Ella: Shuttle to Mirissa/Galle/Hikkaduwa & Udawalawa Safari

Ella, a picturesque town nestled amidst Sri Lanka’s lush hill country, serves as the gateway to a captivating day-long adventure. Travelers can enjoy the nation’s stunning natural wonders, from the serene coastal towns of Mirissa, Galle, and Hikkaduwa to the mesmerizing wildlife spectacle of Udawalawe National Park. For just $85 per person, this all-inclusive excursion promises an unforgettable experience, seamlessly blending scenic transfers, a thrilling safari, and the opportunity to discover the island’s charming locales. With comfortable hotel pickups and an air-conditioned vehicle, the stage is set for a day filled with breathtaking vistas, cultural exploration, and the chance to witness Sri Lanka’s diverse fauna in their natural habitat.

Good To Know

• This shuttle service combines a scenic transfer from Ella to coastal destinations (Mirissa, Galle, Hikkaduwa) with a 3-hour safari at Udawalawe National Park.
• The package is priced from $85.00 per person and includes hotel pickups, transportation, park entrance fees, and an open-jeep safari experience.
• Guests can expect to see diverse wildlife such as elephants, crocodiles, monkeys, water buffaloes, and endemic birds during the Udawalawe safari.
• After the safari, the shuttle continues to the coastal towns, allowing visitors to explore the beaches, architecture, and local culture.
• The tour offers a convenient and seamless experience, with air-conditioned vehicles, knowledgeable drivers, and the flexibility of drop-offs at various hotels along the route.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Pricing

The shuttle from Ella to Mirissa, Galle, and Hikkaduwa, coupled with an Udawalawe Safari, offers travelers an opportunity to enjoy Sri Lanka’s diverse landscapes and wildlife.

Priced from $85.00 per person, this 8-hour experience combines a scenic transfer with a thrilling 3-hour safari at Udawalawe National Park. Guests can expect to spot elephants, crocodiles, monkeys, water buffaloes, and endemic birds during the open-air jeep tour.

The tour includes hotel pickup, air-conditioned transportation, a driver/guide, and all necessary entrance fees, though food and drinks aren’t provided.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this combined tour allows for last-minute flexibility.

Itinerary and Experience

Visitors embark on this enriching experience with hotel pickups from Ella or Bandarawela, setting the stage for a day of discovery.

The adventure continues as they enjoy a thrilling 3-hour safari at Udawalawe National Park, where they’re treated to sightings of majestic elephants, crocodiles basking in the sun, playful monkeys, and a variety of endemic birds.

To optimize the safari, the tour switches to an open jeep, providing guests with unobstructed views of the diverse wildlife.

After the safari, the transfer resumes, with drop-offs at hotels in Matara, Mirissa, Weligama, Ahangama, Koggala, Unawatuna, Galle, or Hikkaduwa, ensuring a seamless and memorable day.

Transportation and Inclusions

An air-conditioned vehicle handles the transfers, ensuring a comfortable journey for guests.

The driver/guide provides their expertise throughout the day, sharing insights and navigating the route seamlessly. Highway toll charges are covered, allowing for an uninterrupted experience.

The highlight is the open safari jeep within Udawalawe National Park, offering unobstructed views of the diverse wildlife, including elephants, crocodiles, monkeys, and water buffaloes.

Entrance fees to the park are included, making it a hassle-free adventure.

While meals and drinks aren’t provided, the transportation and guided components of the tour ensure a comprehensive and memorable day.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

Overwhelmingly positive reviews from previous guests highlight the tour’s appeal, with an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 9 assessments.

Guests consistently praise the driver’s knowledge and friendliness, with one reviewer noting his "excellent English and superb navigation skills."

The safari experience at Udawalawe National Park also earns high marks, particularly for the abundant elephant sightings.

However, some guests have expressed concerns about the organization and timing of pickups, suggesting that attention to these logistical details could further enhance the overall experience.

1. Highly rated driver knowledge and friendliness
2. Excellent safari experience, especially for elephant viewing
3. Some concerns about organizational and timing issues

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Recommendations and Considerations

Travelers considering this tour may want to weigh the convenience of the combined itinerary against the potential cost-savings of booking the activities separately.

While the tour offers a seamless experience, including hotel pickups and a guided safari, travelers may find that hiring a local guide during the Udawalawe visit could provide more in-depth knowledge and personalized insights.

Plus, the advertised safari duration may not align with the actual time spent in the park, so it’s advisable to clarify expectations.

Pickup and Transfer Details

The tour promises a seamless experience, with the provider arranging hotel pickups from Ella or Bandarawela to commence the day’s activities.

Guests are transported in air-conditioned vehicles, accompanied by a knowledgeable driver/guide who covers the highway tolls.

The transfer portion of the tour culminates in a switch to open safari jeeps upon arrival at Udawalawe National Park, allowing for unobstructed wildlife viewing.

This seamless transition from road to safari ensures a well-paced and enjoyable journey, setting the stage for an unforgettable encounter with the park’s diverse flora and fauna.

• Air-conditioned vehicle transfers
• Driver/guide accompaniment
• Highway toll charges covered

Udawalawe National Park Safari

Typically, the safari at Udawalawe National Park takes around 3 hours, allowing visitors ample time to enjoy the park’s captivating wilderness.

Aboard an open-air safari jeep, travelers can expect to spot a variety of wildlife, including majestic elephants, crocodiles basking in the sun, playful monkeys, and the park’s iconic water buffaloes.

The safari also provides opportunities to observe an array of endemic bird species.

Switching to the open jeep enhances the overall experience, offering unobstructed views and a heightened sense of connection with the natural surroundings.

The safari is a key highlight of this combined tour, offering a chance to witness Sri Lanka’s diverse and awe-inspiring wildlife in their natural habitat.

Exploring Coastal Destinations

After the thrilling safari at Udawalawe National Park, the tour shifts its focus to the captivating coastal destinations of Mirissa, Galle, and Hikkaduwa.

The scenic drive takes visitors along the sun-dappled southern coastline, offering breathtaking vistas of the Indian Ocean.

The highlights include:

1. Mirissa, a picturesque fishing village renowned for its crescent-shaped beach, where visitors can spot Blue Whales and dolphins.

2. The historic fort city of Galle, with its impressive 17th-century Dutch architecture, charming boutiques, and atmospheric cafes.

3. Hikkaduwa, a laidback beach town famous for its vibrant coral reefs, thriving surf culture, and eclectic dining options.

The tour seamlessly combines wildlife encounters and coastal exploration, creating an unforgettable Sri Lankan experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to Fit My Preferences?

Yes, the tour operator generally allows customers to customize the itinerary to fit their preferences. Travelers can adjust the safari duration, add or remove stops, and personalize the experience to suit their interests and schedule.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Shuttle and Safari Tour?

The maximum group size for this shuttle and safari tour is not specified in the provided information. However, many such tours typically accommodate small groups of 2-8 participants to ensure a more personalized and intimate experience during the safari excursion.

Are There Any Age or Fitness Requirements for the Udawalawe Safari?

The Udawalawe safari doesn’t have any age or fitness requirements. Visitors of all ages and abilities can participate, as the safari takes place in open-air jeeps that are suited for a wide range of participants.

Can I Choose to Skip the Shuttle and Only Book the Udawalawe Safari?

Yes, you can choose to skip the shuttle and only book the Udawalawe Safari. The safari can be booked separately, allowing you to focus solely on the wildlife viewing experience without the additional transportation component.

What Is the Policy for Solo Travelers on This Combined Tour Package?

The tour provider welcomes solo travelers and doesn’t charge single supplements. They’ll pair solo guests with other travelers to split the cost of the private transfers and safari Jeep, offering a convenient and cost-effective way to experience the Udawalawe safari.

The Sum Up

This unforgettable 8-hour adventure showcases the best of Sri Lanka’s natural wonders. From the scenic shuttle to the stunning coastal towns, to the thrilling Udawalawe safari, this tour offers a seamless and immersive experience. Travelers will be captivated by the country’s breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, making it a must-do activity for anyone visiting this enchanting island nation.

You can check availability for your dates here: