

Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort
Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort
A contemporary and peaceful retreat close to one of Sri Lanka's most famous wildlife reserves..
Amid jungle and tropical gardens, you’ll feel a sense of escape and connected to the nature that surrounds you during a stay at Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort. With days spent on adventures in Udawalawe National Park, spying elephants in their natural habitat and keeping your senses switched on for wildlife in the wetlands, the resort is a calm place to return to. You’re always greeted with warm hospitality and, after days in the wild, take a dip in the refreshing outdoor pool before enjoying an al fresco dinner. We recommend spending at least two nights here as part of your tailor-made Sri Lanka itinerary; this will give you enough time for a safari experience in the national park.
Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort
Why our experts like it
We've done the exploring, asked the locals, made the mistakes, and found the gems... so you don't have to start from scratch! These are the bits we think you'll love the most. Think of it as travel advice from a friend who just got back and can't wait to tell you everything.

If you love French cuisine, look no further than La Belle Vie

An incredible way to kick off your Maldives holiday
“There's something pretty special about travelling by seaplane. The view from the sky is extraordinary - tiny specs of island and shades of blue that barely look real.”


The iconic, mile-long sandbank
Perfect for isolated sunbathing, dramatic photoshoots, and watching breathtaking Maldivian sunsets.

Snorkelling and diving isn't the only way to catch sight of the underwater world
“If snorkelling and diving isn't for you, it's possible to catch a glimpse of the reef from a glass-bottomed boat instead.”


Kids club at Niva Kuramathi Maldives
Supervised activities through the day, so younger guests get their own adventure while you get a quiet hour by the water.
Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort
We book this hotel the way you want it
This Maldives hotel is perfect on its own, but add Sri Lanka, Dubai or the Seychelles and it becomes something even better. Discover our multi-centre holidays and make paradise last longer.
Food & drink
A single restaurant serves abundant yet simple meals, buffet style sourced from fresh and local ingredients. Head out to the terrace to enjoy the best surroundings.
The main restaurant serves buffet meals including Sri Lankan specialities and international favourites. Order refreshments near the pool to help cool off in the sunshine. The hotel’s bar is open from morning till night with a deck that’s a lovely spot come evening. Pick up coffee at the café.



Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort
Things to do nearby
Curated experiences to help you do more, see more, or simply switch off while you're here.

Yala 3-hour Jeep Safari
Spot monkeys playing in the treetops, crocodiles popping up for air and eagles soaring in the sky above – the park is teeming with life. With one of the highest densities of leopards in the world, Yala is a prime location to encounter these elusive creatures in their natural habitat and bird enthusiasts won’t be disappointed either with a huge collection of migratory and endemic species to spot. • Duration: half day • Time: 6am to 9am or 3pm to 6pm • Daily departures • Operates year round except September to mid-October • Private experience • Available for guests on a car and driver itinerary staying in Hambantota, Tangalle, Udawalawe and Yala • Available for guests staying at hotels in Yala, Udawalawe, Tangalle and Hambantota Good to know — If not staying in close vicinity to the national park, we’d recommend the afternoon excursion due to the early start of the morning option.

Bundala Bird Watching Safari
• Duration: half day • Time: 5.30am to 9am or 2.30pm to 6pm • Daily departures • Operates between October and March • Private experience • Available for guests travelling with a private chauffeur and staying in Hambantota, Tangalle, Udawalawe and Yala hotels • Available for guests staying at hotels in Tangalle and Hambantota Good to know — Due to the early start time of the morning excursion, we’d recommend an afternoon visit for those staying further afield.

Udawalawe Jeep Safari & Elephant Transit Home
After a delicious lunch in a local restaurant, hop into your private jeep and get ready to explore the Udawalawe National Park, a sanctuary for wild animals displaced by the construction of nearby Udawalawe Reservoir. Have your camera at the ready as you spot herds of majestic elephants feeding, playing and bathing in waterholes as well as an abundance of other mammals, reptiles and birds. • Duration: half day • Time: midday to 6pm • Daily departures • Operates year round • Private experience • Available for guests travelling with a private chauffeur and staying in Udawalawe, Hambantota, Tangalle and Yala hotels • Available for guests staying at hotels in Tangalle, Hambantota, Galle, Koggala and Weligama Good to know — This unforgettable trip is suitable for all ages.

Yala Full Day Jeep Safari
Explore Sri Lanka’s most famous national park and experience the sanctuary’s rich wildlife from the comfort of your own private jeep on this epic full day excursion. As the sun begins to rise and the parks inhabitants begin to emerge from their slumber, your experienced guide will drive you through the grassy plains and light forest in search of elephants, crocodiles, buffaloes, monkeys and more. With one of the highest densities of leopards in the world and a full day to explore, there’s a good chance you’ll catch a glimpse of these magnificent creatures too.

Udawalawe 3-hour Jeep Safari
If you’ve already had the pleasure of exploring the Udawalawe National Park and would like some additional time observing the abundant wildlife in their natural habitat, this is the excursion for you. As you head back into the vast park it won’t be long before you stumble across a herd of elephants strolling alongside the track or water buffalo and deer congregating by a watering hole. Your knowledgeable driver will be on hand to point out the local flora and fauna from soaring eagles to prehistoric looking monitor lizards and will ensure you discover the best secluded spots. • Duration: half day • Times 6am to 9am or 3pm to 6pm • Daily departures • Operates year round • Private experience • Available for guests travelling with a private chauffeur and staying in Udawalawe, Galle, Hambantota, Tangalle and Yala hotels Good to know — Suitable for all, if not staying in the vicinity of the national park we’d recommend an afternoon safari due to the early start of the morning excursion.
Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort
There is more than one way to do this trip
A match made in paradise
This hotel is perfect on its own, but add a second destination and it becomes something even better. Discover our multi-centre holidays and make paradise last longer.
Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort
In the area
Approximately a 15-minute drive from the entrance of Udawalawe National Park

Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort
Trip ideas
You've come this far - and the world has more to offer. Why not pair Niva Kuramathi with another island, add a stopover in Dubai on the way for city lights and desert skies, or extend to Sri Lanka for tea, temples and safari? Below you'll find our recommendations for maximising your time away...






Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort
When to visit
Whether you're chasing guaranteed sunshine or don't mind a little rain with your relaxation, here's how the weather stacks up throughout the year. Use the chart below to find your perfect window, or just pick whenever suits you best, paradise doesn't really have a bad season.
| Measurement | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average temp | 24°C | 25°C | 26°C | 26°C | 26°C | 26°C | 26°C | 25°C | 25°C | 25°C | 24°C | 24°C |
| Average rainfall | 110mm | 60mm | 75mm | 125mm | 220mm | 175mm | 150mm | 175mm | 200mm | 195mm | 210mm | 215mm |
| Average price | £4,746pp | £4,992pp | £4,149pp | £4,222pp | £4,827pp | £4,835pp | £5,104pp | £5,176pp | £5,176pp | £5,129pp | £3,958pp | £3,958pp |
Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort
Current offers
Savings worth having on the departures we think are worth taking. Every offer below applies to this hotel — check each one for the dates and conditions that come with it.

Save up to £300pp
Based on selected departures in September 2026

Save up to 25% when you book by 6th July
Based on selected departures in September 2026

Save up to 35% + complimentary meal upgrade
Based on 20th July 2026 departure

Free half-board upgrade
Based on selected departures in October 2026

Stay 7 nights, pay for 6
Based on selected departures in November 2026

Save up to £200pp on honeymoons
Based on selected departures in January 2027

Complimentary spa treatment for two
Based on stays of 7 nights or more

Free kids' places
Based on selected departures in August 2026
Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort
Build your trip
Pick your airport, then choose a departure date to see how the price moves across the year. Everything you change here updates the summary alongside.
Select holiday details
Departure details
Prices shown are per person, and based on the cheapest flight available that day.
May 2026
| Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | Su |
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June 2026
| Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | Su |
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Great offers on Niva Kuramathi Maldives
Escape to Niva Kuramathi and enjoy exclusive savings on your Maldives getaway.
View offersHave you considered a multi-centre?
Maldives pairs really well with other destinations, from Dubai to Sri Lanka.
View multi-centresGood to know
- Includes flights, baggage, and private transfers to and from your hotel
- Total flight time ~ 7 hrs
- Total transfer time ~ 2 hrs
- Overnight in Malé may apply (subject to flights & transfers)
Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort
Questions? Sorted.
Do I need a visa to visit the Maldives?
British passport holders are issued a free 30-day visitor visa on arrival. You'll need a passport valid for the duration of your stay, a confirmed onward ticket and proof of your accommodation booking.
When is the best time to visit the Maldives?
November to April is the dry season, with the most reliable sunshine and calmest seas. May to October brings shorter rain showers, lower prices and better surf.
What currency is used in the Maldives, and do I need cash?
The local currency is the Maldivian rufiyaa, but resorts price and bill in US dollars and take major cards. Most guests never need cash — a small amount is handy for tipping.
Is the Maldives good for honeymoons outside peak season?
Yes. Off-peak brings noticeably lower rates and quieter islands, and rain tends to come in short bursts rather than all day. Many resorts add honeymoon extras during these months.
What activities are there for older kids and teens in the Maldives?
Most resorts run watersports centres with windsurfing, kayaking and paddleboarding, plus PADI dive courses from around age ten. Snorkelling safaris, sandbank trips and night fishing all suit older children.
Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort
Guest reviews
Tripadvisor reviews will appear here once the feed is connected.
Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort
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