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

Embark on an unforgettable adventure from the southern coast of Sri Lanka, starting in the charming towns of Hikkaduwa, Galle, or Mirissa. Venture deep into the heart of Udawalawe National Park for a thrilling safari experience, where you’ll spot majestic elephants, elusive leopards, and a myriad of captivating bird species. After this exhilarating encounter, witness the heartwarming baby elephant feedings at the Elephant Transit Home. Then, prepare to be swept away by the breathtaking landscapes as you make your way to the picturesque town of Ella, where the next chapter of your Sri Lankan adventure awaits.

Good To Know

• Pickup from multiple locations including Hikkaduwa, Galle, and Mirissa for a full-day Udawalawe National Park safari and scenic drive to Ella.
• 3-hour guided safari in Udawalawe National Park to spot elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and birds, followed by a visit to the Elephant Transit Home.
• Comfortable 2-hour luxury car transfer from Udawalawe to Ella, showcasing Sri Lanka’s lush landscapes, waterfalls, and tea plantations.
• Comprehensive package including park entry fees, experienced guide, and customized 4×4 jeep, with exclusions for food and drinks.
• Not suitable for pregnant women or individuals with back problems, as per the activity overview.

Activity Overview

This excursion allows visitors to enjoy the natural wonders of Udawalawe National Park and Ella, offering a captivating blend of wildlife encounters and scenic vistas.

Spanning a duration of 9 hours, the experience begins with a thrilling safari through the park, where guests can spot elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and an array of bird species.

The adventure continues with a visit to the Elephant Transit Home, where travelers can observe the feeding of baby elephants.

The day concludes with a scenic drive to the picturesque town of Ella, showcasing lush landscapes and cascading waterfalls along the way.

This exceptional experience is now available at a discounted price, offering exceptional value for adventure-seekers.

Itinerary Details

The excursion begins with pickup locations in several coastal towns, including Galle, Tangalle, Hikkaduwa, Mirissa, and Matara, as well as the inland town of Ella. Guests will then travel in a luxury air-conditioned car for 2 hours to reach Udawalawe National Park. Once there, they will embark on a 3-hour safari in a 4×4 jeep, led by an experienced guide, to spot a diverse array of wildlife, such as elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and various bird species. Afterward, the group will visit the Elephant Transit Home for a 40-minute experience before continuing the scenic 2-hour drive to Ella.

Pickup Locations	Travel Time
Galle	2 hours
Tangalle	2 hours
Hikkaduwa	2 hours
Mirissa	2 hours
Matara	2 hours
Ella	2 hours

Safari Experience

Guests embark on an exhilarating 3-hour safari through Udawalawe National Park, led by an experienced guide in a customized 4×4 jeep.

The diverse wildlife mesmerizes visitors, with sightings of elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and a variety of bird species. The highlight is the Elephant Transit Home, where they observe baby elephants being fed during one of the scheduled feeding sessions.

The safari also includes a visit to the scenic Udawalawe Reservoir, offering opportunities for relaxation and photography amidst the lush landscapes.

This safari experience provides an unforgettable glimpse into the natural wonders of Sri Lanka.

Pickup Locations

Convenience reigns supreme as the tour provider offers pickup locations across multiple coastal towns, including Galle, Tangalle, Hikkaduwa, Mirissa, and Matara.

This flexibility ensures guests can seamlessly commence their adventure without the hassle of navigating to a central meeting point.

Whether travelers are based in the charming seaside town of Galle or the picturesque Mirissa, the tour will conveniently collect them from their accommodation, allowing for a stress-free start to the day’s activities.

With this comprehensive coverage of the southern coastline, the Udawalawa Safari experience caters to the needs of adventurers from various starting points, making it an accessible and appealing option for visitors to the region.

Travel Duration

It takes approximately 2 hours to travel from the pickup locations to Udawalawe National Park, where the safari adventure begins.

The journey provides a scenic drive through the lush landscapes of Sri Lanka. Travelers will sit back and enjoy the comfortable ride in the luxury air-conditioned car as they catch glimpses of verdant hills, cascading waterfalls, and quaint villages along the way.

The anticipation builds as the group gets closer to the national park, eager to spot the diverse wildlife that calls this region home.

The travel time allows guests to recharge and prepare for the exhilarating 3-hour safari that awaits them in Udawalawe.

Elephant Transit Home

Having explored the diverse wildlife of Udawalawe National Park, travelers venture to the Elephant Transit Home, a haven where orphaned and injured elephants receive specialized care.

This remarkable facility serves as a temporary shelter, nursing these gentle giants back to health before their eventual release into the wild.

Visitors can witness the touching feeding sessions, held three times a day, where they’ll observe the caretakers’ dedication and the elephants’ resilience.

Plus, the Transit Home offers educational exhibits, fostering a deeper appreciation for elephant conservation efforts.

Witnessing this remarkable initiative firsthand is a truly inspiring experience, leaving a lasting impression on all who visit.

1. Observe touching feeding sessions held 3 times daily.
2. Learn about elephant conservation efforts through educational exhibits.
3. Marvel at the caretakers’ dedication to nursing orphaned and injured elephants.

Scenic Drive to Ella

After exploring the wonders of Udawalawe National Park and witnessing the inspiring work at the Elephant Transit Home, the journey continues with a scenic drive to the enchanting town of Ella.

This 2-hour drive showcases the lush, verdant landscapes that Sri Lanka is renowned for. Guests will be treated to stunning vistas of cascading waterfalls, rolling hills, and tranquil tea plantations.

As the car winds its way through the picturesque countryside, travelers can sit back and soak in the serene beauty that surrounds them.

The scenic drive to Ella is the perfect way to cap off an unforgettable safari experience and take in Sri Lanka’s natural splendor.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The package includes a pickup and drop-off from select locations, as well as the entry fees for both the Udawalawe National Park (approximately $36) and the Elephant Transit Home (approximately $7).

Travelers will also enjoy the services of an experienced guide/driver and a luxury customized 4×4 jeep for their safari adventure.

However, the package doesn’t include food and drinks. Plus, it isn’t suitable for pregnant women or individuals with back problems.

The inclusions:

1. Pickup and drop-off from select locations
2. Udawalawe National Park entry fee
3. Elephant Transit Home entrance fee

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing customers to receive a full refund. This flexible policy gives travelers peace of mind when booking their Udawalawe National Park safari adventure.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Activity?

The activity is open to all ages, though it’s not suitable for pregnant women or those with back problems. The guides ensure a safe and enjoyable safari experience for visitors of all ages.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

While food and drinks are not included, visitors are welcome to bring their own. This allows them to enjoy the safari and transit home at their own pace while fueling up for the day’s adventure.

Is This Tour Suitable for Individuals With Physical Disabilities?

This tour may not be suitable for individuals with physical disabilities. The 3-hour safari in a 4×4 jeep and the visit to the Elephant Transit Home could pose challenges for those with mobility issues. However, the tour operator should be contacted to discuss any special accommodations.

What Is the Dress Code or Recommended Attire for This Safari?

For the safari, it’s best to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes and closed-toe shoes. Layers are recommended, as the weather can be cool in the mornings and evenings. Don’t forget to pack a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

The Sum Up

Embark on an unforgettable adventure from Hikkaduwa, Galle, or Mirissa to Udawalawe National Park for a thrilling safari, then soak in the breathtaking landscapes on a scenic drive to Ella. Spot elephants, leopards, and birds, and witness heartwarming baby elephant feedings at the Elephant Transit Home – an experience that’ll create memories to last a lifetime.