Udawalawe National Park Safari | From Colombo

Imagine a day filled with close encounters with majestic elephants, vibrant water birds, and other fascinating wildlife—all while enjoying the comfort of air-conditioned transport and the convenience of hotel pickup. This Udawalawe National Park safari from Colombo offers an accessible way to explore Sri Lanka’s iconic wildlife reserve, well-suited for travelers eager to see elephants in their natural habitat without the hassle of planning every detail.

One of the things we particularly appreciate is the door-to-door service, which means you start your adventure stress-free, and the included jeep safari promises some unforgettable wildlife moments. On the flip side, the cost of $132.50 per person might seem steep to some, especially once park entrance fees and additional expenses like food are added. Still, for those who value a guided, hassle-free experience with a focus on wildlife viewing, this tour hits the mark.

This tour is especially ideal for animal enthusiasts, families, or anyone looking for a day trip that combines comfort with authentic encounters. If you’re short on time but want to glimpse Sri Lanka’s famed elephants and birdlife, this trip will suit your needs.

Key Points

• Comfortable transportation: Air-conditioned vehicle with hotel pickup and drop-off from Colombo.
• Wildlife focus: Primarily centered on seeing elephants, birds, water buffalo, and reptiles in their natural habitat.
• All-in-one convenience: Includes park entry, jeep safari, bottled water, and professional English-speaking driver.
• Flexible cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, adding peace of mind.
• Limited meals included: Food and drinks are not covered, so plan to bring snacks or plan for stops.
• Timing and duration: An 11-hour day, perfect for a full but manageable adventure.

The Full Breakdown of the Experience

Starting Your Day: Early Pickup and Comfort

The tour kicks off at 9:00 am, with your chauffeur arriving promptly at your hotel in Colombo. This early start is a smart move, giving you plenty of time to make the roughly 165 km journey to Udawalawe — a drive that takes around two and a half hours, depending on traffic. The comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle ensures you arrive refreshed, with bottled water provided to keep you hydrated.

Some reviewers mention that their drivers were friendly and knowledgeable, offering insights into Sri Lanka’s wildlife and local culture along the way. This personal touch can greatly enhance the overall experience, making the long drive feel shorter and more engaging.

Arrival and Transition to Safari Mode

By around 1:30 pm, your group will arrive at Udawalawe. Here, you’ll switch gears from the vehicle to the open-air safari jeep, which is part of the tour package. The jeep safari is the core of the experience, offering close-up views of wildlife in their natural environment.

Before heading into the park, some travelers mention the importance of bringing sunscreen, hats, and binoculars—items that can make wildlife sightings much more enjoyable. The jeep is typically open-sided, allowing unobstructed views, and is designed to handle the rougher terrain of the park.

Exploring Udawalawe National Park

The park itself covers a sprawling 30,821 hectares, established primarily to protect displaced animals following the construction of the Udawalawe Reservoir in the early 1970s. Its significance goes beyond just elephants: it’s a haven for water birds, with many species that birders will appreciate, plus water buffalo, monitos, and sometimes elusive leopards.

We loved the way guides and drivers seemed experienced at spotting wildlife. Multiple reviewers note that guides are knowledgeable, with some mentioning specific sightings like herds of elephants bathing or playful calves. One visitor even said, “We saw a herd of elephants crossing a water body, with young calves splashing around — it was magical.”

The Wildlife Encounters

The star of this safari is, of course, the Sri Lankan elephants. Expect to see large herds gathering to feed, bathe, or simply relax in the shade. Some reviews mention that seeing elephants in the wild is more relaxed and less crowded than in some other parks, giving you space to appreciate these gentle giants.

Along With elephants, the park is home to Water Buffalo, Water Monitors, Sambar Deer, and various monkey species. The occasional leopard or crocodile might make a brief appearance, but sightings are less predictable. Bird enthusiasts will find plenty to watch, especially waterfowl and raptors, making this a rewarding spot for those with binoculars and patience.

Additional Details from Reviews

One reviewer highlighted that the safari was well-paced, allowing enough time for photos and viewing without feeling rushed. They appreciated the small group size, which made the experience more intimate and easier to get good perspective.

Another interesting point: some travelers mention that the park’s landscape is quite varied, offering both open grasslands and dense thickets, which adds to the diversity of wildlife sightings.

Practical Tips & Considerations

Since food and drinks are not included, it’s wise to bring snacks or plan a quick stop after the safari to grab a meal. The tour provides 1 liter of bottled water per person, but additional hydration might be needed, especially on hot days.

The park entrance fees are not included, so budget accordingly. Also, travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level, as getting in and out of the jeep and spending time walking or standing can be physically demanding.

Returning to Colombo

The tour concludes with a relaxed drive back to your hotel, typically arriving around 8:00 pm, making it a full but rewarding 11-hour day. The convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off minimizes stress, especially after a busy day of wildlife viewing.

Who This Tour Is Perfect For

This safari from Colombo is best suited for those eager to see Sri Lanka’s famous elephants in the wild, wildlife enthusiasts, and families wanting an accessible, all-in-one wildlife adventure. It’s also ideal for travelers with a moderate fitness level who enjoy guided experiences with minimal planning. If your goal is to avoid hassle but still want quality wildlife sightings, this tour offers good value.

However, if you’re particularly keen on bird-watching or leopard sightings, you might need to supplement this trip with additional excursions or visit other parks.

Final Thoughts

This Udawalawe safari combines comfort, convenience, and wildlife encounters into a well-rounded day trip. The inclusion of hotel pickup, an air-conditioned vehicle, and a guided jeep safari makes it a practical choice for visitors short on time but eager to experience Sri Lanka’s natural beauty.

While the price might seem high once park entry fees and meals are considered, the value lies in avoiding logistical headaches and having a knowledgeable guide to maximize your wildlife viewing chances. The chance to see elephants in their natural habitat, along with a variety of bird and animal species, makes this a memorable outing.

This experience offers a balanced mix of adventure, comfort, and authentic wildlife viewing, making it a solid choice for travelers wanting to make the most of their time in Sri Lanka’s wilderness.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Colombo, air-conditioned transportation, an English-speaking chauffeur, 1 liter of bottled water per person, and one jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park.

Are park entrance fees included?
No, the entrance fees for Udawalawe National Park are not included in the price. You should budget extra for this part of the experience.

What should I bring on the safari?
It’s advisable to bring sunscreen, hats, binoculars, and possibly a camera with a zoom lens. Since food and drinks are not included, snacks and additional water may be helpful.

How long does the whole trip last?
The entire experience is approximately 11 hours, from pickup in Colombo to return after the safari.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is suitable for families, but travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level and be prepared for a long day.

What is the best time of year for this tour?
While not specified, good weather conditions are necessary for the experience. It’s best to avoid days with poor weather, as the tour can be canceled or rescheduled.

How many people typically join the tour?
This is a private tour activity, so only your group will participate, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance, with a full refund.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, the experience requires good weather; cancellations due to bad weather will be offered a different date or full refund.

What if I want to extend my wildlife viewing beyond elephants?
For more diverse wildlife opportunities, consider combining this tour with other excursions or visiting additional parks.

This Udawalawe safari from Colombo is a practical, wildlife-packed day trip perfect for anyone wanting an authentic encounter with Sri Lanka’s iconic elephants and birdlife, all while enjoying the convenience of guided transport and a small-group experience.