Udawalawe

Inspiration

Udawalawe sits on the road between the hills and Yala, which is why most journeys stop here. The park is open grassland around a reservoir, and the elephants are the point — herds you can plan a morning around, rather than a leopard that may or may not appear. It is a different safari from Yala, and the better one to take on the day you arrive.

Things to experience

• A safari on the way to Yala
• Elephants across the open grassland
• The reservoir and the park edge
• A different morning from leopard country

Recommended stay style

A night near the park, or a morning drive on the way through — unhurried, and not a second Yala.