black-headed Ibis, Spoonbill
  • Little Cormorant, Darter, Pelicans, Egrets, Herons
  • Migratory Ducks and Waders (Oct–March): Garganey, Pintail, Sandpipers, Terns

🦅 Raptors (Birds of Prey)

  • White-bellied Sea Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Changeable Hawk Eagle, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Shikra

3. Reptiles

Udawalawe’s warm, open environment supports a variety of reptiles.

  • Mugger Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) – seen in waterholes and reservoirs
  • Water Monitor (Varanus salvator), Land Monitor (Varanus bengalensis), Indian Cobra (Naja naja), Python (Python molurus), Indian Flap-shell Turtle (Lissemys punctata punctata), Vine Snake, Rat Snake, and Bronze-backed Tree Snake

4. Amphibians

Common after rain and near marshes:

  • Common Tree Frog (Polypedates cruciger), Skittering Frog (Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis), Cricket Frog (Fejervarya limnocharis)

5. Fish (in Reservoir & Streams)

  • Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus), Catla (Catla catla), Rohu (Labeo rohita), Garra ceylonensis (endemic freshwater fish)

6. Butterflies & Insects

Over 135 butterfly species, including:

  • Blue Mormon 🦋, Common Jezebel, Lemon Pansy, Tawny Coster, Sri Lanka Birdwing (rare endemic)

Safari Times & Durations in Udawalawe National Park

  • Morning Safaris (Half-Day): The best time to go is at dawn when the animals are most active. Morning safaris typically do from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Nearly it’s 4 hours safari session.
  • Afternoon Safaris (Half-Day): The afternoon safari begins around 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and the wildlife tends to be more visible as the sun sets and animals come to the waterholes. It also around 4 hours safari.
  • Full Day Safari: Full day safari period is from 6:00 AM to  6:00 PM. You can spend about 10 hours inside the park on a full day safari allowing to explore all important parts of the park as well as most of the animals. Safari operator will organize food, water and other required things to stay inside the park for a full day. Meals can be taken near Udawalawe reservoir for an authentic wild experience.

Udawalawe National Park Entrances

Udawalawe Main Entrance

The Main Entrance is the only public access point to Udawalawe National Park, located about 10 km from Udawalawe town and few kms away from the Elephant Transit Home and Udawalawe Dam. Managed by the Department of Wildlife Conservation, it is open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The gate has a ticket office, parking, restrooms, and safari jeep services, making it the starting point for all safaris. It’s easily reachable from Colombo, the South Coast, and the Hill Country, offering convenient access to explore the park’s rich wildlife and scenic landscapes.

Handagiriya Entrance

The Handagiriya entrance of Udawalawa National Park offers a quieter, less-crowded access point on the park’s eastern side, ideal for travelers looking to explore the park away from the busy main gate. Located near Thanamalwila, this entrance provides quicker access to the park’s forested zones, waterholes, and grassland areas where elephants, spotted deer, langurs, and a variety of bird species are commonly seen. It is frequently used by safari jeeps operating from Thanamalwila, Sevanagala, and nearby rural areas, making it a convenient gateway for those approaching from the eastern or southern regions of the island. Though facilities are minimal compared to the main gate, Handagiriya offers a more serene, nature-focused entry point into Udawalawa’s wilderness.

Sevanagala / Thanamalwila Access Point

The Sevanagala / Thanamalwila Access Point is a restricted northern entrance to Udawalawe National Park, located near the Sevanagala Sugar Factory. It is not open to tourists and is used only by park rangers and researchers for conservation and patrol work. All visitor safaris must enter through the Main Entrance on Udawalawe-Thanamalwila Road.

How to Get to Udawalawe National Park Entrances

🚪 Main Entry Point:

All visitors enter through the Udawalawe Main Entrance, located about 10 km from Udawalawe town.

From Ratnapura 📍

  • Distance (From Ratnapura): ~75–80 km
  • Travel Time: ~ 2 hours by taxi.
  • Route: Ratnapura → Pelmadulla → Udawalawe Junction → Main Gate
  • The fastest and most flexible way is by private taxi or tuk-tuk may take more time.

From Ella Town 📍

  • Distance (From Ella): ~ 90 km
  • Travel Time: ~ 2 hours by taxi
  • Route: Ella → Wellawaya → Thanamalwila → Udawalawe Road → Main Gate
  • A scenic drive through rural villages and forested areas.

From Mirissa Beach 📍

  • Distance (From Mirissa): ~ 105 km
  • Travel Time: ~ 2 hours by taxi.
  • Route: Mirissa → E01 Southern Express Way → Embilipitiya → Udawalawe Junction → Main Gate
  • This is the most common route for travellers coming from the western and southern coastal areas.
  • The fastest and most flexible way is by private taxi. tuk-tuks may take a longer route as tuk-tuks are not allowed on highway.

Udawalawe National Park Safari Costs

Click Here to See Udawalawe Safari Costs

Travel Tips for Udawalawe National Park

  • Book Safaris in Advance: It is highly recommended to book your safari in advance, especially during the high season (March to September) to secure a quality jeep and a guide. You can book through your tour operator or directly a jeep operator.
  • Your Guide Matters: Animal sightings are not completely random, An experience Guide and a Naturalist will track animals like leopards, elephants better based on historical statistics about their behaviour and environment conditions. Hence you need to pick a good team for your safari.
  • Naturalist for Better Experience: Extra Naturalist will be a great addition if you are interested in understanding better about animals, their behaviour, animal tracking, conservation, and national park details.
  • About Food during Safari: Udawalawe offers facility within the park to enjoy a meal during the safari in Scenic Safari Stops, usually a Lake Front. Unlike Yala or Wilpattu, Udawalawe does not have man – made rest areas. But keep on mind do not feed animals. You may need Breakfast during a Morning Safari, and Lunch will also be needed for if you are doing a Full Day Safari. Evening Safaris may only need Water and a Snack.  Your hotel, lodge, or campsite may pack a breakfast for you before the safari (usually around 5:00–5:30 AM) or this can be arranged by the safari operator himself. Typically includes sandwiches, boiled eggs, fruit cuts, juice boxes, String Hoppers, or Sri Lankan Rice & Curry Lunch.
  • Carry Snacks and Water: While there are no restaurants inside the park, it’s a good idea to carry snacks, water, and other essentials for your comfort during the safari. These may be provided by the safari jeep operator himself.
  • Wash Room Facilities: Washrooms are placed only at the entrance. Around 8:00–9:00 AM, your guide will stop at a scenic place during the safari to have breakfast only. Please communicate in advance with the jeep driver to arrange timing of your resting times.
  • Dress code: It’s better to wear earthy, neutral-colored, lightweight, breathable fabrics clothing to stay comfortable. Bright colors can disturb wildlife and make it harder to blend in with the surroundings. Also wear comfortable, closed-toed shoes and a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Using a sun-screen is also recommonded.
  • Respect Nature: Avoid making loud noises or disturbing wildlife. Always follow the guide’s instructions for a safe and responsible safari experience.
Tour Tips 104 - Guide to Select a Safari Jeep
Safari Tips 101 - Tracking A Leopard
Tour Tips 105 - Special Wildlife Tours
Tour Tips 106 - What NOT to do in Sri Lankan Safaris

Bungalows inside Udawalawe National Park

There are government-run bungalows inside National Parks where you can stay and enjoy wildlife much closer. Each bungalow usually accommodates up to ~10 people. These bungalows has limited facilities but highly popular among local wildlife communities and researchers due to close access to water ways where illusive leopards roam in the morning. 

  • Facilities: The bungalows provide basic amenities such as beds, kitchen and private bathrooms. These bungalows have no AC or Fans, but usually designed to accommodate natural air circulation.
  • Food: Each bungalow has a bungalow keeper and a cook. Visitors need to bring all the raw materials to prepare food.
  • Wildlife: These bungalow offers a good opportunity for sightings of leopards, elephants, and sloth bears, also fantastic spots for birdwatching.
  • Location: Bungalows are located near the water ways or open areas where animals can be seen most of the days. They are perfect for those who want to enjoy privacy and a remote wilderness experience.
Bungalow NameLocationHighlights
ThimbiriyamankadaNear Nothern Park of Udawalawe ReservoirPanoramic views, large viewing deck, close to wildlife
GonawiddagalaAdjacent to Udawalawe Reservoir, and close to Park gatesSecluded, excellent for birdwatching and elephant sightings
WeheragollaEdge of the Walawe River, Nothern Park of the ParkRiverfront views, tranquil environment
SeenuggalaNear Sinugala LakeWaterfront setting, serene atmosphere, and few leopard sightings are recorded near by
PokunutennaNear Pokunutenna Lake, and Nothern top of the ParkIsolation, diverse wildlife
Click Here to Book Any Udawalawe Bungalow

Comparison to other Sri Lankan National Parks

In short, if your priority is elephants in open landscapes, Udawalawe is ideal. If you want leopards or a large variety of wildlife, Yala or Wilpattu is better. Minneriya is perfect for seasonal elephant gatherings.

  • Udawalawe is best for elephant sightings, quieter safaris, and family-friendly wildlife experiences.
  • Yala is the most famous, high chance of seeing leopards, but more crowded.
  • Wilpattu offers a wilderness feel with fewer tourists and larger territory.
  • Minneriya is seasonal, famous for the “Gathering of Elephants” around the water tanks.

Udawalewe vs Yala National Park

Simple answer is if you are an extreme elephant lover, go to Udawalewe National Park, else Yala National Park. Also if you are thinking about a full day safari, Yala would be more suitable due to in-park facilities and diverse wildlife with the chance to see the elusive Sri Lankan Leopard.

  • Yala NP is more famous for its high leopard population.
  • Don’t expect leopards in Udawalawe Safari. Limited leopard population is not much used to jeeps, and extremely rare near roads.
  • Udawalewe is more famous for its big herds of elephants all year. 
  • Elephants can be seen in Yala too, but in small groups or individual elephants. 
  • Other animals are common in both parks.
  • High tree cover cannot be seen in most parts of Udawalewe. 
  • Yala can be crowded with jeeps in tourist seasons and local holidays and vacations.
  • Yala Block I has more facilities than Udawalawe. Yala Block I has a newly developed beach front rest area in Patanangala with a small coffee shop, rest areas, and wash rooms. 

Other Experiences around Udawalawa National Park

DT502_Ella_Zip_Line (2)
DT603_Udawalawe_Village_Tour (2)
DT307_Expolre_Ella_City (2)

ExperienceImportant Facts
Elephant Transit HomeOrphaned baby elephants are rehabilitated and released back to the wild; feeding times are the main attraction
Udawalawe Reservoir VisitExcellent spot for birdwatching, elephant sightings, and sunset photography
Village & Rural Life ExperienceShows traditional farming, irrigation systems, and local village culture
BirdwatchingHome to many resident and migratory waterbirds and raptors
Nature WalksBest around Thanamalwila and Sevanagala; calm countryside setting
Cycling ToursFlat rural roads ideal for cycling through farms and tank bunds
Cultural & Religious VisitsSmall ancient temples and village shrines near the park
Wildlife & Landscape PhotographyOpen landscapes allow clear views of elephants and other animals
Sunrise & Sunset ViewingMost scenic around the reservoir and park boundary areas

Click here Book Day Tours near by Udawalawa

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