Udawalawe National Park

Sri Lanka's Elephant Capital

If Yala is famous for leopards, Udawalawe is famous for elephants — and the sheer number and accessibility of them here is extraordinary. With an estimated 500–700 wild elephants living year-round in its 308 square kilometres, Udawalawe offers the highest probability of elephant sightings of any park in Sri Lanka.

1. The Elephants of Udawalawe

You will see them throughout the park — grazing in open grasslands, drinking at the reservoir, crossing the jeep tracks, and bathing in the river. The open terrain means you can observe herds for long periods without vegetation blocking the view. Baby elephants are almost always visible, stumbling after their mothers.

2. The Elephant Transit Home (ETH)

Adjacent to the park, this facility rescues orphaned elephant calves and raises them until ready to be released back into the wild. The public milk feeding sessions — when baby elephants come running for enormous vats of milk formula — are held four times daily (approximately 9 AM, 12 PM, 3 PM, and 6 PM). One of the most heartwarming wildlife experiences in Sri Lanka.

3. More Wildlife

• Wild Water Buffalo: Large herds wallowing in the reservoir shallows.
• Leopard: Less frequently seen than in Yala, but the park has a healthy population.
• Mugger Crocodile: Regularly basking on reservoir banks.
• Birdlife: Over 180 species including the Sri Lanka Junglefowl (national bird) and large flocks of Lesser Whistling Duck.

4. The Udawalawe Reservoir

A large man-made lake providing a permanent water source year-round, drawing animals from across the region. Driving along the reservoir bund at sunrise or sunset — elephants silhouetted against the glowing reflection — is one of the most scenic safari experiences in Sri Lanka.

5. Udawalawe vs Yala: Which to Choose?

• Choose Udawalawe if: Elephants are your priority, you have limited time, you want guaranteed sightings, or you're with children.
• Choose Yala if: Seeing a leopard is your goal, or you want more diverse wildlife.
• Best option: Do both — they are just 2 hours apart!

Practical Travel Tips

• Open Year-Round: Unlike Yala, Udawalawe has no seasonal closure — reliable any time you visit.
• Location: About 4 hours from Colombo, or 2 hours from Galle.
• Safari Times: Morning (6–10 AM) is best for large mammals; afternoon (3–6 PM) for golden light photography.