Welcome to the wildlife sanctuary sneak-a-peak, Sri Lanka. If you are in search of a chase for wildlife, you are about to hear the best of the best.
Where is Udawalawe?
Located in the South of Sri Lanka is one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries, Udawalawe National Park, Sri Lanka. Also known, as Udawalawe Elephant Park is close proximity to Yala National Park. Getting to Udawalawe is pretty much an easy drive and easily access from any part of Sri Lanka.
Which safari is best; Yala or Udawalawe?
In comparison, if you are looking for which is better, Yala or Udawalawe, we would actually suggest you make a decision based on what you actually want to see. In a nutshell, both parks Udawalawe and Yala are home to multiple wildlife, except if you speak to the locals, we would tell you that “Udawalawe is more commonly known to have more elephants than Yala while it being known as a habitat for water birds specifically and also that Yala is more crowded than Udawalawe, usually”. So if you are an elephant-watching fan, Udawalawe is the best place to see wild elephants.
How to get to Udawalawe; from Colombo, Galle and Ella?
The Udawalawe National Park is approximately 165 kilometers far from Colombo. Getting to Udawalawe is closest to Galle (Hop a bus to Embilipitiya).
Colombo to Udawalawe
However, if you are traveling from Colombo you can catch a direct bus from Pettah/Fort to Embilipitiya where you will get off the bus at Udawalawe, en route, and then hop a taxi or our very famous ‘Tuk Tuk’ to the park. It is approximately 5 to 7 hours for the whole journey by bus.
If you opt to take a cab throughout the journey which will ideally cost you a lot more rupees but will definitely ease your journey and also get you to the park in around 4 – 5 hours. Yes, that is saving you on your time and the energy you rather spend on the safari in the park!
If you are residing in Colombo you can hire a cab from a local vehicle renting company to rent out a van or car for a long journey and multiple days which will comparatively be cheaper to book on a package deal.
Book your tour with us www.takemesrilanka.lk
P.S The Southern expressway might be a convenient option based on your location of stay in Colombo.
Galle to Udawalawe
Traveling from Galle to Udawalawe is rather a convenient transition as you will ideally get to the park in around 2.5 hours by cab/taxi.
You will have to catch a Galle – Matara bus and then change busses from Matara to Embilipitiya and then once again hop a tuk-tuk or taxi to Udawalawe. A little hassle some but doable for a cheaper mode of transportation.
Ella to Udawalawe
Many tourists prefer traveling to Udawalawe after visiting Ella in the central lands. Cab/taxi and bus routes to Udawalawe from Ella are the same. If you travel from a cab/taxi it would take less than 2 hours to reach the park and it is a convenient option.
While the bus ride will take around 2.5 hours, you need to take two buses.
The first one from Ella to Wellawaya (Sometimes you can catch a bus which will go up to Thanamalwila) and the second one from Wellawaya to Udawalawe (By Monaragala to Colombo bus).
What is the best time to visit Udawalawe?
The ideal time to visit the park is during the dry seasons, that is between December and March and May to September. Animals are plenty roaming about during these seasons. Also, the travel to and inside the park may get muddy and might cause some sort of inconvenience and add displeasure to the Safari.
About the Udawalawe safari jeep tour
You can select from either a whole day Safari or a half-day Safari depending on your choice. If you are traveling with kids we suggest you book a half-day Safari which will probably to the kids justice in a shorter period of time saving you from the tiresome crankiness.
Times of the Safari vary throughout the day. Speak to your safari guide or even your residing hotel for more info they are most likely to have enough information for you to choose a convenient package. There are even safari tour companies around the town, which will probably be easier to book and get things sorted.
The safari jeeps usually fit 6 people but you can also get a bigger jeep to fit a maximum of 8 depending on the size of your group.
Most jeeps and packages are inclusive of a tour guide and a tracker so speak to the organizers specifically for a better experience.
How much does an Udawalawe safari cost?
The cost of an Udawalawe safari will be around 3,500 LKR per person for a half-day tour including the entrance fee to the park.
What animals can you see at Udawalawe national park?
Peacocks, hawks, Eagles, and pelicans are common birds to spot at the park although there are many more.
Keep a convenient eye for elephants, crocodiles, and deer which are plenty but you may come across many more species depending on the time of the safari you are booking. Sadly there are no tigers in Sri Lanka but you may spot a leopard if you are lucky.
Tips and heads-up when in a safari in Sri Lanka?
It is best to wear a comfortable dress code as you are heading for a bumpy safari ride inside the park!
Remember to not disturb the animals on safari.
Elephant can be a dangerous animal if disturbed, never provokes the attention of a single pacing elephant, as they can be the most violent compared to a herd. Of course, your tracker and tour guide is trained to protect you from any potential attacks but they need your support! So pay close attention to details.
Always remember a safari is fun, but you are also wildlife against humans!
Remember your hat and sunscreen if you are selecting an afternoon safari. You may not be authorized to carry a plastic water bottle into the park to avoid pollution. Overall you may be required to leave ANY plastic bags or bottles outside the park before entering so choose your stuff wisely.
1 or 2 nights in Udawalawe?
Other than the Udawalawe safari and camping there is not much to do in Udawalawe for 2 nights.
One night would be ideal in Udawalawe. You will be better off at the beach or mountainside for the other night.
Where should you stay to visit Udawalawe?
Udawalawe camping would be an ideal stay giving you a more typical vibe to your safari. There are many hotels in Udawalawe that offer camping sites that you can book. Accommodation is very easy to book whether your option to stay at a hotel/ campsite/ guest house or even a homestay.
Select your stay based on the duration of your travel in Udawalawe.
Below are a few of our recommendations.
Hotels
The Grand Udawalawe safari resort
One of the biggest eco-friendly luxury resorts in the region.
Campsites
Mahoora tented safari camp
Situated in close proximity to the national park, the campsite is ideal for eco-conscious travelers.
Big game Camp – Udawalawe
Another popular getaway camp situated at the eastern border of Udawalawe National park this camp allows guests to truly experience safari adventure in style and comfort.
Guesthouses
Kalu’s hideway
Nestles near the Udawalawe reservoir, Kalu’s Hideaway Hotel consist of 14 well-appointed spacious rooms with all amenities, excellent food, and friendly staff who awaits all nature loving people to experience the touch of luxury beyond expectation.
Where to eat in Udawalawe?
Even though Udawalawe does not have much variety of cuisines except Sri Lankan cuisines few are our top picked places to dine in when you are in Udawalawe.
Ice Burge Family restaurant – Asian, fast food, Sri Lankan, and Vegetarian Friendly
Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort Restaurant – Sri Lankan and Vegetarian friendly
Common Rose Restaurant – Asian, Sri Lankan, and Vegetarian Friendly
Restaurant Athgira – Asian, Sri Lankan, and Vegetarian Friendly
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