1-Day Tour of Both Yala and Udawalawe National Parks

Set out on a thrilling one-day adventure that takes you deep into the heart of Sri Lanka’s wildlife wonders. This captivating tour whisks you away to the renowned Yala and Udawalawe National Parks, where you’ll have the chance to witness an array of captivating creatures in their natural habitats. From the elusive leopard to the majestic elephant, the diversity of wildlife found in these sanctuaries is truly awe-inspiring. With expert guidance and an itinerary designed to maximize your encounters, this excursion promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you eager to uncover more of the island’s natural treasures.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best National Park Tours In Yala National Park.

Good To Know

1. A 12-hour, 1-day tour that covers both Yala and Udawalawe National Parks, providing an opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife including leopards, elephants, and over 200 bird species.
2. The tour includes complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off, a picnic lunch, and free cancellation up to 24 hours, with expert guides leading the sunrise safari in Yala and afternoon exploration of Udawalawe.
3. Yala National Park is home to 44 mammal species and 215 bird species, while Udawalawe is known for its high concentration of elephants, offering an immersive wildlife experience.
4. The itinerary starts with an early morning pickup at 5 AM, followed by a safari in Yala, a picnic lunch, and an afternoon exploration of Udawalawe National Park until sunset.
5. The tour is suitable for adults aged 5 to 99, with exclusions for pregnant women and individuals with back problems, and includes amenities such as bottled water and transportation.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This 1-Day Tour of Yala and Udawalawe National Parks offers an exceptional opportunity to explore two of Sri Lanka’s premier wildlife sanctuaries.

Priced from €115.12 to €109.37 per person, the tour lasts 12 hours and is led by a live English-speaking guide. Guests can enjoy complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off, a picnic lunch, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The itinerary includes a sunrise safari in Yala, home to leopards, elephants, and over 200 bird species, followed by an afternoon exploration of Udawalawe, renowned for its high concentration of elephants.

Transportation, entrance fees, and gratuities are all included, making this a comprehensive and convenient wildlife adventure.

Wildlife Experience

Explorers embark on an extraordinary wildlife adventure as they venture into Yala National Park, home to an incredible array of 44 mammal species and 215 bird species.

They’ll spot iconic animals like leopards, elephants, water buffalo, and jackals roaming the diverse landscapes.

The safari experience continues at Udawalawe National Park, renowned for its high concentration of elephants.

Guided by knowledgeable experts, guests witness the parks’ inhabitants at sunrise and sunset, marveling at the natural spectacle unfolding before their eyes.

This immersive journey offers a unique opportunity to connect with Sri Lanka’s vibrant wildlife and cherish memories that will last a lifetime.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins with an early morning pickup at 5 AM, setting the stage for an exhilarating day ahead.

Guests will embark on a safari through the iconic Yala National Park, where they’ll enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by the park’s diverse wildlife.

In the afternoon, the adventure continues as the group explores Udawalawe National Park, known for its high concentration of elephants.

Visitors can expect to witness the park’s magnificent creatures during the sunset hours, capping off an unforgettable day.

The knowledgeable guide and driver ensure that every moment is maximized, providing unparalleled insights and navigating the parks seamlessly.

The itinerary includes:

1. Safari in Yala National Park with a picnic lunch
2. Afternoon exploration of Udawalawe National Park from 2:30 PM until sunset
3. Guidance from a knowledgeable guide and driver

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package includes a range of convenient amenities to enhance the experience.

Travelers are provided with hotel pickup and drop-off, a picnic lunch, bottled water, and all necessary transportation. Entrance fees to both Yala and Udawalawe National Parks are also covered.

Plus, gratuities for the knowledgeable guide and driver are included, ensuring a seamless and worry-free adventure.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or individuals with back problems. Pets and smoking are also not allowed.

Participants are responsible for bringing their own sun hats and cameras, as well as covering any personal expenses and additional tips not included in the ticket price.

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Participant Information

For this 1-day tour, participants can include adults aged 5 to 99, as well as infants 4 and younger who don’t require a ticket.

To make the most of this adventure, guests are encouraged to bring a few key items:

1. A sun hat to shield from the tropical sun.
2. A camera to capture the incredible wildlife sightings.
3. Comfortable, sturdy shoes for exploring the national parks’ terrain.

The tour provides a cooler and drinks, while any additional expenses or tips aren’t included in the ticket price.

With an experienced guide leading the way, participants can look forward to an unforgettable immersion in Sri Lanka’s natural wonders.

Customer Reviews

Travelers who’ve experienced this 1-day tour of Yala and Udawalawe National Parks have largely praised the excursion, awarding it an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 8 reviews.

Positive feedback highlights the expertise and assistance of the guides, particularly Tiki and Tikiri, who helped maximize the wildlife sightings. Customers were thrilled to spot an abundance of animals, including leopards, elephants, water buffalo, and jackals, during the sunrise and sunset safaris.

The seamless organization, comfortable transportation, and inclusion of a picnic lunch further contributed to the overwhelmingly positive experience.

Tour Highlights

With an early morning pickup at 5 AM, the 1-Day Tour of Yala and Udawalawe National Parks immerses travelers in a remarkable wildlife experience.

The journey begins with a safari through Yala National Park, where guests can spot an array of species including leopards, elephants, water buffalo, and over 215 bird varieties.

After a picnic lunch, the adventure continues at Udawalawe National Park, renowned for its high concentration of elephants.

Visitors are sure to be enthralled by:

1. Witnessing the parks’ diverse wildlife in their natural habitats during sunrise and sunset.
2. Exploring the parks with a knowledgeable guide who navigates the terrain and maximizes sighting opportunities.
3. Experiencing the serene beauty of these protected ecosystems teeming with Sri Lanka’s iconic fauna.

Park Insights

Renowned for their diverse ecosystems, Yala and Udawalawe National Parks offer unparalleled wildlife experiences.

Yala is home to 44 mammal species and 215 bird species, making it a prime destination to spot leopards, elephants, water buffalo, and jackals in their natural habitats. Visitors can expect to witness the captivating sunrise and sunset surrounded by the parks’ abundant wildlife.

Udawalawe, on the other hand, is renowned for its high concentration of elephants, allowing guests to observe these majestic creatures up close.

With knowledgeable guides navigating the parks, this one-day tour ensures travelers make the most of their time, maximizing wildlife sightings and creating lasting memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Yes, participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. A cool box with water is provided, but any additional snacks or beverages are the responsibility of the individual traveler.

What Facilities Are Available in the Parks?

Yala and Udawalawe National Parks offer basic visitor facilities. Restrooms, picnic areas, and water stations are available. While there are no on-site restaurants, visitors can enjoy the tour’s included picnic lunch surrounded by the stunning natural beauty.

How Flexible Is the Tour Schedule?

The tour schedule is quite flexible, as the operator provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and allows participants to customize the timing based on their preferences. This ensures a seamless and tailored wildlife viewing experience.

Are Photography Opportunities Limited?

The tour provides ample photography opportunities throughout the day. With sunrise and sunset safaris in both national parks, visitors can capture stunning images of leopards, elephants, and diverse wildlife in their natural habitats.

Do I Need a Special Permit to Visit the Parks?

No special permit is required to visit Yala and Udawalawe National Parks. The tour operator will handle all entrance fees, allowing visitors to simply enjoy the incredible wildlife viewing opportunities these parks offer without any additional bureaucratic hassles.

The Sum Up

This thrilling 1-day tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the natural wonders of Yala and Udawalawe National Parks. Witness the majestic leopards, elephants, and diverse birdlife of Yala, followed by the awe-inspiring elephant herds of Udawalawe, all while enjoying a picnic lunch amidst the stunning scenery. With expert guidance, this tour is a must-do for nature enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: