Great — here are top boutique / safari-focused places to stay around Udawalawe National Park, with what makes each special, approximate vibe/price, distance to the park, and sources so you can check rates, availability and book.

1. Mahoora Tented Safari Camp — Udawalawe (luxury mobile tents, all‑inclusive safaris)

• Why: high-end, roomy safari tents set on the park boundary, private/organized safaris included (excellent for wildlife photographers and those wanting a genuine “in‑the‑bush” experience).
• Vibe/price: luxury tented camp (premium).
• Distance: on/at the border of Udawalawe National Park; safaris arranged from camp. (mahoora.com)

2. River Glamping by Gaga Bees (Gaga Bees) — Udawalawe (riverside glamping)

• Why: large, well‑equipped tented chalets on the river; popular with couples and travellers wanting a comfortable, naturey glamping stay close to the park.
• Vibe/price: boutique glamping / mid-range to upper mid.
• Distance: ~5–10 km from park entrance (short drive). (booking.com)

3. Elephant Lodge / Elephant Safari Lodge — Udawalawe (boutique chalets)

• Why: small, characterful chalet lodge with easy access to safaris and reservoir views; hosts often arrange private jeeps and local guides.
• Vibe/price: small boutique / good-value.
• Distance: very close to park / reservoir edge; many guests arrange jeep safaris through the lodge. (elephantlodge.lk)

4. Nature House — Udawalawe (highly rated guesthouse with pool)

• Why: compact, well-rated property popular with couples and families; helpful for arranging safari jeeps and convenient to the Elephant Transit Home.
• Vibe/price: comfortable boutique guesthouse / budget–mid.
• Distance: ~10–20 minutes by car to park; walking distance to the Elephant Transit Home. (booking.com)

5. Sunwin River Cabana & Hotel — Udawalawe (riverside, family‑friendly)

• Why: riverside location, full‑service property (pool, transport, safari arrangements); good option if you want easy, comfortable logistics.
• Vibe/price: boutique resort / mid-range.
• Distance: property states ~1 km from park (short drive). (sunwinrivercabana.com)

6. Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort (larger, resort‑style but safari‑focused)

• Why: resort facilities (pool, restaurant) with easy, short transfers to the park—good if you want more hotel comforts alongside safari options.
• Vibe/price: resort (mid to upper mid).
• Distance: ~5 minutes’ drive to Udawalawe / very convenient for park safaris. (udawalawesafari.com)

7. Jungle House / Jungle Paradise (boutique lodge)

• Why: small jungle lodges that emphasize a rustic, nature‑first stay; good for travellers wanting a relaxed lodge with local excursions and short safaris.
• Vibe/price: small boutique / budget–mid.
• Distance: generally 10–20 minutes to park depending on exact property. (junglehouseudawalawe.com)

8. Green View Safari Resort (small safari resort)

• Why: locally run safari resort often used by visitors looking for straightforward safari logistics, comfortable rooms and easy park access.
• Vibe/price: mid-range / family friendly.
• Distance: short drive to park entrance. (resortgreenviewsafariudawalawe.lk-com.com)

Quick practical tips

• Best time for wildlife/elephant sightings: dry season (commonly cited as mid‑May to September, with December–March also good) — mornings and late afternoons are prime safari times. Book early for the dry season. (govt.sl)
• Most boutique properties either include or can arrange park jeeps/guides; confirm whether park entry fees and jeep charges are included before booking. (Some luxury camps include safaris; guesthouses often charge separately.) (mahoora.com)
• If you want an “in‑park” wilderness feel, pick tented camps (Mahoora). For comfort and pools, pick a resort or riverside cabana. For budget but characterful stays, the guesthouses and jungle lodges are excellent.
• Ethical note: Udawalawe’s Elephant Transit Home is a rehabilitation and release project (observation only); avoid operators offering elephant rides. (govt.sl)

If you’d like, I can:

• Narrow these to “best for couples / best for families / best for wildlife photographers”, or
• Check current rates and availability for specific dates and give direct booking links (I can look up live availability).