Skip the queue with a pre-booked ticket and 3-hour private jeep safari through Udawalawe's grasslands, where elephants gather by the reservoir.
!Tickets are now available only as part of a guided experience and can no longer be purchased separately.
About this experience
Udawalawe National Park is one of Sri Lanka's most reliable places to see wild elephants in the open. This 3-hour safari puts you in a 4x4 jeep with a maximum of six passengers, accompanied by an experienced driver who doubles as your tracker, covering the park's grasslands, scrub, and the Udawalawe Reservoir where herds gather to drink throughout the day. Expect sightings of elephants, crocodiles, spotted deer, water buffalo, and birdlife including peafowl, with leopards present but less predictable.
Your entrance ticket is arranged in advance, so you skip the queue at the gate. Free pickup and drop-off is included from any location within 5km of the park entrance, and a bottle of water is provided per person. Entrance fees for jeep-only bookings are paid separately in cash at the gate. Children under 6 go free and children aged 6 to 12 pay the child rate; food, drinks, and gratuities are not included.
Forecast: MET Norway (CC BY 4.0), updated 04:51 Sri Lanka time. Averages 1991–2020: CHIRPS and NASA POWER.
Your service advisor
Mewan Manager
Have questions about this service or want it arranged around your dates? Reach Mewan directly — replies usually within a few hours during Sri Lanka business hours.
4x4 Safari Jeep (Maximum of 6 Passengers per jeep)
Experienced Driver (Also your tracker)
Free Pickup/Drop off from/to any location within the radius of 5 KM from the Park Gate
Not included
Hotel pickup and drop-off if outside of 5km of park entrance gate
Food and drinks.
Gratuities.
Entrance fees for Jeep-only bookings (entrance fees to be paid in cash)
Please note
Infants must sit on laps
Public transportation nearby
Infant seats unavailable
Not recommended for people with back problems
Not recommended for people with heart conditions
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not suitable for pets
Not stroller accessible
Not wheelchair accessible
Viator/TripAdvisor voucher needs to be exchanged at starting point with our staff.
A Viator/TripAdvisor booking confirmation sent at the time of confirmation is not the official ticket.
Our service manager will exchange the park entrance ticket with you at the park entrance gate.
Entrance Gates of Udawalawe National Park
Cancellation policy
More than 24 hours notice: full refund
Less than 24 hours notice: no refund
To cancel, reply to your booking confirmation email or message us on WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
What does the safari include?
A three-hour safari in a 4x4 jeep with up to six passengers, an experienced driver who is also your tracker, free pickup and drop-off from anywhere within 5 km of the park entrance, and a bottle of water per person.
What wildlife can I expect to see?
Udawalawe is one of Sri Lanka's most reliable places to see wild elephants in the open. You may also see crocodiles, spotted deer, water buffalo and birds such as peafowl. Leopards live in the park but are seen less often, and no sighting is guaranteed.
When is the best time of day to visit?
Early morning and late afternoon, when animals are most active, it is cooler and the light over the reservoir is good for photographs.
Are entrance fees the same for all visitors?
No. Fees are set by the Department of Wildlife Conservation and vary by nationality and age. Citizens of SAARC countries get a reduced rate on showing a valid passport.
Can I buy the Udawalawe National Park entrance ticket on its own?
No. Tickets are now available only as part of a guided experience and can no longer be purchased separately. Choose the guided option (Guide: Yes) when you book, and your entrance ticket comes with the guide.
What is the child policy?
Guests over 12 pay the adult rate, children aged 6 to 12 pay the child rate, and children under 6 go free and need no ticket. When you book, choose Adult or Child under Ticket.
Rating, photos and reviews below are for this place on TripAdvisor — not for the experience itself.
4.6 / 5 · 3,838 reviews
#3 of 15 things to do in Udawalawe National Park
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Memorable experience
Udawalawe National Park, Sri Lanka 🐘🇱🇰 An absolutely unforgettable experience! Seeing elephants roaming freely in their natural habitat was such a special moment and definitely a highlight of our trip to Sri Lanka. Ther…
