Udawalawe National Park day tour from Colombo: Wild elephants

Track wild elephants through Udawalawe's grasslands and wetlands

A full-day tour from Colombo to Udawalawe National Park with private 4WD jeep, English-speaking guide, hotel pickup and national park entry. The park is home to several hundred elephants alongside buffalo, spotted deer, crocodiles and numerous bird species. Private transfer, bottled water and all fees are included. Cruise ship passengers can arrange port pickup instead.

The experience

Udawalawe National Park sits in Sri Lanka's Southern Province and holds one of the country's largest elephant populations. You depart from your Colombo hotel in a private vehicle and travel to the park, where a professional English-speaking guide meets you for a 4WD jeep safari through the reserve. The route takes you through grasslands and wetlands where elephants gather, especially around the Udawalawe Dam: a 3.9-kilometer irrigation structure that also generates hydroelectric power and draws wildlife to its waters.

The jeep moves slowly through the park so you can watch for elephants, wild buffalo, spotted deer, crocodiles and the variety of birds that inhabit the reserve. Your guide navigates the terrain and points out animals as they appear. The pace and stops depend on what wildlife is active that day. Bottled water is provided throughout the drive, and the national park fees are already covered in your booking.

Hotel pickup and drop-off in Colombo are included. If you're arriving by cruise ship, port pickup and drop-off can be arranged at booking. The operator offers 24-hour emergency support and commits to resolving any issues that arise during the day.

What’s included

• Private 4WD jeep through the national park.
• professional English-speaking guide.
• round-trip private transfer from your Colombo hotel or cruise ship port.
• national park entry fees.
• bottled water.
• all taxes and handling charges.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 04:00 and 05:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Child (1 to 9 years)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 55

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfant seats available

Operated by KINGFISHER TOURS SRI LANKA

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English throughout the day, so you follow the commentary and animal sightings without translation. If you need a different language or prefer a shared jeep with other travelers, check the available options at checkout.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (1 to 9 years).

How many elephants live in Udawalawe National Park?

Udawalawe is home to several hundred elephants, making it one of Sri Lanka's largest elephant populations. The park's wetlands and grasslands provide habitat for them year-round.

What other wildlife might I see on the jeep safari?

Beyond elephants, the park holds wild buffalo, spotted deer, crocodiles and numerous bird species. What you encounter depends on the time of day and season, as your guide navigates the reserve looking for active animals.

Can I book this tour if I'm arriving by cruise ship?

Yes, cruise ship passengers can arrange port pickup and drop-off instead of hotel pickup. At booking, provide your ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time so the operator can time the tour to your ship's schedule.

What's included in the price?

The tour includes the 4WD jeep, professional guide, national park entry fees, round-trip private transfer from your hotel or port, bottled water and all taxes and handling charges.