The Udawalawe National Park Morning Safari is one of the best ways to experience Sri Lanka’s wildlife, particularly its famous wild Asian elephants. The morning safari begins at approximately 6:00 AM, when the park opens, and usually continues for around 3–4 hours, finishing at approximately 10:00 AM.

The early start is an important part of the experience. The weather is cooler, the light is softer, and many animals are active after the night. Elephants can often be seen feeding, walking across the grasslands or gathering near water, while birds are particularly active during the early morning hours.

Before entering the park, visitors normally meet their 4×4 safari jeep and driver/guide near the entrance. Safari vehicles are generally open-sided or open-top, providing good visibility for wildlife observation and photography. Private jeeps are commonly available, with capacity typically around 4–6 passengers, depending on the vehicle.

During the safari, the jeep travels through open grasslands, dry-zone forest, scrubland and areas around the Udawalawe Reservoir. The open landscape makes Udawalawe particularly good for elephant watching because animals can often be observed from a considerable distance without dense vegetation blocking the view.

Overview

• here are about 500 elephants in herds of 100 roaming through the Udawalawe park. Therefore you will not miss spotting them during your morning safari tour.
• Species recorded in the Park include around 90 plus plants, over twenty fish, 12 Amphibians, 33 reptiles, 184 birds, 43 mammals including 130 butterflies.Udawalawe is also a bird watching site. Some of the breeding resident birds are Spurfowl, Malkoha, Hornbill Babbler, Jungle Fowl etc.Udawalawe Elephant transit home was established to look after abandoned elephant calves within the park.The Rusty spotted Cat, Fishing Cat, Leopard, Sloth bear, Sambar deer and Axis Deer are some of the animals found here.Reptiles and fish include lizards, crocodiles, monitors, snakes etc. Pine planting, poaching, cleaning of forests are a major threats to the park.

Tour duration is expected to be 4 hours

• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours

Itinerary

Day 1 :morning Tour
5.15 AM – Pick up from Hotel 6 AM to 10 AM – Safari Tour 10.30 AM – Drop off at the Hotel

Free cancellation is possible up to 24 hours prior to the trip. No refund will be given for no show without prior cancellation.