Udawalawe Family Holiday Ideas

Families with children can enjoy Udawalawe without much planning. The main outings are short and are done from a seat, and a single jeep takes up to 6 people. Money below is in Sri Lankan rupees (LKR) and approximate US dollars, from operator figures that you should check at the gate.

Plan the day around two outings

  1. Morning or late afternoon jeep safari. About 3 hours is a good length for children. You can hire a jeep for roughly LKR 12,000 to 16,500 (USD 40 to 55), and the price covers the whole vehicle, so a family of four or five splits it. The park fee for children aged 6 to 12 is about USD 15 plus tax, nearer USD 18 all in, and children under 6 enter free. Pack sun cream, hats, water and a scarf for dust. Say “very likely” rather than “guaranteed” when you tell children what they will see.
  2. Elephant Transit Home. Feeding sessions run at about 10:30, 14:30 and 18:00, though you should confirm on the day. Children aged 6 to 12 pay about USD 3 plus VAT, and under 6 is free. Adults pay USD 5 plus VAT. The pavilion holds about 350 and gets crowded on school and public holidays, so turn up early.

Rest in the afternoon

Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort has an outdoor pool plus a separate pool for children. Kalu’s Hideaway, with about 14 rooms, has a pool as well. Ask each lodge about child policies before you book.

Keeping children safe

  • Stay in the jeep at all times and keep arms inside.
  • Wild elephants must never be fed, including the bulls that stand beside vehicles on the dam road. Signboards say feeding is an offence.
  • Do not let children walk along the dam at dusk.
  • The reservoir has crocodiles, so there is no paddling or swimming.

Elephant welfare

Udawalawe has no elephant rides, and the Elephant Transit Home does not allow contact. Pinnawala sells commercial bathing and has been criticised for chaining, so it is best left off a family itinerary.

How long to stay

One or two nights is typical. Staying in the park is not permitted, so choose a lodge or Udawalawe town. An early start helps, because gates open at 06:00.

Weather and entry

Heavy monsoon rain can cause floods and landslides, so check FCDO advice. All foreign visitors need an ETA before arriving in Sri Lanka.

Park fees are explained on the Department of Wildlife Conservation site . The Born Free page describes the Elephant Transit Home’s work. Compare family outings on Viator .

Read more: outdoor activities in Udawalawa and group activities in Udawalawa .