Two standout wildlife tours operate from Kalutara to Sri Lanka’s premier national parks. The Udawalawe tour (£240) delivers a guaranteed elephant encounter, combining the Elephant Transit Home with a private safari experience. For big cat enthusiasts, the Yala tour (£68.84) offers excellent value with an all-inclusive package featuring meals and private transport.
I love the Udawalawe option for its intimate elephant viewing and thoughtful conservation approach. The Yala tour impresses with its comprehensive amenities at a wallet-friendly price point.
Let’s explore these top-rated safari experiences:
Key Points
- Udawalawa National Park tour offers a comprehensive safari experience, including hotel pickup/drop-off, entry to Elephant Transit Home, and a private air-conditioned vehicle.
- Yala National Park tour provides a private chauffeured air-conditioned vehicle, water bottles, free 4G connection, and all meals for a more affordable price.
- Both Udawalawa and Yala National Park tours require moderate physical fitness and have health considerations, such as not being wheelchair accessible.
- Udawalawa National Park tour is slightly more expensive at £240 per person compared to Yala National Park tour at £68.84 per person.
- Tour arrangements, including pickup/drop-off locations and times, are made prior to the tour date for both Udawalawa and Yala National Park tours.
Udawalawa National Park Day Tour
The Udawalawa National Park Day Tour offers visitors a chance to explore the diverse wildlife and natural beauty of this renowned Sri Lankan national park.
Located in Kalutara, the tour is priced from £240.00 per person, with the price varying based on group size. Rated 4.4 out of 5 based on 5 reviews, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, entry to the Udawalawa Elephant Transit Home, a fully insured air-conditioned vehicle, and a private safari jeep.
Lunch and personal expenses are also included. Pickup times and locations are arranged before the tour date, and visitors can select a convenient pickup point.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant women, or those with serious medical conditions. A moderate level of physical fitness is required.
Confirmation is received at booking, and the tour offers free cancellation and unlimited rescheduling up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Visitors also have the option to reserve now and pay later.
Read our full review: Udawalawa National Park Day Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
1 Day Tour to Yala National Park or Udawalawe National Park
Although the Day Tour to Yala National Park or Udawalawe National Park offers visitors a chance to explore the diverse wildlife and natural beauty of these renowned Sri Lankan national parks, the experience is priced from £68.84 per person, with the price varying based on group size.
The tour includes a private chauffeured air-conditioned vehicle, highway charges, water bottles, free 4G connection, and all meals. Visitors will have the opportunity to go on a safari Jeep tour within the selected national park to spot a variety of animals.
Pickup and drop-off are available from the Kalutara or Bentota area, or Katunayaka International Airport upon request. However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for travelers with certain medical conditions.
Confirmation is received at booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. The tour has a 4.7 rating from 3 reviews, with no 5-star ratings.
Read our full review: 1 Day Tour to Yala National Park or Udawalawe National Park Review
Book now: Check availability
The Sum Up
Kalutara offers excellent opportunities to explore Sri Lanka’s national parks. Udawalawe National Park and Yala National Park are popular choices, providing chances to spot diverse wildlife like elephants, leopards, and migratory birds. Visitors can choose from various day tour options to make the most of their time and see the parks’ stunning landscapes. With knowledgeable guides and well-organized tours, travelers can have an unforgettable experience in these protected natural areas.