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If there's a single word that defines Sri Lanka, it's ‘wild'. This is a destination famous for its wildlife, particularly elephants. Udawalawe National Park, home to some 500 elephants, is considered the best park to spot them in the country. On this tour, you'll visit the park's Elephant Transit Home to see orphaned young elephants being fed and then tour the park in a 4x4 safari. Dilini, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘As well as being a top spot for elephant spotting, the park is great for bird enthusiasts, with over 180 avian species recorded. Keep your eyes peeled for various eagles, owls, herons, and waterfowl.'
First up, we'll visit the Elephant Transit Home, where orphaned baby elephants are cared for after rescue from the wild. You'll arrive at feeding time so you can watch the little ones bottle-feed from a viewing platform just metres away. Once the elephants have been rehabilitated, they are released back into the wild, often straight into Udawalawe where they can rejoin the existing wild herds.
Udawalawe National Park is centred on a huge reservoir and features vast open grasslands, making wildlife spotting relatively easy as you set off by 4x4 vehicle on safari. It's a great place for spotting elephants, and the lack of tall vegetation makes it perfect for other animal-watching, too. In addition to elephants, you can expect to see water buffaloes, various deer, wild boars, macaques and crocodiles. And, if you're lucky, there's also the elusive Sri Lankan leopard to look out for. To top it off, lunch is included.
Based on 9 reviews from verified customers
Review categories
Safety
4.6/5
Staff
4.6/5
Value for money
4.4/5
Service
4.6/5
Sandra and Anne
From United States of America - January 2025Traveled with a group of friends
35 - 44 years old
Excellent
Overall rated5/5
Door to door service to visit the Asian Elephant in their habitat. We spent lots of time making sure we went on an ethically maintained safari and thi ...
Dan
From United States of America - June 2024Traveled as a couple
18 - 24 years old
Excellent
Overall rated4/5
Great day, you obviously have to get up very early and travel a fair distance from the hotel but it’s well worth it. The elephant safari and trip to ...
Inge
From Denmark - March 2024Traveled as a couple
45 - 54 years old
Excellent
Overall rated5/5
Guiden fortalte ikke så meget undervejs på turen. Og når han talte var det oftest henvendt til to engelske damer i gruppen.
Dan
From United States of America - January 2024Traveled as a couple
Excellent
Overall rated5/5
Quite a long transfer (2.5hr each way) but the driver was excellent. The park was great and we saw many elephants, a jackal and several bird species - ...
Tracy
From United Kingdom - April 2022Traveled with family
25 - 34 years old
Great
Overall rated3/5
Long time in car most day travelling to get there and back then sitting in jeep. Go early as possible otherwise you hardly see any animals. Overall go ...
Lauren
From United Kingdom - April 202218 - 24 years old
Excellent
Overall rated5/5
It was a fantastic trip seeing the elephants up close was amazing. Knowledgable guides helped us see a range of animals that you would not spot. Great ...