The short answer
Udawalawe Reservoir and Dam: what visitors should know first
A pleasant, easy stop rather than a destination of its own. Drive across or stop by the dam for the open view, ideally early or late in the day, and combine it with the safari so you are not making a separate trip.
History and context
The story behind Udawalawe Reservoir and Dam
The Udawalawe Dam and Reservoir were completed in 1965 as part of the Walawe Ganga Scheme. The dam is an embankment dam with a gravity section, about 3.9 km long, and the reservoir stores 267 million cubic metres.
The Ceylon Electricity Board's Udawalawe Power Station was commissioned in April 1969, with three 2 MW turbines. The national park followed in 1972 to shelter the wildlife displaced by the reservoir.
Useful facts
Udawalawe Reservoir and Dam facts at a glance
- Location
- Walawe River at Udawalawe
- Experience type
- Reservoir and dam viewpoint
- Capacity
- About 267 million cubic metres
- Dam length
- About 3.9 km
- Completed
- 1965; power station in 1969
- Known for
- Irrigation and the park's water
Why it matters
Why Udawalawe Reservoir and Dam is worth your time
The reservoir explains Udawalawe. Without the dam, completed in 1965 as part of the Walawe Ganga Scheme according to Wikipedia, there would be no national park in its present form, because the park was set up to shelter animals displaced by the rising water.
It also matters to the people downstream. Wikipedia records that the reservoir holds 267 million cubic metres and is mainly for irrigation, and that a small power station beside it has produced electricity since April 1969. For visitors, it is the quiet landscape behind the safari: open water, hills and a lot of sky.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
The long dam wall
The embankment gives a wide view over the water and the hills beyond.
- 02
Spillway gates
The gates are an easy engineering sight to see from a distance.
- 03
Wildlife at the water
Birds and elephants use the shoreline, especially early and late in the day.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Treat the dam as part of a wider day. Many safari routes touch the reservoir edge, and the dam road offers a wide view over the water with hills behind. Stop where it is safe, avoid blocking traffic and keep to marked areas near the spillway gates.
The reservoir is about 8.6 km long and up to 7 km wide, according to Wikipedia, so the best way to take it in is simply to stand and look. Birds and elephants come to the water, so a pair of binoculars helps. In the dry season the shoreline is exposed and animals gather near it.
Do not climb over barriers or approach the gates. If you are curious about the engineering, ask your driver what the water is used for; irrigation of the lowlands downstream is the main purpose.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Visit early or late to avoid heat
- Stay clear of the spillway gates and barriers
- Carry binoculars if you have them
- Ask before photographing the power station
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Udawalawe, on the Walawe River beside Udawalawe National Park
- Time needed
- 30 to 60 minutes
- Best time
- Early morning or late afternoon, when it is cooler and light is softer
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- Viewing is level and can be done from the vehicle or from the road along the dam. There is little shade, so carry a hat and water, and avoid midday heat.
- Tickets and access
- We could not verify whether any ticket or access rule applies at the dam itself. Treat the spillway and power station as working installations, follow signs and ask locally before taking photographs.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Udawalawe Reservoir and Dam
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
Viewing is level and can be done from the vehicle or from the road along the dam. There is little shade, so carry a hat and water, and avoid midday heat.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Can I swim or boat on the reservoir?
We did not find verified boating or swimming arrangements, and crocodiles live in the park's waters. Do not swim.
When was the dam built?
Wikipedia records completion in 1965 as part of the Walawe Ganga Scheme.
Is it worth a separate trip?
Not on its own. Pair it with a safari or the transit home.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
