From Ella: Udawalawe Safari with Elephant Transit Home Visit

Traveling from Ella to Udawalawe offers an excellent chance to see Sri Lanka’s impressive wildlife, especially its famed elephants. For about $73 per person, this 8-hour tour takes you through Udawalawe National Park and gives you a close-up look at orphaned baby elephants at the Elephant Transit Home. The trip includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Ella, making it a convenient way to combine wildlife spotting with a touch of authentic conservation experience.

What we love about this tour is the opportunity to see elephants in the wild, not just the zoo, along with the chance to feed baby elephants — a rare, heartwarming moment. The second highlight is the knowledgeable guide who explains the park’s ecosystem, making each animal encounter more meaningful. On the flip side, it’s worth noting that additional fees for elephant feeding are not included in the initial price, which could catch some travelers by surprise.

This tour is ideal if you’re fascinated by wildlife, want a comfortable, guided experience, and enjoy observing animals in their natural environment. However, those looking for a more private or cheaper alternative might want to weigh the added costs and consider doing it independently.

Key Points

• Wildlife Encounters: Spot elephants, crocodiles, wild boars, deer, and more in a natural park setting.
• Elephant Transit Home: Feed orphaned baby elephants, a highlight that adds a personal touch to the safari.
• Comfort & Convenience: Includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Ella, with air-conditioned transport.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Guides provide insightful commentary, enhancing your understanding of local wildlife and ecology.
• Additional Fees: Elephant feeding is not included in the tour price and costs extra, so budget accordingly.
• Family-Friendly: This tour suits wildlife lovers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking authentic animal encounters.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The experience kicks off with hotel pickup in Ella, a small but busy town famous for its tea plantations and mountain scenery. The transport is by air-conditioned vehicle, which makes the roughly 2-hour drive to Udawalawe comfortable, even under the tropical sun. The ride itself offers a scenic preview of Sri Lanka’s lush landscape — plantations, small villages, and the occasional glimpse of wildlife along the roadside.

Elephant Transit Home: A Heartwarming First Stop

The first stop is the Elephant Transit Home, a facility dedicated to caring for orphaned elephants. Here, you’ll have around 30 minutes to watch baby elephants being fed. This is a charming and unforgettable moment — feeding time for these adorable creatures often feels like a scene from a nature documentary. The feeding is included in the tour, but reviews note that additional fees (around 3000 LKR per person) are payable if you want to watch the actual feeding process, so keep that in mind.

Guides often tell stories about the elephants’ rescue and rehabilitation efforts, adding depth to the visit. It’s a place that conveys Sri Lanka’s commitment to wildlife conservation, making it more than just a tourist stop — it’s a meaningful experience.

Safari in Udawalawe National Park

After the Elephant Transit Home, the adventure continues with a jeep safari into Udawalawe National Park. The park is renowned for its large elephant populations, which thrive thanks to the park’s abundant water sources, especially during dry seasons when animals flock to the lakes.

Your guide will seek out wild elephants, but also other fascinating creatures. Expect to see crocodiles basking on the banks, wild boars, deer species (such as spotted deer, barking deer, and sambars), mongoose, and hares. Over 30 snake species and 50 butterfly species also call this park home, adding extra layers of interest for those keen on biodiversity.

Birdwatchers will enjoy spotting species like kingfishers, hornbills, and eagles. Your guide’s knowledge is invaluable here — they point out animals, explain their behaviors, and help you understand the delicate balance of this ecosystem.

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What We Appreciated

One review highlights how a knowledgeable guide made the safari more engaging, sharing detailed information about each animal and the park’s ecology. The guide even brought a species guidebook to help identify animals, which added an educational element.

Another reviewer appreciated the personalized experience: “They gave me a private tour, so I was able to see a variety of animals to my satisfaction,” highlighting the flexibility and individual attention that some tours offer.

Possible Drawbacks and Considerations

While the safari experience is generally positive, some travelers noted safety concerns with the driving style of the vehicle, mentioning that their driver was on the phone or attempting risky overtaking maneuvers. While this is not typical of all guides, it’s a reminder to stay alert and trust your instincts.

Another point to consider is the additional cost for elephant feeding, which is not upfront included in the tour price. Some travelers felt this was a surprise and an extra expense to budget for if they wanted to see the elephants being fed.

Concluding the Day

After several hours of wildlife viewing, your driver will take you back to Ella — a comfortable journey that wraps up the day’s adventures. The tour generally lasts around 8 hours, making it a full but manageable day trip.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience suits animal lovers, especially those interested in elephants, wildlife photography, or conservation efforts. It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate guided tours where the logistics are handled for them, allowing focus on the animals and scenery. If you’re looking for a family-friendly activity, this is a good option, provided children are comfortable with long drives and wildlife encounters.

However, if you prefer a more private or budget-friendly outing without additional fees, or if you’re concerned about driver safety, you might want to explore other options or do some parts independently.

The Sum Up

This Udawalawe safari from Ella offers a well-rounded wildlife experience with the added bonus of feeding orphaned elephants. The combination of scenic drives, expert guides, and close animal encounters makes it a compelling choice for those wanting an authentic glimpse into Sri Lanka’s natural world. While there’s an extra fee for certain experiences like elephant feeding, the overall value is good considering the convenience and the chance to see large herds of elephants in their habitat.

The tour is especially suitable for travelers who value guided insights and are eager to see diverse wildlife without the hassle of organizing transport or park entry themselves. Just remember to budget for the extra fees and stay aware during the drive — safaris are as much about patience and observation as they are about the animals themselves.

FAQ

• Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Ella.
• How long is the safari? The entire experience lasts around 8 hours, including travel time, elephant feeding, and game drives.
• What animals might I see? You could spot elephants, crocodiles, wild boars, deer, mongoose, snakes, butterflies, and many bird species.
• Are additional fees required? Yes, elephant feeding at the Elephant Transit Home costs extra (around 3000 LKR per person) if you want to watch it happening.
• Is the tour suitable for children? Generally yes, especially for families interested in wildlife, but keep in mind the long drive and outdoor nature of the safari.
• What is the vehicle like? The tour uses an air-conditioned vehicle for transport, and the safari is in a jeep in the park.
• How knowledgeable are the guides? Many reviews praise the guides for their friendly attitude and extensive knowledge, making each animal encounter more meaningful.
• Can I cancel? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This tour balances adventure, education, and comfort, making it a worthwhile option for those heading to Sri Lanka’s wildlife-rich regions. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or simply want to see elephants in the wild, this experience offers a memorable slice of Sri Lanka’s natural beauty.

You can check availability for your dates here: