Udawalawa National Park – 4*4 Private Safari Jeep Tour

Udawalawe is one of Sri Lanka’s best places to look for wild elephants, with a population of more than 600 inside the park. I like the private jeep, which lets you stop for photos and follow your own interests, and I like the included pickup and drop-off around Udawalawe. A guide such as Hansafa, whose attentive service helped make one booking memorable, can also make the three hours feel more personal.

The main point to plan for is cost. The safari itself is listed at $19 per person, but the park entry fee adds about $36, and food and drinks are not included. Wildlife is never guaranteed, so book this for a genuine search through the park, not a promise of a leopard sighting.

Key points to know before you book