Udawalawe itinerary

Plan 01

1 day in Udawalawe

1. 01

   Day 1: Safari and calves

   Take an early jeep drive in Udawalawe National Park, return for breakfast and rest through the heat, then visit the Elephant Transit Home if it is open. Finish with a look at the reservoir and dam in the late afternoon.

   Stop	Time needed	Walking	Best time
   Udawalawe National Park	About 3 to 4 hours for a standard jeep drive	Easy	Early morning or late afternoon; the drier months of February and June to September are usually easier on the roads

   Pace: All the stops today are easy on the legs.

Plan 02

2 days in Udawalawe

1. 01

   Day 1: Arrive and settle

   Arrive by road, check in, rest and walk or drive to the reservoir and dam in the late afternoon. Book the safari for the next morning.

2. 02

   Day 2: Morning safari

   Take an early jeep safari, rest at midday, then visit the Elephant Transit Home before you leave for Ella or the south coast.

Plan 03

3 days in Udawalawe

1. 01

   Day 1: Arrive and rest

   Arrive by road, rest through the heat and visit the dam in the evening.

2. 02

   Day 2: Safari and the transit home

   Do a morning safari, rest, and visit the Elephant Transit Home in the afternoon.

3. 03

   Day 3: Optional safari park

   Add Ridiyagama Safari Park as a day trip if you want, or take a second safari at the other time of day, or travel on.

   Stop	Time needed	Walking	Best time
   Ridiyagama Safari Park	2 to 3 hours plus the drive	Easy	Morning, in drier weather; confirm opening days first

   Pace: All the stops today are easy on the legs.

Read before you go

Guides for the stops on these routes

Pacing

Pacing a Udawalawe trip for parents and children

• Ask for a jeep with a padded seat and back support; tracks are bumpy.
• Go early or late; the dry zone is hot and shade is limited.
• 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.
• Keep expectations realistic: elephants are likely, other animals are not guaranteed.

Udawalawe with elderly parents: the full guide →