Udawalawe National Park
Park National park famous for wild Asian elephants
Udawalawe centers on elephant populations and open grassland-woodland mosaics around the reservoir. Visitors take jeep safaris for elephant sightings, birding and to visit nearby elephant transit and conservation projects.
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Udawalawe National Park is a protected area in southern Sri Lanka created to conserve wildlife around the Udawalawe Reservoir and surrounding grasslands. It is particularly associated with large numbers of Asian elephants.
The park was established to protect the catchment area associated with a major reservoir and to conserve the wildlife that uses the adjacent habitats; it has since been managed as a national reserve with visitor facilities and regulated safari access.
The park lies in southern Sri Lanka’s interior lowlands near the reservoir that shares its name, surrounded by agricultural and scrub landscapes.
- Elephant viewing: Widely visited for reliable sightings of free-ranging Asian elephants and for short safari drives suited to day trips from regional towns.
How to Get to Udawalawe National Park #
Udawalawe is about 160-180 km southeast of Colombo and roughly 50 km south of Kandy by road. Regular tourist shuttles and private transfers operate from Colombo, Galle and Kandy; the park’s main entrance is near the town of Udawalawe.
Tips for Visiting Udawalawe National Park #
- Book licensed jeep safaris through registered operators rather than independent drivers to avoid overcrowded vehicles and to ensure correct park etiquette.
- Early-morning safaris increase chances of elephant sightings and cooler conditions for wildlife photography.
- Combine a visit with a trip to the nearby Elephant Transit Home or local tea plantations to see different aspects of Sri Lanka's wildlife and rural economy.
Best Time to Visit Udawalawe National Park #
May-September is generally recommended for clearer game-viewing conditions.
Weather & Climate near Udawalawe National Park #
Udawalawe National Park's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1603 mm/year), wettest in November.
January
January is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 22°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (158 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (210 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is the hottest month, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (136 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Moderate rainfall (42 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Moderate rainfall (40 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Moderate rainfall (73 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Heavy rain (245 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (299 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (183 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
