From Ella : Udawalawa Safari & Drop Tangalle/ Mirissa/ Galle

Traveling through Sri Lanka often means balancing the island’s lush landscapes with vibrant coastal scenes. If you’re staying in Ella and craving a day immersed in wildlife, this tour from Tiger Safaris offers a compelling combination of safari adventure and picturesque scenery. It’s a well-reviewed, thoughtfully organized trip that promises plenty of opportunity to see elephants and other animals, topped with a scenic drive to the coast.

What we especially like about this tour is its focus on up-close wildlife encounters and expert-guided safaris. The chance to see baby elephants being fed at the Elephant Transit Home is a real highlight—an experience that feels both heartwarming and meaningful for conservation awareness. Plus, the luxury transport means you won’t spend hours cramped in a bus, which makes a day like this feel more special.

However, a potential consideration is the additional costs for park entry and elephant transit home fees, which are not included in the ticket price. This means travelers should budget around $43 extra for entrance fees. Also, given the long day—about 9 hours—it’s a trip best suited for those who enjoy a full day of activity and are comfortable with some travel time.

This tour is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, photography lovers, or anyone eager to combine an authentic safari experience with the scenic beauty of Sri Lanka’s southern coast.

Contents hide

1 A Detailed Look at the Udawalawa Safari & Coastal Drop Tour

2 The Practicalities: What’s Included and What’s Not

3 Authentic Experiences and Authenticity

4 Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

5 FAQs

Key Points

Wildlife Viewing: Focused on seeing elephants and diverse wildlife with expert guides.
Comfortable Transport: Travel in air-conditioned luxury with spacious safaris.
Heartwarming Visit: Get an up-close look at baby elephants at the Elephant Transit Home.
Flexible Drop-off Options: End your day at Galle, Mirissa, Tangalle, or other coastal spots.
Value for Money: At $69, the tour includes transportation, guiding, and a memorable safari experience.
Additional Fees: Expect to pay around $43 in total for park and entry fees, not included in the initial price.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Udawalawa Safari & Coastal Drop Tour

Embarking on this tour from Ella promises a blend of adventure and relaxation, with the highlight being the safari in Udawalawe National Park. It’s a chance to see Sri Lanka’s iconic elephants in their natural environment, along with other wildlife that inhabits this expansive reserve.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Hikkaduwa.

The Journey Begins: Pickup and Transfer

The experience kicks off with a hotel pickup in Ella, usually arranged from six different locations, including Mirissa, Galle, Hikkaduwa, Matara, Tangalle, and Ella itself. This flexibility makes it easier to fit into your travel plans, no matter where you’re staying along the southern coast or in Ella.

Once aboard your luxury air-conditioned vehicle, the drive to Udawalawe feels comfortable and scenic. Expect to see lush green rice paddies, rolling hills, and perhaps even glimpses of local village life along the way. The roughly 3-hour travel time offers a relaxing start to your wildlife adventure.

Exploring Udawalawe National Park

Upon arriving at Udawalawe, you’ll board a spacious 4×4 safari jeep, guided by an experienced naturalist. The safari lasts approximately three hours, during which you’ll traverse the diverse landscapes of the park—wooded areas, grasslands, and lakes.

The guides are a real asset here; their knowledge about the park’s wildlife and behavior adds depth to your experience. As Amanda noted in her review, “We saw several families of elephants, getting quite close for photos,” highlighting how accessible and rewarding the safari can be. Along with elephants, there’s a good chance you’ll spot leopards, buffaloes, and a variety of bird species, making it a hit with photographers and birdwatchers.

Visiting the Elephant Transit Home

After your safari, the tour continues to the Elephant Transit Home, an orphanage focused on rehabilitating young elephants. Here, visitors witness feeding sessions at scheduled times—most notably at 10:30 AM, 2:30 PM, and 6:00 PM. This visit offers a rare opportunity to observe these gentle giants up close and learn about ongoing conservation efforts.

Amanda describes her experience as “a great safari experience in a traditional safari jeep,” and the visit to the transit home adds that extra emotional connection with Sri Lanka’s efforts to protect its elephants.

More Great Tours Nearby

Scenic Relaxation at Udawalawe Reservoir

Next, the tour takes you to the Udawalawe Reservoir, a tranquil spot offering stunning views and a peaceful setting for photography or simply relaxing. The calm waters and lush surroundings provide a perfect backdrop for reflection after the busy safari and elephant visit.

Here's some more things to do in Hikkaduwa

The Scenic Drive to the Coast

The final leg is a scenic drive to your chosen coastal destination—be it Hikkaduwa, Mirissa, Galle, or Tangalle. Along the way, expect lush greenery, rolling hills, and glimpses of coastal town life. This drive offers a gentle wind-down to your day, with plenty of opportunities to snap photos or simply enjoy the changing scenery.

The Practicalities: What’s Included and What’s Not

The $69 price point is competitive, considering it covers luxury transportation, a guided safari, and the Elephant Transit Home visit. The small group size and knowledgeable guides add a layer of value, making sure you get personalized attention and insights.

However, keep in mind that park entry fees (~$36) and Elephant Transit Home fees (~$7) are not included; you’ll need to budget around $43 extra. This is typical for wildlife tours, but it’s good to be prepared.

Food and drinks are also not included, so you might want to bring some snacks or plan for a meal after the safari. The tour’s duration—about 9 hours—makes it a full but rewarding day.

Transportation and Comfort

The use of a luxury air-conditioned vehicle ensures you stay comfortable during the long drive. The safari itself is in a spacious jeep, providing excellent visibility and room to move around, especially important for photography.

Timing and Flexibility

The tour operates with check availability to see starting times, and the pickup is arranged from your hotel with clear instructions to arrive 10 minutes early. The flexible drop-off points allow you to customize the end of your day based on your plans.

Authentic Experiences and Authenticity

From the comments we’ve seen, the guides’ knowledge really makes a difference. Amanda appreciated their ability to spot and describe wildlife, making the safari more engaging and informative. The visit to the Elephant Transit Home also adds a meaningful conservation element to the trip—something that elevates this beyond just a touristy activity.

The scenic drive in itself is worth mentioning, as it offers a chance to see real Sri Lankan life and landscapes outside the tourist hotspots. The views from the reservoir and the drive through lush countryside are highlights that enhance the experience.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This safari and coastal transfer combo is a great pick for wildlife lovers and those wanting a nature-focused day without sacrificing comfort. It’s particularly suited for travelers who appreciate guided experiences with knowledgeable guides, and for those who want to see elephants in their natural habitat.

If you’re traveling with family, friends, or solo, and value a well-organized, small-group experience with a personal touch, this tour fits the bill. Keep in mind the extra fees and the full-day schedule before booking, but overall, it offers excellent value for a memorable Sri Lankan adventure.

FAQs

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 9 hours, including travel, safari, and visits to the Elephant Transit Home.

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers transportation in a luxury air-conditioned vehicle, a guided safari in a spacious 4×4 jeep, and the visit to the Elephant Transit Home.

Are there additional costs?
Yes, park entrance fees (~$36) and Elephant Transit Home entry (~$7) are paid extra, totaling around $43.

Can I choose my drop-off location?
Yes, you can be dropped off at Galle, Hikkaduwa, Tangalle, Mirissa, Matara, or Ella, depending on your preference.

Is food included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so plan to bring snacks or eat after the tour.

What are the best times to visit the Elephant Transit Home?
Feeding sessions at 10:30 AM, 2:30 PM, and 6:00 PM provide the best chances to see the baby elephants being fed.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the gentle nature of the wildlife and the scenic drive make it suitable for families, provided children are comfortable with long hours and outdoor activities.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activity, sun protection, camera, and perhaps binoculars for wildlife spotting will enhance your experience.

This tour balances adventure, comfort, and authentic encounters that make Sri Lanka’s wildlife accessible and memorable. Whether you’re passionate about elephants or simply enjoy scenic drives, it offers a well-rounded day for exploring the island’s natural beauty.