Into the Elephant Kingdom
A Safari Like No Other
Udawalawe National Park is widely considered the best place on Earth to see wild Asian elephants in their natural habitat. Just minutes from our hotel, the park covers over 30,000 hectares of sweeping grasslands, dense scrub forests, and the vast Udawalawe Reservoir home to a breathtaking diversity of wildlife. At Country Side Udawalawe, we don't just arrange a safari we craft an unforgettable journey from the moment you wake up to the moment you return, exhilarated and full of stories to tell.
500+
Wild Elephants
200+
Bird Species
30,821
Hectares of Parkland
100+
Animalities
What Awaits You
Every safari is a unique adventure here's what makes ours truly exceptional.
Majestic Elephant Herds
Udawalawe National Park is home to over 500 wild elephants one of the densest populations in Asia. Watch family groups bathe in the reservoir, playful calves frolic on dusty trails, and solitary tuskers graze on the golden grasslands. Every drive offers unforgettable, ethically observed encounters.
Exotic Birdlife
With over 200 recorded species including the majestic crested serpent eagle, vibrant kingfishers, painted storks, and the elusive Sri Lanka junglefowl Udawalawe is a birdwatcher's paradise. Our drivers know the best vantage points and nesting sites for spectacular sightings.
Reptiles & Predators
Keep your camera ready for massive mugger crocodiles basking on the reservoir banks, elegant water monitors gliding through the reeds, and if fortune smiles, the rare Sri Lankan leopard patrolling the park's fringes at dusk.
Expert Safari Drivers
Our handpicked local drivers have decades of experience navigating Udawalawe's terrain. They know the elephant corridors, the best sunrise viewpoints, and the hidden waterholes where wildlife gathers. Their calm, unhurried approach ensures you never miss a moment.
Golden-Hour Drives
The most magical wildlife encounters happen in the soft light of dawn and the golden hues of late afternoon. We offer both early morning and evening safari slots so you can experience the park at its most breathtaking when the animals are most active and the light is perfect for photography.
Fully Equipped Jeeps
Every safari vehicle is fitted with raised seating for panoramic views, roll-down canvas for weather protection, binoculars, a cooler with cold water, and ample room for camera gear. We provide everything you just bring your sense of wonder.
A Perfect Safari Day
From a dawn wake-up call to dinner under the stars this is how a day unfolds at Country Side Udawalawe.
Wake-Up Call & Light Refreshment
Rise before the sun and enjoy a cup of freshly brewed Ceylon tea and light snacks prepared by our kitchen team. The cool morning air and the chorus of birdsong set the tone for the adventure ahead.
Depart for the National Park
Your safari jeep and driver arrive at the hotel entrance. The park gate is just a short drive away, and arriving early means you beat the crowds and catch the animals at their most active drinking, feeding, and socializing in the soft dawn light.
The Morning Safari
Four hours inside Udawalawe National Park winding along dirt tracks past vast reservoirs, through golden grasslands, and under towering trees. Expect herds of elephants, crocodile-lined riverbanks, flocks of painted storks, and dramatic landscapes that stretch to the horizon.
Return & Hearty Breakfast
Arrive back at Country Side Udawalawe with an appetite to match your adventure. Tuck into a generous breakfast spread traditional Sri Lankan hoppers, eggs any style, fresh tropical fruits, juice, and piping-hot coffee.
Relax by the Pool
The midday heat is best spent by our inviting swimming pool. Cool off, soak up the sun, and scroll through the incredible photos you just captured. Poolside drinks and snacks are available at your fingertips.
Afternoon Safari (Optional)
For those who can't get enough, our optional afternoon drive takes you back into the park as the heat softens and animals emerge again. The late afternoon light creates stunning photo opportunities, and you may spot different species that rest during the morning.
Dinner & Stargazing
End the day with a delicious dinner featuring the best of Sri Lankan cuisine and international favourites. Afterwards, step outside to gaze at a sky blazing with stars far from city lights, Udawalawe's night sky is unforgettable.
“The wilderness holds answers to questions we have not yet learned to ask.”— Nancy Newhall
Safari Essentials
Make the most of your wildlife experience with these practical tips from our team.
What to Wear
✓Neutral earthy tones khaki, olive, beige, brown
✓Light, breathable long sleeves for sun protection
✓Comfortable closed-toe shoes or sturdy sandals
✓A wide-brimmed hat and quality sunglasses
What to Bring
✓Camera with a zoom lens (200mm+ recommended)
✓Binoculars for birdwatching
✓High-SPF sunscreen and insect repellent
✓A light rain jacket (especially Nov–Jan)
Park Etiquette
✓Remain seated and quiet during close encounters
✓Never feed or approach the wildlife
✓Follow your driver's instructions at all times
✓Keep all litter inside the vehicle leave no trace
Through the Lens
Snapshots from the wild every visit brings a different story.
