About this experience
Kalawewa National Park sits quietly off the main safari circuit, and that seclusion is its greatest asset. Your private jeep moves through dry-zone scrub and open woodland where Tusker elephants — rare bulls carrying full ivory — travel without the disturbance of crowds. Kalawewa holds a notably high concentration of tuskers, and migratory herds also enter the park. Open-billed storks gather in large flocks here, while the landscape is lined with massive Kumbuk trees that define the terrain. Your driver doubles as your tracker: engine off, he reads footprints, broken branches and distant calls, turning each hour into something active rather than passive.
Lakpura reserves the entire jeep for your group, so one to six guests travel together at your own pace. Choose a three-hour or six-hour safari depending on how deep you want to go. On tickets, you have two options: select "Jeep with Tickets" and park entrance fees are covered, or select "Jeep with No Tickets" and purchase them at the gate yourself. Pickup and drop-off from any point within five kilometres of the park gate is included. For sharper commentary on the wildlife you encounter, add a guide as an optional extra on top of any jeep-and-tickets combination.
Frequently asked questions
What wildlife can I see in Kala Wewa National Park?
Kala Wewa is one of Sri Lanka's newest national parks, around the ancient Kala Wewa and Balalu Wewa reservoirs in the Anuradhapura District. It is known for its elephants, including tuskers, and you may also see spotted deer, crocodiles and many water birds. Very few visitors come here.
When is the best time to visit Kala Wewa National Park?
The drier months, roughly from May to September, usually give the best viewing, as animals gather around the reservoirs.
What time does the safari start, and how long is it?
Choose a 3 or 6-hour safari when you book. The 3-hour safari starts at 3.00 pm; we confirm the start time for the longer safari with you when you book.
What is included in the price?
A 4x4 safari jeep (up to six passengers), an experienced driver who is also your tracker, and free pickup and drop-off from anywhere within 5 km of the park gate. Park entrance tickets are included when you choose Tickets: Yes. Not included: hotel pickup and drop-off beyond 5 km of the park entrance gate, food and beverages, and gratuities.
Are the park entrance tickets included?
You choose when you book. With Tickets: Yes, the park entrance tickets are included in your booking. With Tickets: No, you book the jeep only and buy the entrance tickets yourself at the park gate, paid in cash.
Do children pay the park entrance fee?
Park entrance fees are set by the Department of Wildlife Conservation. Children under 6 years old enter the national park free of charge. Children aged 6 to 12 inclusive pay the child ticket rate, which is lower than the adult rate and is set separately for Sri Lankan, SAARC and other foreign visitors. Visitors aged 13 and over pay the adult rate for their category. The department revises its fees from time to time, and the rate in force on the day of your safari applies.
Can young children join the safari?
The minimum age for this safari is 5 years. There are no infant or child seats in the jeep, and children may not sit on an adult's lap, so every child takes a seat and counts towards the maximum of six passengers. Game drives are long and bumpy, so bring water and snacks for children.
Is the jeep private?
Yes. The jeep is reserved for your group alone, with up to six passengers, and you choose the number of guests (1 to 6) when you book. A group of more than six needs a second jeep.
Is hotel pickup included?
Pickup and drop-off are free from anywhere within 5 km of the park gate. They are not included if you are staying further away.
Do I get a guide?
Your driver is experienced and also acts as your tracker, spotting animals and finding the best viewing places. You can also add a guide when you book by choosing Guide: Yes.
Is the safari suitable for everyone?
It is not wheelchair or stroller accessible, and it is not recommended for people with heart conditions. Pets are not allowed.
What should I bring?
A hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellent, a light jacket for an early-morning drive, and a camera and binoculars. Wear comfortable, light clothing in neutral colours. Food and drinks are not included, so bring snacks if you want them.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancel at least 24 hours before the start of your safari for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start are not refunded.
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Kalawewa National Park on TripAdvisor
Rating, photos and reviews below are for this place on TripAdvisor — not for the experience itself.
5.0 / 5 · 3 reviews
#4 of 15 things to do in Kekirawa
Ratings, photos and reviews provided by TripAdvisor for Kalawewa National Park.
