Why visit
Udawalawe is a national park of grassland and water, known for elephants. It is less crowded than Yala on many days and sits on the Nature and Wildlife Discovery Journey.
Safari notes
As at Yala, you leave the touring vehicle and take a jeep into the park. Jeep hire and entrance fees are separate unless stated. The current booking offer of a free jeep at one selected park (jeep only) until the end of October can apply here when it fits the itinerary.
Yala or Udawalawe?
If leopards are the dream, Yala is the usual answer. If you want reliable elephants and a slightly simpler day, Udawalawe is often the kinder park. The comparison is here: Yala vs Udawalawe.
Two nights is plenty for most families. Combine with Yala only if you have time; stacking parks on consecutive dawn starts tires everyone.