Udawalawe Sights: Dam, Temples and Walawwa

October 31, 2026

Sightseeing around Udawalawe mixes landscape and history. Every place below is reachable by road, and journey times are approximate, so confirm with your driver.

1. The dam and reservoir

The Udawalawe Dam was built in the 1960s, and its embankment is about 3.9 to 4.5 km long. The reservoir behind it covers about 3,400 hectares and holds 267 million cubic metres. A road runs over the embankment, and you can drive it without a ticket and look out for elephants at the shoreline. Stay in your vehicle, as the shore is inside or beside the park.

2. Elephant Transit Home

The Department of Wildlife Conservation looks after orphaned calves here and has done since 1995. Visitors stand on a covered pavilion, with space for about 350, and watch the milk feedings. Typical times are 10:30, 14:30 and 18:00. A foreign adult pays USD 5 plus 18% VAT. It is viewing only.

3. Sankapala Raja Maha Viharaya

At Pallebedda, just off the Ratnapura to Hambantota road, a rock-shelter temple linked to Pussadeva, a warrior of King Dutugemunu. Look for Brahmi inscriptions under the drip-ledges, a reclining Buddha in the Cave IV image house, a tomb attributed to Pussadeva and a ruined dagoba. Expect a short drive north-west, with estimates of the distance that vary. Wear modest clothing, take your shoes off and check any fee on arrival.

4. Maduwanwela Walawwa

A feudal manor house at Kolonna, between Embilipitiya and Rakwana. It dates from the 18th century and was extended for the last time in 1905. The state took it over in 1974, and it is now a protected monument and a museum. The house once had 121 rooms around 21 courtyards, and about 43 rooms survive. Allow about an hour or less by car and expect a small fee.

5. Chandrika Wewa

A reservoir and spillway outside Embilipitiya. It is at its best when water runs over the spillway, roughly December to April. Treat it as a short stop on a longer drive.

6. Buduruwagala

A group of rock-cut carvings in the Mahayana style showing a Buddha and bodhisattvas, near Wellawaya, on the road to Thanamalwila. The usual date is about the 10th century, but this is uncertain. It sits 5 to 9 km from Wellawaya and makes an easy stop between Udawalawe and Ella.

Tips

Group the heritage sites into a half-day with a private driver and leave the safari for dawn. Heavy monsoon rain can cause floods and landslides, so read FCDO advice before you travel.

Details on the dam are in the Wikipedia article . Park information is on the Department of Wildlife Conservation site . Compare outings on GetYourGuide .