Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort, Udawalawe - Reviews, Rooms Options & Prices 2026

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Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort Exterior photo The photo shows a beautifully lit, multi-level building nestled amongst lush greenery at dusk or dawn. The architecture is unique, featuring curved walls and wooden beams, giving it a natural and somewhat rustic feel. The building is constructed of a

Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort Exterior photo The photo captures a building at night, bathed in soft artificial light. It appears to be a multi-level structure, possibly a resort or hotel, with a modern architectural style. The building has a prominent covered entrance supported by sturdy, angul

Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort Exterior photo The photo shows three colorful cocktails arranged on a shiny black bar counter. The drinks are in different glasses and have various garnishes.

On the left, there's a short, wide glass filled with a pale green liquid. It's garnished with a lime wed

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Key details

About the Resort

No.912,Thanamalvila Road,, Udawalawe, Sri Lanka

Near Udawalawe National Park

Great

8.1

7.9

/10

3.8

4.5

Loved by Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort guests

Friendly staff
Clean rooms
Relaxing atmosphere
Delicious food
Hotel grounds
Pool area

"The wildlife around the hotel, seeing turtles, monkeys, fireflys and wild birds - just wonderful."

Manisha from United Kingdom

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"From here you can have the FANTASTIC experience of seeing orphaned baby elephants be milk fed at the Elephant transit home."

Heather-May H from United Kingdom

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"A convenient location if you're going for safari in Udawalawe national parks"

Samaraweerage

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Amenities

Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort spans 7 acres and is equipped with a significant swimming pool that provides a refreshing retreat after a day of exploration. The open-air theater named 'Wala' offers unique entertainment options for guests. Room service operates 24 hours, ensuring convenience for all visitors at any time of day.

Rooms

The hotel offers a total of 79 rooms, including 24 Deluxe Rooms, 29 Super Deluxe Rooms, 4 Suites, and 22 Grand Suite Rooms. Each accommodation type is well-suited to cater to diverse guest needs and preferences. Comfortable and spacious, the rooms are equipped for both relaxation and unwinding.

Location

Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort is located only 500 meters from the Elephant Orphanage, providing easy access to animal encounters. The hotel lies a mere five-minute drive from Uda Walawe National Park, which is renowned for its abundant elephant populations. The scenic surroundings of Udawalawe showcase the unique blend of Sri Lanka's wet and dry zones, creating a diverse ecosystem.

Environmental Commitment

The hotel promotes eco-friendliness with its on-site sewage treatment plant and waste water treatment facilities. Its infrastructure is designed to ensure sustainable operations and minimize environmental impact. This commitment to sustainability enhances the experience for guests who are conscious of their ecological footprint.

Nearby Attractions

Visitors can explore the Elephant Transit Home, which is only a five-minute drive away, and witness the feeding of orphaned elephants three times daily. The hotel is also conveniently located just an hour and fifteen minutes from Maduwanwela Walawwa, a historical nobleman's house offering insight into local heritage. The natural biodiversity of Udawalawe National Park, featuring elephants, water buffaloes, and a variety of flora, makes it a top destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

Highlights

Location: 500 meters from the Elephant Orphanage

Rooms: 79 rooms including 22 Grand Suites

Amenities: Picturesque swimming pool and open air theater

Environmental Commitment: On-site sewage treatment plant

Nearby: Five minutes from Uda Walawe National Park

“Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort stands right where the jungle begins, and that proximity informs the entire experience. The staff clearly take pride in their service, and the spacious rooms are a welcome retreat after a day in the park. I think it's a particularly good choice for anyone focused on Udawalawe National Park and the elephant transit home; you couldn't ask for a more convenient base.”

Emma JohnsonEditor-in-Chief at Toresort

Location: Great

8.9/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

DiningFood was Amazing!

The buffet had a great, fresh selection. I especially enjoyed the local dishes. Cinnamon oil helped with mosquito bites, a thoughtful touch.

Harriet from United Kingdom

Review on

Room FeaturesSuite Upgrade!

I was upgraded to a suite! It was huge and very comfortable. The balcony view of the jungle was also incredible.

Isabelle from France

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Spa & LeisureFantastic Pool

The pool was great for families. The grounds are lovely, with monkeys and turtles. Overall, a relaxing experience.

Patrick from Australia

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BedroomCosy and Spacious

The big bed and the room's air conditioning were just perfect after a long day. A very clean and modern bedroom!

Rajesh from India

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Select your room type

Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Super Deluxe Double Room

2 persons

360 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Bathtub

room details

Suite

2 persons

700 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

Bathtub

room details

Large Double Room

2 persons

520 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Balcony

room details

Deluxe Double or Twin Room

2 persons

360 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Air conditioning

room details

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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Facilities

Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Great

8.1/10Review score

General

Non-smoking rooms
Free Wi-Fi in public areas
Parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
VIP check-in/ -out
Express check-in/ -out
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Locker room
Currency exchange
Coffee shop
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access
Key access

Sports & Fitness

Fitness centre
Cycling
Billiard tables
Darts
Table tennis

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Paid airport shuttle
Valet parking
Room service
Housekeeping
Car hire
Laundry
Dry cleaning
Tours/Ticket assistance
Welcome drink

Dining

In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Poolside snack bar
Snack bar
Packed lunches
Special diet menus

Business

Business centre
Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots
Children's buffet
Children's pool
Children's play area
Game room

Spa & Leisure

Outdoor swimming pool
Live entertainment
Sun terrace
Garden area
BBQ facilities
Leisure/ TV room
Spa & wellness centre
Back massage
Head massage
Foot massage
Open-air bath
Public Bath
Pool with view

Room features

Air conditioning
Mini-bar
Sitting area
Patio
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV
CD player
AM/FM alarm clock

Dining Onsite

At Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort, dining options are a delightful fusion of American and Asian cuisines, ideal for every palate. Una Sewana offers a cozy yet modern atmosphere for family and romantic meals alike, while the poolside bar invites guests to unwind under the stars with refreshing beverages.

Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort Restaurant photo The photo shows a long buffet table laden with a variety of food items. The food is arranged in multiple dishes and platters, indicating a self-serve meal.

On the left side of the table, there are several dishes with colorful salads and what appear

Una Sewana

American and Asian

Ambiance

Family-friendly modern dining with a touch of romance, surrounded by lush garden views.

Key Offerings

Featuring a diverse menu that accommodates Halal, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free preferences, guests can indulge in a variety of flavorful dishes at any time throughout the day.

Reservation

Not needed.

Open daily from 06:30 to 22:00.

Gala Bar

Poolside bar offering beverages and light snacks

Ambiance

A delightful setting for evening drinks on the deck, overlooking the shimmering pool under the open sky.

Key Offerings

Perfect for enjoying cocktails or casual bites while relaxing in a vibrant atmosphere.

Reservation

Not needed.

Check with the resort for specific serving times.

Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort Location

No.912,Thanamalvila Road,, Udawalawe, Sri Lanka

Map view

No.912,Thanamalvila Road,, Udawalawe, Sri Lanka

City landmarks

Zoo

Udawalawa Elephant Orphanage

1.0 mi

Landmark

Udawalawe Buddhist Center

4500 ft

Landmark

Elephant Information Centre

1.0 mi

Landmark

Elephant Transit Home

1.0 mi

Landmark

Elephant Orphanage

1.0 mi

Landmark

Srilanka Best Safari

1.3 mi

Landmark

udawalawa fisheries bungalow

1.6 mi

Landmark

Uda Walawe Reservoir

2.9 mi

Explore Udawalawe

Udawalawe Elephant Orphanage

20 minutes walking

Elephant orphanage dedicated to rehabilitating elephants. Offers educational tours and viewing opportunities.

Elephant Transit Home

20 minutes walking

Home for orphaned elephants focusing on rehabilitation and eventual release into the wild. Guided tours available.

Udawalawe Buddhist Center

17 minutes walking

Local Buddhist center featuring stunning architecture and serene surroundings, an ideal spot for reflection.

Srilanka Best Safari

25 minutes walking

Safari tours in Udawalawe National Park, offering wildlife viewing experiences led by expert guides.

Safari Adventures

5 minutes drive

Guided safaris in Udawalawe National Park, perfect for wildlife enthusiasts seeking thrilling encounters.

Yoga Retreats

10 minutes drive

Relaxing yoga sessions offered at nearby wellness centers. Reservations recommended for peaceful retreats.

The Elephant's Nest

5 minutes drive

Casual dining with a focus on local cuisine, offering signature curry dishes and a friendly atmosphere.

Lakmal's Kitchen

10 minutes drive

Charming eatery known for farm-to-table ingredients, specialties include fresh seafood and vegetarian options.

Wildlife Cinema

5 minutes drive

Family-friendly cinema showcasing nature documentaries and popular films. Enjoy movie nights under the stars.

Local Cultural Performances

10 minutes drive

Regular events featuring traditional music and dance, suitable for all ages. Check local schedules for times.

Getting around

City Centre

Udawalawe2 min · 400 ft

Airports

Mattala Rajapaksa International (HRI)79 min · 32.7 mi

Mawella Lagoon SPB (DIW)102 min · 42.2 mi

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 14:00-23:59

Check-out

until 12 pm

Guest Parking

Public parking is possible on site for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in public areas for free.

Breakfast

You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs US$12 per person per day.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort from previous guests about their experience

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Guests consistently praise the spacious and clean rooms, often noting the comfort of the beds and the utility of the AC and ceiling fan. The hotel's proximity to the National Park entrance, just a 10-minute drive, is a definite plus for safari enthusiasts. Many appreciate the amazing food selection, particularly the fresh and tasty options available. While some guests feel the bathrooms could use some updating, the large and shady pool is frequently mentioned as a highlight for cooling off after excursions, and the abundance of wildlife around the hotel adds to the experience.

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Review score

Based on 206 verified reviews

7.6/10

Very good

70%

Recommend

Location

8.9/10

Staff

8.8/10

Free Wi-Fi

6.8/10

Value for money

7.9/10

Pros

Happy staff

Greenery

Room sizes

Wildlife sightings

Cons

Closed pool

Vegetarian food options

Subpar food

Sean from Ireland

Couple

Deluxe Double or Twin Room

4 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:January 13, 2026

8/10

large roomhelpful staff

the hotel room was large. it smelled nice too. the staff helped me and other guests a lot.

the bathroom was a bit old. it needs updating.

0 Helpful

Questions of the users

About Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort

Do the rooms at this resort include a balcony?

10 March 2024

Yes, the Super Deluxe rooms feature a balcony.

Is it possible to arrange excursions to nearby attractions?

15 April 2024

Yes, excursions to nearby attractions can be arranged.

Are halal food options available at the resort?

22 May 2024

Yes, halal food is available.

Are accommodations and meals provided for drivers?

30 June 2024

Yes, accommodations and meals for drivers are provided.

Can safaris be organized, and what is the best time to go?

5 July 2024

Yes, safaris can be organized for either morning or afternoon. The cost for a jeep safari is US$ 50.00 net for a 3-hour tour, and park entrance tickets are bought separately.

Are the driver accommodations equipped with beds and a wash area?

14 August 2024

Yes, driver accommodations include a private room and wash area.

What is the cost per person for the buffet dinner, and can dietary restrictions be accommodated?

18 September 2024

The buffet dinner is priced at 20 USD per person, and special dietary requests, such as nut allergies, can be catered to upon prior notification.

Is it possible to accommodate a family of three adults and one child in a suite?

2 November 2024

Yes, a suite can accommodate 3 adults and 1 child under 12 years old on a triple sharing basis, with additional meal charges applicable for the child.

How far is the resort from the Elephant Orphanage?

23 December 2024

The resort is located just 500 meters from the Elephant Orphanage.

What are the unique features of the Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort?

8 January 2025

The resort offers a picturesque swimming pool and an open-air theater named 'Wala', along with eco-friendly facilities.