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Ji-Elle CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Udawalawe National Park

Park

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.

Udawalawe National Park KandySigiriyaNuwara EliyaGalleColomboAnuradhapuraUdawalawe National Park
In this guide

Udawalawe National Park essentials

Address: Udawalawe National Park, Uva Province, Sri Lanka (headquarters and gate locations vary)
Website: dwc.gov.lk
Hours: Safari blocks open at dawn and close at dusk; times and access vary by park management.
Admission: Park entry and vehicle fees vary; safari jeep hire charged per vehicle per half/ full day (book through licensed operators)
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About Udawalawe National Park

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.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Udawalawe National Park

May-September is generally recommended for clearer game-viewing conditions.

Dry Season (May-September)
May-Sep · 24-32°C (75-90°F)
Best for wildlife viewing as animals concentrate at water sources.
Wet Season (October-January)
Oct-Jan · 24-30°C (75-86°F)
Lush scenery and fewer tourists; some tracks may be softer after rain.

Weather & Climate near Udawalawe National Park

Climate

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.

Air Quality: AQI 62 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
FebruaryJanuaryJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
37°
Warmest Month
14°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Very Good 22° - 30° 26° 86 mm overcast 83% 2.0 m/s 2.0 very high 11.7h
February Very Good 22° - 31° 27° 90 mm partly cloudy 80% 2.3 m/s 2.3 extreme 11.8h
March Good 23° - 31° 30° 158 mm partly cloudy 79% 1.9 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.0h
April Acceptable 24° - 31° 32° 210 mm overcast 84% 1.6 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.2h
May Acceptable 25° - 31° 33° 136 mm overcast 87% 2.3 m/s 2.0 extreme 12.3h
June Good 25° - 31° 32° 42 mm overcast 87% 2.8 m/s 2.0 very high 12.4h
July Good 24° - 31° 32° 41 mm overcast 86% 2.2 m/s 2.0 very high 12.3h
August Good 24° - 31° 32° 40 mm overcast 86% 2.2 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.2h
September Good 24° - 31° 31° 73 mm overcast 86% 2.4 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.0h
October Acceptable 23° - 31° 27° 245 mm overcast 87% 1.5 m/s 2.0 extreme 11.9h
November Good 23° - 30° 26° 299 mm overcast 88% 1.6 m/s 1.8 very high 11.7h
December Good 22° - 30° 26° 183 mm overcast 86% 2.5 m/s 1.7 very high 11.6h
Getting There & Around

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.