Spend a full day tracking wild elephants and visiting the rehabilitation center at Udawalawe. This guided jeep tour from Colombo includes pickup, park fees, lunch and close observation of rescued calves before a classic Sri Lankan jeep safari.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You arrive before dawn after a gentle drive south from Colombo; the air changes from city exhaust to something green and slow. At the Elephant Transit Home calves trumpet and shuffle—curious, insistent—while grasses and the nearby Walawe River push a steady, subtle rhythm through the camp.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
12 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers with average fitness; involves short walks on uneven ground and long periods seated in a jeep.
Wildlife
History
Udawalawe National Park was created in 1973 to protect animals displaced by the Udawalawe Reservoir and now safeguards migratory corridors for elephants.
Conservation
The Elephant Transit Home rehabilitates orphaned calves for release and works with the Department of Wildlife Conservation; visitors are asked to follow low-impact viewing practices to reduce stress on animals.
Reserve your spot on the Elephant Transit Home Udawalawe with Jeep safari from Colombo today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Start early for cooler light
Morning drives offer better elephant activity and softer photo light—expect pickup pre-dawn from Colombo.
Bring cash for small purchases
Vendors near park entrances may accept only cash for snacks or souvenirs.
Respect distance at animal enclosures
At the Elephant Transit Home follow guide instructions—calves are recovering and need calm surroundings.
Pack motion-sickness remedies
The return drive can be long and winding; anti-nausea measures help if you’re prone to car sickness.
Binoculars
Essential for watching elephants and birds at distance during the jeep safari.
Lightweight rain jacket
Useful in the southwest monsoon months when sudden showers are common.
summer
Sturdy walking shoes
Needed for uneven paths around the transit home and short walks in the park.
Sun hat and sunscreen
Open plains offer little shade—protect skin and eyes during long daylight hours.