Hiriketiya: Udawalawe & YALA Safaris + Lunch, Drop Off: Ella

Explore the stunning natural wonders of Sri Lanka on this captivating full-day tour. Venture into the renowned Udawalawe and YALA National Parks, where you’ll have the chance to spot majestic leopards and mighty herds of elephants during guided safaris. But the adventure doesn’t stop there – you’ll also visit the Elephant Transit Home, a heartwarming sanctuary dedicated to the well-being of these gentle giants. Indulge in delicious local cuisine during a lunch break, and then sit back as you’re transported to the charming town of Ella. With expert guidance and air-conditioned comfort, this tour promises an unforgettable connection with Sri Lanka’s captivating wildlife and stunning landscapes.

Good To Know

• A full-day tour that combines wildlife safaris in Udawalawe and YALA National Parks, with a visit to the Elephant Transit Home and a Sri Lankan lunch.
• The tour is priced at €142.82 per person and lasts for 14.5 hours, with a maximum group size of 12 and an English-speaking live guide.
• Highlights include spotting leopards, elephants, crocodiles, and sloth bears during the safaris, and a heartwarming interaction with baby elephants at the Elephant Transit Home.
• The tour includes air-conditioned transportation, a picnic breakfast, and a Sri Lankan lunch, but excludes the entrance fees for the national parks and the Elephant Transit Home.
• The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back problems, or wheelchair users, and a minimum booking of two guests is required.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour, titled "Hiriketiya: Udawalawe & YALA Safaris + lunch, Drop off: Ella," provides a comprehensive experience for visitors.

Priced from €142.82 per person, the full-day tour lasts 14.5 hours and covers pickup from several locations in the Hiriketiya area.

With a maximum group size of 12, the tour features an English-speaking live guide.

Participants will be transported by air-conditioned vehicles to the safari destinations, where they’ll enjoy 3-hour guided wildlife safaris in Udawalawe and YALA National Parks.

The tour also includes a 30-minute visit to the Elephant Transit Home and a 1.5-hour lunch break featuring Sri Lankan cuisine.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins with pickup from designated hotels around 5:00 a.m. or 5:30 a.m., depending on the location.

Guests will be transported in an air-conditioned car or minivan to the safari vehicles.

The first stop is Udawalawe National Park, where a 3-hour guided wildlife safari awaits.

After that, the group will visit the Elephant Transit Home for a 30-minute session to feed the baby elephants.

Following a 1.5-hour lunch break in Tissamaharama featuring Sri Lankan cuisine, the tour continues to YALA National Park for another 3-hour guided safari.

The day ends with an approximate 8:00 p.m. drop-off in Ella.

Wildlife Viewing

During the safaris at Udawalawe and YALA National Parks, guests can expect to witness an abundance of diverse wildlife.

The main highlights include:

• Spotting majestic leopards lurking in the dense vegetation
• Observing herds of elephants roaming freely and interacting with their young
• Seeing crocodiles basking on the banks of the lakes and rivers
• Catching a glimpse of the elusive sloth bears foraging for food

These unique wildlife encounters offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with nature and gain a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance of these ecosystems.

The rugged 4×4 safari vehicles provide optimal views for an unforgettable safari experience.

Unique Experiences

Beyond the awe-inspiring wildlife encounters, this tour offers several unique experiences that set it apart. Guests can engage in the heartwarming activity of feeding the baby elephants at the Elephant Transit Home. This eco-friendly initiative supports the local community and provides a rare opportunity to interact with these gentle giants.

Plus, the safari operations prioritize sustainability, minimizing the environmental impact and ensuring an immersive, guilt-free experience. From the rugged 4×4 vehicles designed for optimal viewing to the picnic breakfast and Sri Lankan lunch, every aspect of the tour is thoughtfully curated to create a memorable and enriching adventure.

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Safari Vehicles

Specially-outfitted 4×4 vehicles take guests on the safari excursions, offering optimal viewing conditions for spotting the diverse wildlife inhabiting Udawalawe and Yala National Parks.

These rugged vehicles are designed to navigate the challenging terrain, ensuring a comfortable and immersive safari experience.

The key features of the safari vehicles include:

• Elevated seating for unobstructed panoramic views
• Open-air design that allows for close encounters with the animals
• Sturdy construction to handle the rough terrain without compromising safety
• Customized features that minimize disturbance to the wildlife, promoting an eco-friendly safari.

These safari vehicles are an integral part of the overall experience, allowing guests to explore the beautiful landscapes and encounter the magnificent creatures in their natural habitats.

Included in the Tour

The tour package covers a range of inclusions that ensure a comprehensive and enriching experience.

Guests will receive pickup and drop-off service, along with a professional driver-cum-guide to accompany them throughout the day.

The tour includes 3-hour safaris in both Udawalawe and Yala National Parks, providing opportunities to spot an array of wildlife such as leopards, elephants, and diverse bird species.

Plus, visitors will have the chance to visit the Elephant Transit Home and feed baby elephants.

A picnic breakfast and Sri Lankan lunch are also provided, along with mineral water during the afternoon safari.

Exclusions

While the tour package includes a range of services and experiences, there are some additional costs that guests will need to cover.

The key exclusions are the entrance fees for the national parks and the Elephant Transit Home. Specifically, the Udawalawe National Park entrance fee is 11,000 LKR (~$37), the Elephant Transit Home fee is 3,500 LKR (~$12), and the YALA National Park fee is 11,000 LKR (~$37). These fees must be paid in cash (Sri Lankan Rupees) upon arrival.

Plus, the tour doesn’t include:

• Personal expenses
• Tips or gratuities
• Any additional activities or services not mentioned in the itinerary

Important Considerations

Booking this tour requires a few important considerations.

First, the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back problems, or wheelchair users due to the rugged nature of the safari vehicles.

The minimum booking requirement is two guests, so solo travelers will need to find a companion.

Children aged 5-12 are welcome and offered a 50% discount, while those under 5 can join for free when accompanied by an adult.

Guests should also be aware that all entrance fees must be paid in cash in Sri Lankan Rupees.

For any additional arrangements or questions, the tour provider can be contacted by email or WhatsApp.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tour?

The tour has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Customers can easily cancel their booking and receive their money back if they need to do so.

Can I Book the Tour for a Single Person?

The tour operator requires a minimum of two guests per booking. Solo travelers cannot book this tour independently. However, they may be able to join an existing group if available.

Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

Yes, the tour can be customized to suit individual preferences. Travelers can contact the company to discuss modifications to the itinerary, such as adding or removing activities, adjusting pickup/drop-off locations, or extending the tour duration, subject to availability and additional fees.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment for the Safari?

For the safari, it’s recommended to bring sun protection, insect repellent, and comfortable shoes. The safari vehicles are equipped with binoculars, so there’s no need to bring your own. The tour provider will provide all the necessary gear.

Are There Any Medical Conditions That Would Make Me Ineligible for the Tour?

Certain medical conditions may make individuals ineligible for the safari tour. Pregnant women, those with back problems, and wheelchair users are not recommended to participate. It’s best to consult with the tour operator about any health concerns before booking.

The Sum Up

The "Hiriketiya: Udawalawe & YALA Safaris + Lunch, Drop Off: Ella" tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in Sri Lanka’s captivating wildlife. From spotting majestic leopards and herds of elephants to experiencing the Elephant Transit Home, this adventure promises an unforgettable connection with nature, complemented by delectable Sri Lankan cuisine and expert guidance throughout the day-long excursion.

You can check availability for your dates here: