Udawalawe National Park

Udawalawe has open grassland, scrub and a large reservoir. A jeep safari takes you through these areas to look for wildlife. Compared with a dense forest setting, the open ground gives you more room to watch animals as they move and feed.

Elephants are the main attraction for many visitors. You may also see water buffalo, deer and birds during the drive. Give each stop a little time. Watching a group of elephants interact is often more interesting than taking a quick photo and asking to move on.

The photos bring together elephants, a safari scene and a close view of a bird. The small details are easy to miss while looking for larger animals. Watch the branches near water and ask your guide to stop when there is something you would like to observe.

A photograph of a leopard does not mean you should plan your visit around seeing one. Keep the day open to whatever is present, especially the elephants and birds that draw many visitors here. Tell your guide your interests, then give each stop enough time to enjoy it.

Sightings depend on the day, so let the guide decide where to look. Bring water and protection from the sun, and keep noise low near animals. Udawalawe can be fitted between a hill-country stay and the southern coast if you want a safari along that route.