Udawalawe
Step into wide-open grassland where wild Asian elephants gather around a shimmering reservoir year-round — one of the most reliable places on Earth to watch them roam free.
Book This Tour →Sri Lanka’s most dependable elephant safari, in any season.
Udawalawe National Park straddles the border of the Sabaragamuwa and Uva Provinces, where open grassland and scattered scrub surround the vast Udawalawe Reservoir. Unlike the seasonal gatherings further north, Udawalawe’s elephants are permanent residents drawn to the water all year — making this one of the most consistent places in Asia to watch wild herds graze, bathe, and raise their young out in the open.
“Wide plains, a mirror of water, and elephants wherever you look.” Sabaragamuwa–Uva Border, Sri Lanka
Getting There
Open Plains & Golden Light
For wildlife photographers, Udawalawe’s stark, open terrain is a dream — nothing blocks the shot.
Because the park is mostly open grassland rather than dense jungle, early morning and late-afternoon light rakes across the plains uninterrupted, giving crisp, wide-angle shots of elephants silhouetted against the reservoir.
Watch mothers guiding calves to the water’s edge, bulls sparring near the tree line, and entire family groups bathing together — Udawalawe’s open sightlines make these moments easy to frame.
A Living Case Study in Elephant Ecology
If you are passionate about animal behavior or conservation, Udawalawe offers one of Asia’s best field classrooms.
Unlike the seasonal “gatherings” further north, Udawalawe’s elephants stay put year-round, drawn permanently by the reservoir — offering a rare chance to study stable, settled herd structures.
Established in 1995, the nearby Ath Athuru Sevana rehabilitation centre has returned dozens of orphaned calves to the wild, offering an up-close look at elephant conservation in action.
Activities & Nearby Attractions
Half-day or full-day game drives are the only way into the park, with morning and late-afternoon departures offering the coolest temperatures and most active wildlife.
A short drive from the park gate, watch orphaned calves being bottle-fed at this respected rehabilitation centre — no touching or riding, just an ethical, hands-off encounter.
The reservoir shoreline hosts over 180 recorded species, from painted storks and pelicans to circling serpent eagles and hornbills.
Two moments to remember
Watching entire family groups wade into the reservoir to drink and bathe together is Udawalawe’s signature scene.
With so little tree cover, sunrise and sunset safaris deliver postcard silhouettes of elephants against a wide horizon.
Things you’ll do
Ride out by open 4×4 to find family groups, solitary bulls, and — if you’re lucky — the park’s elusive leopards.
Observe rescued calves being fed and learn how Sri Lanka rehabilitates and releases orphaned elephants back into the wild.
Look for water buffalo, crocodiles, and dense flocks of wetland birds gathered where the grassland meets the water.
When to Visit
Best times to visit, weather & wildlife.
Year-Round Elephants
Unlike seasonal parks, Udawalawe’s elephants are permanent residents, so sightings are close to guaranteed in any month.
Dry Season Peak
May–September and December–March bring lower water levels and thinner grass, concentrating herds near the reservoir for the clearest viewing.
Safari Timing
The park opens at 6 AM and closes at 6 PM. Early morning and late afternoon offer the coolest temperatures and the most active animals.
Three reasons Udawalawe stands apart.
The Elephant Guarantee
With several hundred elephants resident year-round, Udawalawe offers some of the most consistent wild elephant sightings anywhere in Asia.
An Ethical Elephant Encounter
The nearby Elephant Transit Home rehabilitates orphaned calves for release with no riding, chaining, or physical contact — conservation you can watch in action.
A Landscape Like No Other
Open grassland framed by distant hills gives Udawalawe a wide, savannah-like feel that’s unlike anywhere else in Sri Lanka.
“For the best light and the calmest herds, come at first light — before the jeeps arrive.”
With Fly By Travels, your safety and comfort are our priority. Our climate-controlled fleet gets you to the park gates in comfort, and our expert drivers know exactly where the herds gather at first light — positioning you for the best photography while keeping a respectful distance.
