Key hubs
Udawalawe airport and railway station
- Airport
- No airport at Udawalawe. Most visitors fly into Colombo Bandaranaike (CMB) and continue by road, about 165 km; Mattala (HRI) has few scheduled flights
- Railway station
- No railway station at Udawalawe and no useful train service to the town; reach it by road
- Getting around
- Hired car with driver or hotel-arranged jeep; the town is small and spread out
How to reach Udawalawe by air
Udawalawe has no airport. Most visitors fly into Colombo Bandaranaike (CMB) and continue by road, about 165 km. Mattala (HRI) is nearer in the south but, per Wikipedia, has only seasonal charter flights and no scheduled India services. Check current direct flights from Indian cities with the airlines.
How to reach Udawalawe by train
There is no railway station at Udawalawe and we found no useful train service to the town. Rail travellers usually reach a main line station such as Ella or Colombo Fort and continue by road. Check Sri Lanka Railways for current services.
How to reach Udawalawe by road
Udawalawe is reached by road, about 165 km from Colombo, and sits between the hill country and the south coast. Journey times vary with traffic and weather, so allow generous time and break long drives.
Getting around Udawalawe
Local transport is mainly a hired car with driver or a hotel-arranged jeep; the town is spread out and not made for walking in the heat. Agree prices in advance and ask your hotel to book the safari driver.
For parents and senior travellers
Easy transfers to and in Udawalawe
- Carry insurance covering treatment and evacuation, and confirm the nearest hospital with your hotel.
- Pack regular medicines, a printed prescription and enough water for the whole drive.
- Wear a hat and light cotton, and carry a scarf against dust.
- Ask the airline or railway for wheelchair or porter assistance when you book, not on the day.
- Pre-book the pickup from the airport or station, so nobody has to negotiate with drivers after a long journey.
- Choose arrivals in daylight where you can, and keep the first afternoon free to rest.