True Wild Udawalawe Safari Tours

Take the first step into your wildest dream – an unforgettable safari adventure in Sri Lanka.
We invite you to explore the untamed beauty of Udawalawe National Park, where elephants roam free, exotic birds soar above, and the true spirit of nature awakens.
This island paradise, often called the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, is more than beaches — it’s a sanctuary of wildlife and wonder.
Let True Wild Safaris guide you through the heart of the jungle, where every moment brings you closer to the wild.

🌿 Step into the wild. Discover the magic of Sri Lanka.

About Udawalawe National Park

🌿 A Sanctuary of Wildlife in Southern Sri Lanka

Udawalawe National Park is one of Sri Lanka’s most treasured natural reserves, located on the boundary of the Sabaragamuwa and Uva Provinces. Established in 1972, the park was created primarily to provide a sanctuary for wild animals displaced by the construction of the Udawalawe Reservoir on the Walawe River.

Covering over 30,800 hectares, the park features a mix of grasslands, scrub jungles, and wetlands. It is world-renowned for its large population of Asian elephants, making it one of the best places in the world to observe elephants in the wild.

Wildlife in Udawalawe

Udawalawe is home to a diverse range of fauna and flora, offering incredible opportunities for nature lovers and photographers. Key highlights include:

Elephants – over 250 individuals, often seen in herds
Water buffalo, sambar deer, jackals, mongooses, crocodiles, and wild boar
Over 180 species of birds, including the Sri Lankan junglefowl, eagles, peacocks, and hornbills
Reptiles and a variety of butterflies

Because of its open landscape and relatively sparse tree cover, wildlife sightings in Udawalawe are easier and more frequent than in denser forests.

🕰️ History of Udawalawe National Park

Udawalawe National Park was officially declared the fifth national park in Sri Lanka on 30th June 1972, at a ceremony presided over by the Ministry of Shipping and Tourism.
This declaration was published under Government Gazette Notification No: 14.

The park was established following the completion of the Udawalawe Reservoir Project. The primary purpose of declaring it a national park was to protect the watershed area of the reservoir and to create a refuge for the region’s wild elephants, which had been displaced by the construction of the dam and related activities.

Between 1991 and 1998, a second reservoir known as the Maw Ara Tank was constructed within the park boundaries, further enhancing the park’s water systems and biodiversity.

Prior to its designation as a national park, the Udawalawe area was inhabited by local communities who practiced shifting (Chena) cultivation for their livelihoods. After the area was officially declared a protected zone, those residents were relocated, and the land was transformed into a natural habitat suitable for wildlife.

Today, Udawalawe National Park stands as a symbol of successful wildlife conservation, balancing ecological protection with sustainable land use and tourism.

🐘 Udawalawe Elephants – Giants of the Wild

🌍 A Haven for Elephants

Udawalawe National Park is one of the best places in Asia to see wild elephants in their natural habitat. With over 250–400 resident Asian elephants (Elephas maximus), the park offers some of the most reliable and up-close elephant sightings in Sri Lanka.

These majestic animals roam freely through open grasslands, scrub forests, and along the reservoir shores, making them easy to observe during safaris.

🐘 Why Elephants Thrive in Udawalawe

Several factors make Udawalawe ideal for elephants:

✅ Abundant water sources – The Udawalawe Reservoir and smaller tanks provide year-round hydration.
✅ Rich vegetation – Grasslands and forest edges supply food like grass, leaves, bark, and fruit.
✅ Protection – As a national park, elephants are safe from poaching and habitat destruction.

Founder’s Message

Welcome to True Wild Udawalawe Safari Tours!

My name is Nuwan Thilakarathna, and I’m proud to be the founder of this safari experience. With over 12 years of experience in Udawalawe, this journey is not just my job — it’s my passion and my purpose.

Born and raised near this beautiful national park, I’ve spent more than a decade guiding visitors through the wild, helping them witness the majestic elephants, rare birds, and untouched nature that make Udawalawe so special.

I created True Wild Safari Tours to give you more than just a ride through the park — I want you to feel the wild, understand it, and leave with unforgettable memories. Our team is committed to offering safe, respectful, and educational safaris with personalized care and attention.

Thank you for trusting us. It is my honor to share the beauty of Udawalawe with you.

Warm regards,
Nuwan Thilakarathna
Founder – True Wild Udawalawe Safari Tours