Can I visit Udawalawe during the Sri Lankan holidays?

Yes, Udawalawe National Park stays open during all Sri Lankan public holidays, even on Poya (full moon) days and during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

Still, travellers should be ready for much higher domestic tourist crowds; it can get busy very quickly. During the biggest national holidays, the number of safari jeeps inside the park climbs sharply, and that sometimes leads to traffic congestion near the entrance gate, plus more people gathering around the main wildlife viewing spots. If you plan to visit on a holiday, booking a 6:00 AM morning safari is crucial, because it helps you push through the worst bottlenecks.