Udawalawe National Park | AmazingLanka.com

RATE THIS LOCATION : 1 Star

(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

Size	30,821 hectares
Main attractions	Large herds of Elephants, spotted Deer, Sambar, Barking deer and Langur, Wild Bow, Crocodiles, Water Buffalo, Peacocks and many migratory birds.

Udawalawe National Park, spanning the Sabaragamuwa and Uva Provinces (Ratnapura and Monaragala Districts), is one of Sri Lanka’s most popular wildlife destinations. Encompassing the Udawalawe Reservoir and its catchment area, the park provides a critical habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, especially elephants. The landscape ranges in altitude from around 100 meters (330 ft) on the plains to 373 meters (1,225 ft) at Ulgala, the park’s highest point. The park is bordered by extensive cultivated land, making it a vital ecological buffer zone.

Landscape and Wildlife

Udawalawe lies in the Dry Zone and is characterized by open grasslands interspersed with thorny scrub forests, ideal terrain for large herbivores like elephants. The best times for wildlife viewing—especially elephants—are early morning and late afternoon. The park gates open at 6:00 a.m., and it is highly recommended to arrive by that time for optimal sightings.

Udawalawe is one of the few places in the world where elephant sightings are almost guaranteed on every visit. On some days, especially during dry spells, you might even witness herds of over 100 elephants. Other animals like deer, water buffalo, wild boar, and a variety of bird species also thrive in this dry and open habitat.

Safari and Accommodation

Jeep safaris are the most common way to explore the park. Jeeps can be hired at the park entrance, with half-day rates around Rs. 7,500 and full-day safaris approximately Rs. 15,000. During the dry season, vans can also traverse most of the park’s tracks, but in the rainy season, a 4WD jeep is essential. For a more tranquil experience, weekday visits are advised, as weekends can be crowded with visitors and vehicles.

Within the park, the Department of Wildlife Conservation operates four circuit bungalows located at Thimbirigasmankada, Veheragolla, Sinuggala, and Gonaviddagala. Each bungalow can accommodate up to 10 guests and is strategically situated near water sources to maximize chances of spotting elephants and other wildlife. For those seeking an immersive experience, there are two campsites available at Pansadhara and Aliwadiya.

Getting There

Udawalawe National Park is located approximately 180 kilometers from Colombo and is accessible via multiple routes. Travelers can reach the town of Ratnapura either through the High-Level Road or the Panadura–Horana Road. From Ratnapura, the journey continues to Palmadulla and then along the road to Embilipitiya. After traveling around 43 kilometers on this route, turn left at the Thimbolkatiya Junction toward Thanamalwila. The park entrance is located about 7 kilometers from this junction.

The second option is to use the Southern Highway. This route is longer but much faster.

Udawalawe National Park Entrance Fees/Ticket Prices

Description / Category	Price
Local – Adults	LKR 150
Local – Children (6-12 years)	LKR 100
Local – Student	LKR 20
Local – Children (below 6 years)	FOC
Local – Group Fee (per vehicle)	LKR 400
Foreign – Adults	USD 25
Foreign – Children (6-12 years)	USD 15
Foreign SAARC Countries – Adults	USD 20
Foreign SAARC Countries – Children (6-12 years)	USD 10
Foreign – Children (below 6 years)	FOC
Foreign – Group Fee (per vehicle)	USD 10
Taxes on total cost	18%
Entrance Fee per vehicle	LKR 300

Ticket Price Schedule for 2025

For example, 2 foreigners with 1 child between 6-12 will have the cost of

Description	Cost
2 adults	USD 50.00
1 child	USD 15.00
Group Fee	USD 10.00
Total	USD 75.00
Tax (18%)	USD 13.50
Total	USD 88.50

The above calculation applies only to individual entry tickets as gazetted in 2022 and remain valid for 2025. The vehicle entry ticket, as listed separately, must be purchased in addition to the personal tickets.

Foreign visitors may make payments in USD or the equivalent amount in LKR. For the most up-to-date ticket prices, the Government Information Centre can be contacted on 1919. If a private safari jeep is hired for a land safari, rates generally range from LKR 7,500 to LKR 10,000 for a half-day excursion of about four hours, depending on the national park. A full-day safari is typically charged at twice the half-day rate.

Visiting Hours

All national parks in Sri Lanka operate daily throughout the year, remaining open from 6.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. Entry ticket counters open at 6.00 a.m. and close at 4.00 p.m., and all vehicles are required to exit the parks strictly by 6.00 p.m.

Also See

Map of Udawalawe National Park and Other Places of Interest

Click on the button below to load the Dynamic Google Map

Show Location on Google Maps

The map above also shows other places of interest within a approximately 20 km radius of the current site. Click on any of the markers and the info box to take you to information of these sites

Zoom out the map to see more surrounding locations using the mouse scroll wheel or map controls.

Travel Directions to Udawalawe National Park

Route 1 from Colombo to Udawalawe National Park	Route 2 from Colombo to Udawalawe National Park
Though: Ratnapura – Pelmadulla – Madampe Distance: 165 km Travel time: 4.15 hours. Driving directions: see on google map	Though: Southern Highway – Sooriyawewa Distance: 237 km Travel time: 3.5 hours. Driving directions: see on google map