The surest place on Earth to watch wild elephants
If seeing wild elephants is on your list, Udawalawe all but guarantees it. Around 500 elephants roam this open savannah-like park beside its great reservoir, and unlike anywhere else, sightings are near-certain on every drive lone bulls at the water’s edge, breeding herds with tottering calves crossing the track ahead. The open grassland makes for wonderful photography, buffalo and crocodiles line the water, and eagles patrol overhead. Next door, the Elephant Transit Home rehabilitates orphaned calves for release back to the wild.
The Elephant Transit Home feeding times (10.30am, 2.30pm) are worth planning your safari around.
~500 wild elephants with near-guaranteed sightings
Waterbirds, buffalo, and crocodiles at the shoreline
Orphaned calves raised for return to the wild
Unobstructed views and superb photography
Serpent eagles, hornbills, and peacocks everywhere
Golden light across the savannah
Udawalawe lies in the Ratnapura District, in Sri Lanka's Wildlife & Nature region.
Tell us your dates and we'll build Udawalawe into a journey shaped around you.
