Day tour to Udawalawe from Colombo: Safari and dam

Two hours in the park watching elephants, crocodiles and peacocks, then the scenic overlook at Udawalawe Dam

A private day tour from Colombo to Udawalawe National Park and Udawalawe Dam, departing at 6am with hotel pickup and returning the same day. The tour includes a two-hour 4WD safari through the park with a dedicated guide, a lunch break at your own expense, and an hour at the dam to take in the landscape. Transport is by air-conditioned vehicle to and from your hotel, with bottled water provided throughout the 15-hour outing.

Step-by-step itinerary

Udawalawe National Park and Dam tour

• Pickup from Colombo hotel
• Travel to Udawalawe National Park
• Two-hour safari jeep tour
• Lunch break
• Visit Udawalawe Dam
• Return to Colombo hotel

The experience

Hotel pickup starts at 6am from Colombo, giving you the early-morning light when wildlife is most active in Udawalawe National Park. You travel in a comfortable air-conditioned car with your English-speaking driver-guide, who handles both the route and the interpretation once you reach the park. On arrival, you switch to an open 4WD safari jeep for a two-hour tour where you'll see elephants in their natural habitat alongside crocodiles and peacocks. The guide ensures you don't miss the animals and respects the wildlife at the same time.

After the safari, there's a lunch break where you can buy food and drinks to refresh before the second half of the day. Next is Udawalawe Dam, where you spend an hour taking in the scenic views: the freshwater backdrop and landscape combine to show the scale of the place. The combination of the landscape backdrop and freshwater gives a thorough expression of the beauty of nature.

At the end of the day, the same air-conditioned vehicle returns you to your hotel in Colombo. Bottled water is provided throughout to keep you hydrated during the long drive and the safari.

What’s included

• Private air-conditioned vehicle for the round trip from Colombo.
• hotel pickup and drop-off.
• English-speaking driver-guide for the full day.
• open 4WD safari jeep transport within Udawalawe National Park.
• bottled water for hydration.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:00

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Japanese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Ok Lanka Travel

Is this one for you?Hotel pickup at 6am from Colombo means you don't need a car or a way to reach the park on your own. The driver collects you and handles the full route, leaving you free to rest on the drive and focus on the wildlife once you arrive.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

1 verified traveler review

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Japanese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What animals will I see on the safari at Udawalawe National Park?

Udawalawe National Park is home to elephants, crocodiles and peacocks in their natural state. The two-hour 4WD safari gives you time to spot these animals while your guide points out what's worth watching for.

How long is the drive from Colombo to Udawalawe?

The total tour is 15 hours from pickup to drop-off. Most of that time covers the round-trip drive from Colombo and the time spent in the park and at the dam. The safari itself runs two hours and the dam visit takes about an hour.

Is lunch included in this tour?

Lunch is not included, but there's a break during the day where you can buy and eat at your own expense. You'll have time to refresh before visiting Udawalawe Dam.

Do I need to pay an entrance fee for Udawalawe National Park?

Yes, the entrance fee for Udawalawe National Park is payable separately on the day in Sri Lankan rupees (LKR). Your guide can assist with the process when you arrive.

What's included in the price of this tour?

The tour includes private air-conditioned transport from your Colombo hotel, the services of an English-speaking driver-guide, the 4WD safari jeep inside the park, bottled water throughout the day, and hotel drop-off at the end.