Yala and Udawalawe: safari in Sri Lanka’s south
Leopards in Yala, elephants in Udawalawe – the two best-known safari parks on the island.
The dry south-east of Sri Lanka is safari country. Two national parks lie within easy reach of the south coast and the hills: Yala, famous for leopards, and Udawalawe, famous for elephants.
Yala National Park
Yala is Sri Lanka’s best-known park: dry forest, rocky outcrops, lagoons and a wild coastline. Block 1, the most visited part, has one of the highest densities of leopards in the world. You will also see elephants, water buffalo, crocodiles, deer, wild boar, peacocks and many water birds. Sloth bears live here too, but they are shy.
- Where to stay: Tissamaharama or the area near the park entrance.
- Morning or afternoon? Both are good. Animals are most active in the early morning and late afternoon.
- Closure: Yala’s main blocks usually close for some weeks around September and October, when it is driest. In 2026 they were closed from 14 September to 15 October. We plan around closures.
- Crowds: Yala can be busy, with many jeeps at a leopard sighting. A good driver knows quieter tracks.
Udawalawe National Park
Udawalawe is open grassland and scrub around a large reservoir. It is the most reliable place in Sri Lanka to see wild elephants, often in family groups and close to the jeep. Many birds of prey and water birds too.
Near the park, the Elephant Transit Home cares for orphaned baby elephants and later releases them into national parks. Visitors can watch the feedings from a viewing area.
Yala or Udawalawe?
- For leopards, choose Yala.
- For elephants, choose Udawalawe.
- With children, Udawalawe is often the better choice: shorter, calmer and almost always elephants.
Read more in which national park to choose.
How a safari works
You leave your own car at the park and switch to a safari jeep with a jeep driver. A half-day safari takes about three to four hours. Park fees and the jeep are paid on top of your trip; we arrange both.
Round trips that go here
The classic Sri Lanka round trip in 14 days
Ancient cities, the Temple of the Tooth, tea country, Ella, a leopard safari and three days by the sea. The route most first-time visitors should take.
Sri Lanka in 10 days: culture, hills and coast
The best of the island in ten days: three nights in the Cultural Triangle, Kandy, Ella, a safari in Yala and a last night by the sea.
Sri Lanka with children: 12-day family round trip
Short drives, two nights in most places, elephants, tea hills and four relaxed days at the end. Child seats on request.
Active Sri Lanka: rafting, hiking, safari and surf
For people who want to move: rafting, two hiking regions, cycling at Sigiriya, a leopard safari and surf lessons on the south coast.
Want to see this yourself?
Tell us your dates and what you like. Ravindu or one of our team will send you a personal route and price, usually within 24 hours.
Private round trips from US$700 per person for 7 days