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Elephant mother and calf grazing in Udawalawe National Park

South Coast

Udawalawe

Elephants in the open

© Ganiarachchi · CC BY-SA 4.0

Overview

Open grassland around a large reservoir, known for frequent elephant sightings and an elephant rehabilitation centre nearby.

Udawalawe National Park is more open than Yala, which makes it easier to watch animals. Elephants are usually present all year, along with water buffalo, crocodiles, eagles and many other birds.

Nearby, the Elephant Transit Home cares for orphaned calves before releasing them back into the wild. Visitors watch the feeding from a viewing area without touching the animals.

Highlights

  • Jeep safari among elephant families
  • Feeding time at the Elephant Transit Home
  • A natural stop between the hill country and the south coast

Practical travel notes

  • Sightings cannot be guaranteed, though elephants are seen here very often.
  • We do not include elephant rides or attractions where animals perform. The transit home is a rehabilitation project with no direct contact.
  • Morning and afternoon safaris last about 3 hours.

Season

Can be visited all year. It is hot in the dry months; morning safaris are cooler.

Content reviewed 21 October 2026. Practical details change — we confirm them when planning your trip.

Sample itineraries that include Udawalawe

  • 14 days

    The grand tour in 14 days

    Time to go deeper: both ancient capitals, the hill country with Horton Plains, two national parks and several unhurried days on the south coast.

    Route: Anuradhapura → Sigiriya → Kandy → Nuwara Eliya & tea country → Ella → Udawalawe → Mirissa → Galle Fort

    Price: Quotation required

Nearby destinations

  • A Sri Lankan leopard walking through green undergrowth in YalaSouth Coast

    Yala

    Leopard country

    Sri Lanka's best-known national park, with dry forest, lagoons and rocky outcrops — and one of the world's best chances to see a wild leopard.

    1–2 nights

  • The Nine Arches Bridge near Ella, framed by lush jungleHill Country

    Ella

    Hikes, bridges and hill-country views

    A relaxed mountain village with short hikes, tea estates, waterfalls and the famous Nine Arches Bridge.

    2–3 nights

  • Giant lianas hanging between tall trees in the Sinharaja rainforestSouth Coast

    Sinharaja

    The last great rainforest

    A UNESCO-listed tropical rainforest full of endemic birds, giant trees and streams, explored on foot with a local naturalist.

    1–2 nights

  • Turquoise sea, rocks and a leaning palm on the coast at MirissaSouth Coast

    Mirissa

    Palm-lined beach and whale watching

    A crescent beach with relaxed restaurants, palm-topped rocks and boat trips to look for whales and dolphins.

    2–4 nights

All destinations