UdaWalawe National Park Ultimate Day Tour
Udawalawe is absolutely worth visiting. It is one of the best and most reliable national parks in Sri Lanka for seeing wild elephants in their natural habitat. If you want an almost guaranteed elephant sighting and a classic safari experience without the crowds of Yala, Udawalawe is an excellent choice.
Why Udawalawe is Worth Visiting: The Highlights
- Unparalleled Elephant Sightings: This is the main event. Udawalawe National Park has a very healthy and visible population of over 500 elephants. The park’s landscape of open grasslands and scrub jungle around the Udawalawe Reservoir makes spotting them easier than in denser forests. It is very common to see large herds, including adorable calves, which is a huge highlight.
- A More Focused & Less Crowded Experience: Unlike Yala National Park (particularly Block 1), which is famous for leopards but can get very crowded with jeeps, Udawalawe has a different vibe. The focus is squarely on elephants and other general wildlife, which results in a less frantic and more relaxed safari experience.
- The Udawalawe Reservoir: The large reservoir at the heart of the park is a beautiful centerpiece. It attracts thousands of birds and provides a stunning backdrop for wildlife photography, especially at sunset.
- Excellent for Birdwatching: The park is a fantastic destination for bird enthusiasts. You can spot birds of prey like the White-Bellied Sea Eagle, Crested Hawk-Eagle, and a variety of waterbirds wading in the reservoir’s edges.
- Visit the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home: Right next to the park entrance is this incredible conservation project. Run by the Born Free Foundation, it cares for orphaned elephant calves before releasing them back into the wild. You can watch the chaotic and heartwarming daily feedings (usually at 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM, and 6:00 PM). It’s a great addition to your safari and supports a wonderful cause.
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Product: UdaWalawe National Park Ultimate Day Tour
Tagline: Witness the Giants of Sri Lanka in a Single Day!
Tour Code: UWD-01
Quick Overview
- Duration: Full Day (Approx. 12 hours)
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Any hotel in Colombo, Bentota, Kalutara, Wadduwa, or Beruwala.
- Highlight: An unforgettable 3-4 hour Jeep Safari in Uda Walawe National Park.
- Key Attraction: Guaranteed elephant sightings and rich birdlife.
- Inclusions: Private Transport, Expert Safari Jeep & Driver, Park Entry Fees, Lunch, and Refreshments.
Detailed Itinerary
05:00 AM – 06:00 AM: Hotel Pick-up
Your adventure begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel by our friendly, English-speaking chauffeur in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. The early start ensures we beat the traffic and the midday heat at the park.
06:00 AM – 09:00 AM: Scenic Journey to Uda Walawe
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful Sri Lankan countryside as we drive towards the south-central plains. We’ll make a short comfort stop along the way for you to grab a coffee or tea.
09:00 AM: Arrival at Uda Walawe & Jeep Transfer
Upon arrival at the park entrance, you will switch from your comfortable vehicle to a rugged, open-top 4×4 Jeep, perfect for wildlife viewing. Your expert safari driver/guide will be your spotter for the day.
09:30 AM – 01:00 PM: Thrilling Jeep Safari Adventure
Embark on an exhilarating 3-4 hour safari through the heart of Uda Walawe National Park. This park is famous for its large herds of Sri Lankan Elephants, and you are very likely to see them bathing, feeding, and socializing. Keep your camera ready for:
- Elephants: Herds of adults and adorable calves.
- Birdlife: Eagles, Kingfishers, Bee-eaters, and the majestic Peacock.
- Other Wildlife: Water Buffalo, Spotted Deer, Mongooses, Monitor Lizards, and with luck, Jackals or Crocodiles.
01:00 PM – 02:00 PM: Authentic Sri Lankan Lunch
After the safari, we’ll take you to a selected local restaurant for a delicious and hearty Sri Lankan buffet lunch. (Vegetarian and other dietary options available upon request).
02:00 PM – 03:00 PM: Visit the Uda Walawe Elephant Transit Home
A truly heartwarming experience! Visit this conservation project run by the Born Free Foundation, where orphaned elephant calves are cared for and prepared for release back into the wild. Watch the adorable feeding session (feeding times are typically at 9:00 am, 12:00 pm, 3:00 pm, and 6:00 pm; we will aim for the 3:00 pm session).
03:00 PM: Begin the Return Journey
Bid farewell to the giants of Uda Walawe and begin your comfortable journey back to your hotel.
05:00 PM – 06:00 PM: Hotel Drop-off
You will be dropped off at your hotel, filled with incredible memories and photos of your day with Sri Lanka’s wildlife.
What’s Included & Excluded
| Included | Not Included |
|---|---|
| ✅ Hotel Pick-up & Drop-off | ❌ Personal Expenses |
| ✅ Transport in Private A/C Vehicle | ❌ Tips & Gratuities (for driver & guide) |
| ✅ Service of an English-Speaking Chauffeur | ❌ Any items not mentioned above |
| ✅ 3-4 Hour Jeep Safari in a Private 4×4 Jeep | |
| ✅ All National Park Entry Fees & Taxes | |
| ✅ Government Tax & Service Charge | |
Pricing & Options
- Private Tour (Recommended):
- 1-2 Persons: $XXX
- 3-4 Persons: $XXX
- Price per person, all-inclusive.
- Group Tour (Shared Jeep):
- Per Person: $XXX (Joining a small group for the safari portion).
(You will need to calculate your specific costs to fill in the $XXX)
Optional Add-ons:
- Professional Photographer Guide: Add $50 for a guide who is also a skilled wildlife photographer.
- Picnic Breakfast: Instead of a roadside stop, enjoy a packed breakfast by the park’s edge.
- Extended Safari (5-6 hours): For the serious wildlife enthusiast.
Why Book This Tour With Us?
- Guaranteed Elephant Sightings: Uda Walawe offers the highest probability of elephant sightings in Sri Lanka.
- Early Bird Advantage: We start early to see animals at their most active and avoid the crowds.
- All-Inclusive Convenience: No hidden costs; park fees, transport, and lunch are all taken care of.
- Expert Local Guides: Our drivers and jeep guides are experienced and know the best spots for wildlife.
- Ethical & Responsible: We support the Elephant Transit Home and promote responsible wildlife viewing.
Essential Booking Information
- What to Bring: Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, binoculars, light jacket (for the morning ride).
- Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation up to 24/48 hours before the tour.
- Child Policy: Children under 5 are free. Special rates for children 5-12.
- Booking Lead Time: We recommend booking at least 2-3 days in advance to secure park entry permits.