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

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Introduction

If you’re looking to see some of Sri Lanka’s most iconic wildlife and landscapes without sacrificing comfort or spending all day on the road, this Udawalawa Safari & Drop Ella tour might just be your ticket. It’s a well-rated, 9-hour adventure that promises a wild ride through one of the country’s best national parks, combined with a chance to meet baby elephants and enjoy a scenic hillside transfer to Ella.

We especially appreciate how this tour combines several highlights into a single day: the thrill of spotting elephants and other wildlife in Udawalawa National Park, the heartwarming sight of baby elephants being fed at the Elephant Transit Home, and the lush scenery en route to Ella, famous for its waterfalls, tea plantations, and breathtaking views. That said, it’s not a tour for those who want to linger or explore at a relaxed pace — it’s fast-moving and packed with activities, which can be a plus or a drawback depending on your travel style.

For travelers craving an authentic wildlife experience paired with comfortable transport and guided insights, this tour offers good value. It’s particularly suitable for those who want a comprehensive day of adventure without the hassle of organizing multiple excursions themselves. But if you prefer more flexibility or a less busy schedule, you might find this a bit rushed.

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Key Points

Wildlife Viewing: You’ll enjoy a guided safari in Udawalawa National Park, with the chance to see elephants, leopards, buffalo, and an array of bird species.
Elephant Transit Home: Visiting this sanctuary lets you witness baby elephants feeding and learn about conservation efforts.
Comfortable Transport: The tour uses spacious, air-conditioned vehicles and a luxury 4×4 safari jeep, making the journey comfortable despite bumpy roads.
Customized Experience: The guides are experienced and knowledgeable, ensuring you get personalized attention and insights.
Scenic Drive to Ella: The transfer through lush landscapes offers stunning views, perfect for photography and relaxing.
Value for Money: At $67 per person, the combination of transport, guided safari, and sanctuary visit provides excellent value, although entrance fees are extra.

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

Exploring the Tour in Detail

Starting Point and Pickup

Most travelers will be picked up from their hotel in Hikkaduwa, Mirissa, Galle, or Tangalle. The pickup times depend on availability, so check in advance. The tour begins with a comfortable, air-conditioned ride through Sri Lanka’s countryside—an easy way to transition from your beachfront or city stay into the wild heart of the island.

Udawalawa National Park Safari

Once at the park, the real excitement begins. You’ll board a spacious 4×4 safari jeep guided by an experienced naturalist. The park is known for its large herds of elephants, but you might also spot leopards, buffalo, and a variety of birds. Reviewers rave about the guides’ ability to point out animals, with one noting their jeep driver was “so good at pointing animals out” and “lovely.” This personalized, attentive guiding is a major plus, especially for wildlife novices.

The safari lasts around 3 hours, offering enough time to explore different areas of the park, spot wildlife, and snap some photos. The landscape varies from open grasslands to patches of forest, giving you a real sense of the island’s diversity. We loved the way the guides shared interesting facts and kept the experience engaging without rushing.

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Elephant Transit Home

Next, a short drive takes you to the Elephant Transit Home, a sanctuary dedicated to caring for orphaned elephants. Here, you’ll see the adorable sight of baby elephants being fed at scheduled times — most notably at 10:30 AM, 2:30 PM, and 6:00 PM. The timing is crucial, so check your schedule to ensure you catch the feeding.

Visitors often comment on how touching it is to watch the elephants being nourished and learn about the ongoing efforts to conserve Sri Lanka’s elephant population. The sanctuary’s focus on rehabilitation and release adds an educational layer to the experience, making it more meaningful than just a cute photo op.

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Serene Views at Udawalawe Reservoir

After the sanctuary, the tour includes a peaceful stop at Udawalawe Reservoir. This spot offers stunning, wide-open vistas perfect for relaxing and capturing scenic photos. It’s a quieter moment amid the day’s busyness but one we found valuable for reflecting on the experience so far.

Scenic Drive to Ella

The final leg of the journey is a scenic drive to Ella, one of Sri Lanka’s most popular hill towns. As you wind through lush, green landscapes, the views become increasingly dramatic—rolling hills, tea plantations, waterfalls, and perhaps a rainbow if you’re lucky. The transfer itself is a highlight, providing a taste of Sri Lanka’s diverse scenery.

Traveling in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle ensures you’re relaxed after the early start. The drive generally takes around 2–3 hours, giving you a chance to unwind and prepare for your next adventure in Ella.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This package is ideal for travelers who want a full-day adventure combining wildlife, conservation, and scenic travel. It’s perfect if you enjoy guided tours with knowledgeable guides, value comfort, and are eager to see elephants and other wildlife in their natural habitat. The tour is also suitable for those with limited time but still wanting a rich experience.

However, it might not suit travelers who prefer a more relaxed pace or wish to spend more time exploring each site. The early pickups and packed schedule mean less flexibility, so if you want a leisurely day, consider other options.

Practical Details and Value

At $67 per person, including transportation, guided safari, and sanctuary visit, this tour offers a lot of value. Entrance fees to Udawalawe National Park (~$36) and the Elephant Transit Home (~$7) are extra, but even with those, the total cost remains reasonable given the comprehensive experience. The guides are praised for their friendliness and professionalism, adding to the overall value.

The tour’s duration of 9 hours means you get a full day out, but travelers should plan for an early start—pickups often begin in the early morning. The inclusion of hotel pickups and drop-offs in key locations like Galle, Mirissa, and Tangalle simplifies logistics, so you won’t need to worry about organizing transport.

It’s important to bring your passport or ID, as required for park entry, and dress appropriately for a day outdoors—hat, sunscreen, and camera are essentials. The tour is conducted in English, and the guides are knowledgeable, making it easy to ask questions and learn as you go.

The Sum Up

This Udawalawa Safari & Drop Ella tour balances wildlife adventure with scenic travel, all wrapped into a single day. If you’re eager to spot elephants, learn about conservation, and enjoy Sri Lanka’s lush landscapes without the hassle of planning multiple trips, it’s a smart choice. The guides’ expertise, comfortable transport, and the chance to witness baby elephants make for a memorable experience.

While it’s somewhat fast-paced, the tour’s value and richness make it ideal for those who want a full-bodied taste of Sri Lanka’s natural beauty in a manageable day. It’s especially suited for wildlife lovers, first-time visitors, and travelers who appreciate guided insights and reliable logistics.

For anyone wanting an authentic, well-organized day—from wildlife spotting and elephant feeding to scenic hill-country vistas—this tour delivers. Just be ready for an early start, and bring your curiosity along for the ride.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
You’ll be transported in a luxury air-conditioned vehicle, enjoy a guided safari in a 4×4 jeep, visit the Elephant Transit Home, and have hotel pickup and drop-off in select locations.

Are entrance fees included?
No, the entry fee for Udawalawa National Park (~$36) and the Elephant Transit Home (~$7) are paid separately.

How long is the safari?
The guided safari lasts about 3 hours, giving plenty of time for wildlife viewing and photos.

When can I see the baby elephants fed?
Feeding times are 10:30 AM, 2:30 PM, and 6:00 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.

Is the drive to Ella scenic?
Yes, the route takes you through lush green landscapes, hills, and tea plantations, making the transfer itself a highlight.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, sun protection gear, camera, and comfortable outdoor clothing.

Is this tour suitable for children or pregnant women?
It’s not recommended for pregnant women or people with back problems, mainly due to the early start and bumpy roads.

How flexible is the schedule?
The tour is structured with specific pickup times and sites, so it’s best to plan your day accordingly.

What do reviews say about this experience?
Guests praise the guides’ friendliness, the well-organized nature of the trip, and the opportunity to see elephants and other wildlife up close.

In essence, this tour offers a well-rounded, approachable way to discover some of Sri Lanka’s most captivating wildlife and scenery—perfect for those who want to make the most of a single day.