Is Udawalawe close to Hambantota?

Yes, Udawalawe is pretty close to Hambantota, like 70 to 80 kilometres away if you take the well-paved direct roads.

Usually, you can do the drive in about 1.5 to 2 hours by car. It is convenient, so Udawalawe becomes an easy day trip for travellers who stay at Hambantota’s upscale seaside resorts, or for visitors who land via the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport. It links the dry southern shoreline with the inland dry zone’s rich biodiversity seamlessly.