UPDATED MAR 2020. Firstly, if you’re thinking that this post is an excuse for me to share a bunch of animal pictures, then you’re 100% right. Today I’m sharing a guide on how to go on a wildlife safari in Sri Lanka with tips on where to go, how to prepare for it, and what to expect. If you are visiting Sri Lanka, I highly recommend adding it to your itinerary because it is a memorable and magical experience to see animals in the wild.
Wildlife Safari In Sri Lanka – Where To Go And Photos To Inspire You
Disclaimer
There are affiliate links included in this post. This means at no extra cost to you, I earn a commission if you book through the link.
Basic information
Location: Udawalawe National Park
Good for: Solo travelers, couples, friends, families
Cost: Safari – $30, $25 – park permit, tip – $10USD (all approx – check with the tour company for current prices)
Highlights: Elephants, nature, helpful guides
Where to go on a wildlife safari in Sri Lanka
I went on a wildlife safari at Udawalawe National Park and it was an incredible experience.
There was no shortage of animals to see, the vehicles did not crowd the animals, and the staff were enthusiastic and helpful with any questions I had.
Another option is Yala National Park which is a larger park, however, it closes in September and October. If you are planning your trip to Sri Lanka during this time, it wouldn’t be an option.
If you really want to see elephants, Udawalawe is the better choice as you are almost guaranteed to see them there.
The drive to Udawalawe National Park.
How to get to Udawalawe National Park
The best way to get to the park is by car. If you are driving from Colombo, it will take about 4 hours.
I did not stay in Colombo, I stayed at Talalla Retreat which is about 2 hours from the park. For my visit, I booked a driver through the retreat for the transport there and back. I also booked the safari tour through my accommodation so the driver met me at the park and we went straight on the tour.
The safari company I toured with was Niluka Safari and it cost about $30USD not including tip.
The dreamy room at Talalla Retreat where I stayed.
Best time to go on a wildlife safari in Sri Lanka
Animals are usually most active in the cooler times of the day in the mornings and evenings. I recommend booking an early morning tour if you can.
I left the hotel at 4am and was back at about 1pm. It’s an early wake-up but very worth it for the opportunity to see wildlife roaming in the park.
If you cannot make a morning tour, I would visit in the evening. Avoid the middle of the day if possible.
In terms of what time of year is best for going to Udawalawe National Park, there’s not a bad time of year to visit as you will probably always see something. The monsoon season runs from approximately May to October and you may want to avoid this time so that your beach days and outdoor adventures don’t get rained out.
December to March is the peak season for this area of Sri Lanka. I visited in March and it was a great time to visit for mild weather and not too many crowds.
What to bring
- Camera (I used a Sony Alpha a6000
 with 55-210mm lens and a GoPro for selfies) - GoPro Shorty pole (compact selfie stick and tripod)
- Water bottle (this one has a filter)
- Sunscreen
- Cash to tip drivers
 with 
and a 
pole (compact selfie stick and tripod)
What to expect
The first step is to get an entry permit for the National Park which costs approximately $25USD. It’s best to check the price before you visit and bring cash in Sri Lankan Rupees.
Once that is sorted, you will cruise around the park and stop once an animal is spotted.
There is a guide on board who will point out the animals and answer any questions.
On my safari, I appreciated that they didn’t drive too close to the animals or chase them. It was a very respectful experience. Sometimes the animals came close and others stayed away, but it was all up to the animals. These are the most ethical animal experiences we can have and it was great to see how much they respected the animal’s space.
A wildlife safari in Sri Lanka is worth doing for the cute elephants alone!
What animals can you see
It’s a great place to see elephants roaming freely as there are hundreds of them in the park. I was fortunate enough to see a large group taking a drink at a waterhole. We turned the car off and sat there for a long time watching them drink, then they walked over and right by us!
It was an incredible experience to see them so close.
You can also see monkeys, birds, buffalo, crocodile, leopard, or deer among others.
Other posts to help you plan your trip to Sri Lanka
Solo Female Travel In Sri Lanka – How To Plan A Refreshing Wellness Trip
Where To Go For A Yoga Retreat In Sri Lanka – This Eco-Luxe Resort Is Amazing
Yoga Retreat For Beginners – Is It Worth It If You Can’t Touch Your Toes?
Where to stay in Sri Lanka
Like I said, I stayed at Talalla Retreat which is in southern Sri Lanka. It was fantastic and I highly recommend it. I was staying there as part of a solo trip for a yoga retreat and it was the perfect place for a refreshing break.
You could also stay near Udawalawe so that your travel time isn’t as long to get to the park.
No matter where you plan to stay, I recommend doing a search on Booking.com. This is the site I use to book accommodation when I am planning a trip because I can always find a good deal there.
Hopefully, this can help you plan your visit, now time for some more photos of animals!
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Wow I didn’t realise there was so many amazing animals and such an awesome safari opportunity in Sri Lanka! Looks incredible!!
Thank you fellow Katie! 🙂
You are making me so excited to go to Sri Lanka! I have told my partner that this is a must do no questions! I LOVE ELEPHANTS and all other animals too tbh but omg Nellys! The little one is so cute.
How exciting, I hope you have a great time Minna! I bet you are going to love the safari!
Absolutely stunning shots Katie! So glad you went on this safari and saw SO many elephants in the wild!
Thank you so much! It was the best day 🙂
So many animals to see, i imagine it must have been exhilarating right from the early morning! Never knew Sri Lanka has a wild safari like this, now I have more reason to visit other than the train ride views and elephant-bathing views, haha!
Definitely an exhilarating way to start the day! I hope you get to see them too 🙂
Nice post, I love your pictures! We have also just been there and had a wonderful time! Your post really makes us want to go back!
If you want to see what we`ve experienced there check out our vlog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5D0s8l8BdA&t=2s