Ultimate Travel Guide to Udawalawe: Best Places to Visit, Restaurants & Hotels
Introduction
Udawalawe, located in southern Sri Lanka, is famous for its wildlife safaris, natural beauty, and peaceful atmosphere. Whether you’re planning an adventure-filled safari, a romantic getaway, or a family vacation, this guide will help you find the best places to visit, top-rated hotels, and must-visit restaurants in Udawalawe.
Top Attractions in Udawalawe
1. Udawalawe National Park š
This world-famous wildlife park is best known for its large elephant population, leopards, crocodiles, and exotic birds. A jeep safari through this breathtaking park is an unforgettable experience.Udawalawe National Park is located on the border of the Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces of Sri Lanka. The Udawalawe National Park was created to provide shelter to the animals that were displaced due to the construction of the Udawalawe Reservoir by damming the Walawe River and to protect the watershed area. The area is 30,821 hectares (119.00 sq mi) and was established on 30 June 1972. Before the park was established, the area was used forĀ farming. After the area was declared a national park, the farmers were gradually evicted. The park is located about 165 km from Colombo. Udawalawe National Park is an important habitat for waterfowl and elephants. It is a popular tourist destination and the third most visited national park in the country.
š Location:Ā Google map
ā° Best Time to Visit: 6 AM ā 6 PM
2. Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home š”
This is a rehabilitation center for orphaned elephants, where you can watch them being bottle-fed and playing together.
š Location: Google Maps
ā° Best Time to Visit: 10.30 AM, 2.30 PM, 6 PM (Feeding Times)
3. Udawalawe Reservoir š
A scenic water body perfect for photography, birdwatching, and sunset views.Udawalawe Reservoir is a reservoir located in the Ratnapura District of Sri Lanka. Built in 1963, this reservoir is currently the third largest reservoir in Sri Lanka. It supplies water to the Udawalawe, Embilipitiya, and Hambantota areas, and the settlement of this area occurred with the creation of the Udawalawe Reservoir. This reservoir, which mainly supplies water for paddy farming and banana cultivation, has two power plants and thus contributes to the national electricity supply. The Udawalawe Reservoir is built across the Walawe River, one of Sri Lanka’s most important rivers, and the Udawalawe National Forest Park. The National Elephant Orphanage and the Sankhapala Rajamaha Viharaya are located nearby.
š Location: Google Maps
4. Sankhapala Raja Maha Viharaya šÆ
An ancient Buddhist temple with caves, historical inscriptions, and a serene atmosphere.
š Location: Google Maps
Best Restaurants in Udawalawe š½ļø
After an exciting safari, youāll need a good place to eat! Here are some of the best restaurants in Udawalawe, offering a mix of Sri Lankan, Asian, and Western cuisine.
1. Athgira River Camping & Restaurant šæ
A beautiful riverside restaurant offering authentic Sri Lankan food and a unique outdoor dining experience.
š Location: Google Maps
š Website: Visit Website
ā Recommended Dish: Fresh grilled seafood & Sri Lankan rice & curry
2. Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort Restaurant š½ļø
A fine dining restaurant inside a luxury safari resort, perfect for a romantic dinner or a special occasion.
š Location: Google Maps
š Website: Visit Website
ā Recommended Dish: Grilled chicken & tropical fruit juices
3. The Garlic Udawalawe š
A modern restaurant serving pizza, pasta, and Sri Lankan fusion dishes. A great option for those looking for Western flavors in Udawalawe.
š Location: Google Maps
ā Recommended Dish: Seafood pizza & creamy pasta
4. Nature House Restaurant š±
A small, family-run restaurant with healthy vegetarian options and fresh organic ingredients.
š Location: Google Maps
ā Recommended Dish: Sri Lankan-style dhal curry & coconut roti
5. Wild Tusker Resort Restaurant š
Perfect for those looking for a quiet, peaceful dining experience with traditional Sri Lankan meals.
š Location: Google Maps
š Website: Visit Website
ā Recommended Dish: Spicy deviled chicken with rice
6. Elephant Trail Restaurant š“
A restaurant offering a great mix of Sri Lankan and international food, ideal for both locals and tourists.
š Location: Google Maps
ā Recommended Dish: Chicken kottu & fresh coconut water
Best Hotels & Resorts in Udawalawe šØ
To make your stay comfortable and memorable, here are some top-rated hotels and lodges in Udawalawe.
Luxury Hotels & Resorts
š¹ Kottawatta River Bank Resort ā A stunning riverside hotel with eco-friendly rooms.
š¹ Max Safari Villa ā A luxurious villa ideal for wildlife lovers.
š¹ La Casa Safari Resort ā Comfortable and family-friendly.
Mid-Range & Budget Hotels
š¹ Mango Tree House ā Affordable and surrounded by nature.
š¹ Jungle View River Camping ā Perfect for budget travelers and adventure seekers.
Travel Tips for Udawalawe š
āļø Best Time to Visit: November to April for the best wildlife experiences.
āļø What to Pack: Comfortable clothes, sunscreen, a camera, and binoculars.
āļø Getting Around: Tuk-tuks, rental cars, and private tours are the best ways to explore.
āļø Respect Wildlife: Do not feed or disturb the animals in the national park.
Conclusion
Udawalawe is an amazing destination for those who love wildlife, adventure, and authentic Sri Lankan experiences. From stunning safari parks and scenic views to delicious restaurants and top-rated hotels, thereās something for everyone here.
š Plan your Udawalawe adventure today! ššæ
Udawalawe National Park
Udawalawe National Park: A Wildlife Adventure in Sri Lanka
š Location: Udawalawe, Sri Lanka
š Size: 36,600 hectares
š Famous For: Elephants, birdwatching, leopards, and breathtaking safaris
Why Visit Udawalawe National Park?
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Spot hundreds of elephants in their natural habitat š
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Experience an exciting jeep safari through open landscapes š
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Witness leopards, crocodiles, deer, and over 200 bird species š¦šš
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Perfect for wildlife photography and nature enthusiasts š·
Top Things to Do in Udawalawe National Park
1. Go on a Jeep Safari š
A jeep safari is the best way to explore the park, giving you a front-row seat to elephants, water buffalo, sambar deer, and even the elusive leopard.
ā° Safari Timings:
- Morning Safari: 6 AM ā 10 AM (Best for wildlife sightings)
- Evening Safari: 3 PM ā 6 PM (Great for photography)
š° Safari Cost: $30 ā $50 per person (varies by operator)
š Book a Safari: Click Here
2. Visit the Elephant Transit Home š”š
Unlike an elephant orphanage, this wildlife conservation center rescues and rehabilitates baby elephants before releasing them into the wild.
š Location: Google Maps
ā° Best Time to Visit: 9 AM, 12 PM, 3 PM, 6 PM (Feeding times)
3. Explore the Udawalawe Reservoir š
The Udawalawe Reservoir is a picturesque lake within the park, attracting migratory birds, crocodiles, and stunning sunset views.
š Location: Google Maps
4. Birdwatching Paradise š¦
With over 200 species of birds, Udawalawe is a birdwatcherās dream. Expect to see:
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Crested serpent eagles š¦
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Sri Lanka grey hornbills š¦
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Indian rollers š
Best Time to Visit Udawalawe National Park
- December to March: Best time for safaris (dry season)
- April to September: Good time for birdwatching
- October to November: Rainy season, but fewer tourists
Essential Travel Tips
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Wear light, breathable clothing (it can get hot!)
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Bring binoculars for birdwatching
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Carry a good camera for amazing wildlife shots
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Book a safari in advance to secure a guide
Udawalawe National Park is one of the best places to witness Sri Lankaās raw beauty and wildlife. Whether you’re on a jeep safari, visiting the elephant transit home, or enjoying the stunning reservoir, this national park offers an unforgettable experience.
š Plan your visit today!
