What should I know before travelling to Udawalawe from Tangalle?

The drive from the coastal town of Tangalle to Udawalawe feels quite straightforward, about 1.5 hours or so, so the park becomes an easy and popular day trip from the southern beaches.

Because it is so close, travellers can spend the morning at the shore, arrange a local driver, and arrive at the park well before the 3:00 PM afternoon safaris start. The road conditions are generally excellent; you pass through quiet villages and agricultural lands, and you get this lovely peek into everyday rural Sri Lankan life before the wilderness takes over.