Udawalawe National Park Safari from Hikkaduwa: Day Trip to See Sri Lankan Elephants
Drive inland from Hikkaduwa for an eight-hour day trip that places you on a three-hour jeep safari through Udawalawe National Park. Expect close views of Sri Lankan elephants, water birds, and scrubland wildlife with practical tips for timing, gear, and etiquette.
The Experience
Before You Go
Start early or late
Wildlife is most active in the cooler morning and late afternoon—opt for those windows for better sightings and softer light for photography.
Bring binoculars and telephoto
Jeep distances vary; a 200–400mm equivalent lens or quality binoculars will dramatically improve viewing.
Protect against sun and dust
Lightweight long sleeves, a wide-brim hat, and sunglasses help on exposed plains; a bandana or buff keeps dust out on open tracks.
Follow park rules
Stay inside the vehicle, keep voices low, and never feed wildlife—guides enforce rules to protect both animals and visitors.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Elephant Transit Home near the park—observe rehabilitated juveniles without disturbing them
- •Reservoir western banks at sunset for wide reflections and quiet birdwatching
Wildlife
- •Sri Lankan elephant
- •Mugger crocodile
Conservation Note
Support local conservation by keeping distance, not feeding animals, and considering visits to the Elephant Transit Home to learn about rehabilitation efforts.
Udawalawe was established in 1972 to protect the reservoir catchment and provide a sanctuary for elephants displaced by dam construction.
What to Bring
Binoculars (8x–10x)Essential
Brings distant animals and birds into clear view from the jeep.
Lightweight long-sleeve shirt and trousersEssential
Protects skin from sun and insects while keeping you cooler in the heat.
Wide-brim hat and sunglassesEssential
Shields against strong tropical sun during open-plain driving.
Camera with telephoto lens or smartphone with zoom
Captures close-up wildlife behavior—use a higher focal length for better photos from the jeep.
Common Questions
How long is the safari inside Udawalawe National Park?
The included jeep safari is about three hours inside the park—enough time to visit marshes, grasslands and key waterholes where wildlife concentrates.
Will I definitely see elephants?
Udawalawe is known for its resident elephants and sightings are common, though wildlife is never guaranteed; sightings are more likely in the cooler morning or late afternoon.
Is hotel pickup included from Hikkaduwa?
Yes—this private tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Hikkaduwa with transport in an air-conditioned vehicle.
Are children and pregnant travelers allowed?
The tour advises moderate physical fitness and is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious back or heart conditions; check specific age or health restrictions with the operator.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
8 hours
Location
Udawalawe, Southern Province
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness; able to tolerate long vehicle rides, short walk-on/offs, and uneven ground during brief stops.
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