From Ella: Udawalawe Safari & Drop Tangalle / Mirissa / Galle
When you’re traveling in Sri Lanka and staying in Ella, this tour offers a fantastic way to combine wildlife, nature, and scenic drives—without breaking the bank. For just $40 per person, you’ll explore Udawalawe National Park, famous for its elephants and diverse wildlife, visit the Elephant Transit Home to see baby elephants being fed, and then enjoy a peaceful transfer to the coast—whether that’s Tangalle, Mirissa, or Galle.
What we love about this experience is, first, the chance to see wild elephants up close in their natural habitat—something that’s often a highlight for visitors. Second, the personalized safari experience in a spacious, air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort and flexibility, making the day enjoyable even if the wildlife isn’t always cooperative. The only potential downside? The price does exclude park entry fees, so be prepared for an additional cost of around $36.
This tour suits travelers who appreciate wildlife and scenic landscapes, enjoy a bit of adventure, and want to make the most out of a day in Sri Lanka without fussing over transportation or logistics. It’s especially good for those who value guided expertise and personalized service, as reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and smooth transfers.
You can check availability for your dates here:Key Points
- Wildlife Encounters: Close views of elephants, crocodiles, and other animals in Udawalawe National Park.
- Expert Guides: Naturalists and drivers who know the park—and its inhabitants—well.
- Comfortable Transport: Spacious, air-conditioned vehicles make the long day more pleasant.
- Flexible Drop-Offs: End the day at the coast, perfect for relaxing afterward.
- Authentic Experience: Seeing baby elephants at the Elephant Transit Home adds a heartfelt conservation touch.
- Additional Fees: Entry to Udawalawe (~$36) and the Elephant Transit Home (~$7) are extra costs to keep in mind.
Planning more time in Hikkaduwa? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
An In-Depth Look at the Tour
Getting Started: From Ella to Udawalawe
The tour begins with a pick-up from your Ella hotel, which is usually smooth and punctual, according to reviews. The drive is typically comfortable thanks to the air-conditioned vehicle, a relief after the warm tropical morning. The journey to Udawalawe takes around 3 hours, during which you’ll pass through Sri Lanka’s lush landscape, dotted with tea plantations, rice paddies, and small villages.
This scenic drive alone is worth it—one reason this tour appeals to travelers wanting a taste of Sri Lanka’s countryside. It also offers some anticipation of the wildlife and scenery ahead, setting the tone for a memorable day.
Safari in Udawalawe National Park
Once at the park, you’ll hop into a luxury 4×4 safari jeep, guided by an experienced naturalist. This is where the real magic begins. Many reviews emphasize the quality of guides; Elliott mentioned, “our guide was very knowledgeable and great at spotting all the animals,” which speaks to the importance of a good guide in a wildlife safari.
The park’s landscape is diverse, with open plains, waterholes, and patches of forest—ideal for spotting elephants, crocodiles, monkeys, and a variety of birds. We loved the way guides are attentive—sometimes animals stay close, like a group of elephants that “stayed near the car for a long time,” making for fantastic photo opportunities, as a reviewer pointed out.
More Great Tours NearbyVisiting the Elephant Transit Home
After the safari, you’ll visit the Elephant Transit Home. Here, you get to see baby elephants being fed during scheduled sessions at 10:30 am, 2:30 pm, or 6:00 pm. This is an especially touching part of the trip, offering insight into Sri Lanka’s conservation efforts. You’ll observe these gentle giants up close, often with a sense of warmth and hope, knowing they’re cared for and protected.
Relaxing at Udawalawe Reservoir
Next, the tour takes you to the Udawalawe Reservoir, a peaceful spot where you can relax, take photos, and enjoy the tranquil views. Many travelers find this a quiet moment to appreciate the natural beauty and reflect on what they’ve seen so far.
Scenic Transfer to the Coast
The final leg is a scenic drive to the coast, whether that’s Galle, Mirissa, Tangalle, or Hikkaduwa. Expect lush greenery, rolling hills, and small villages along the way. Reviews highlight that the drive is comfortable and that the driver stops to show sights and take photos, enhancing the experience.
This part of the tour is perfect for winding down with stunning views, giving you a smooth transition from wildlife to beach life or exploring historic Galle.
What’s Included & What’s Not
Included:
- A luxury air-conditioned car for the whole day.
- An unforgettable safari in a custom 4×4 jeep.
- A knowledgeable guide/driver ensuring smooth logistics.
- Pick-up and drop-off from select locations, including Ella, Mirissa, Galle, and Tangalle.
Not included:
- The park entry fee (~$36).
- The Elephant Transit Home fee (~$7).
- Food and drinks, so consider bringing snacks or planning a meal after the safari.
These costs are typical for safaris and conservation visits in Sri Lanka, and knowing about them upfront helps plan your budget.
Real Experiences from Travelers
Reviews give us a good sense of what to expect. Roger appreciated the punctual pick-up and the good communication beforehand. He also enjoyed how the safari “broke the journey nicely,” making what could be a long transfer more engaging.
Molly enjoyed seeing a large variety of animals, though she hoped for more sightings—highlighting that wildlife can be unpredictable. Elliott’s review was glowing: “saw elephants, crocodiles, monkeys, wild boar,” and praised the guides for their spotting skills, which makes all the difference.
One traveler, Ines, shared a less positive experience, mentioning a guide who was overly persistent for her contact details. While this isn’t typical, it reminds us that personal interactions can vary—so always communicate your boundaries clearly.
Overall, most reviews reinforce the value of expert guides and the chance to see elephants up close. Many travelers also appreciated the comfortable transport and the conservation-focused visit to the Elephant Transit Home.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This safari tour suits nature lovers, animal enthusiasts, and those wanting a diverse day trip from Ella. It’s particularly appealing if you’re eager to see elephants in their natural environment and appreciate local conservation efforts.
Travelers who prefer personalized guides and comfortable transportation will find this very worthwhile. Because the tour includes scenic drives and picturesque views, it also suits those wanting to capture beautiful photos along the way.
However, if you’re on a strict budget or dislike additional fees, keep in mind that the entry costs are extra. Also, if wildlife sightings are your top priority, be prepared for some unpredictability—animals are wild and sightings can vary.
Final Thoughts
This tour offers a well-rounded day of wildlife spotting, conservation education, and scenic drives—a blend that provides good value at just $40. The combination of a guided safari, a visit to the Elephant Transit Home, and a relaxed ride to the coast makes it perfect for travelers who want a taste of Sri Lanka’s natural beauty without overextending their schedule.
The knowledgeable guides and comfortable transport stand out as key benefits, making the day both enjoyable and educational. The highlight remains the opportunity to see elephants in their natural habitat—an experience that often leaves a lasting impression.
This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers who enjoy wildlife, scenic landscapes, and supporting conservation efforts. It’s ideal if you’re staying in Ella and want to maximize your day with a memorable, authentic wildlife experience combined with the relaxing promise of coastal scenic views.
FAQ
Do I need to pay extra for the park and elephant transit home?
Yes, the entry fees for Udawalawe National Park (~$36) and the Elephant Transit Home (~$7) are not included in the tour price and need to be paid at the sites.
How long is the safari in the park?
Most reviews mention a 3-4 hour safari, giving enough time to see elephants and other wildlife without feeling rushed.
What kind of vehicle is used for the safari?
You’ll ride in a luxury, customized 4×4 safari jeep, designed for wildlife viewing and comfort.
Is the transportation comfortable?
Yes, the vehicle is air-conditioned, spacious, and designed for long journeys, which passengers consistently appreciate.
Can I customize the drop-off location?
The tour offers drop-offs at Hikkaduwa, Mirissa, Galle, or Tangalle, making it flexible for your coastal plans.
What is the best time to visit the Elephant Transit Home?
Feeding sessions are scheduled at 10:30 am, 2:30 pm, and 6:00 pm, so plan your visit accordingly to see the elephants being fed.
This tour combines wildlife, scenic beauty, and thoughtful conservation in a way that can really enrich your Sri Lanka experience. Whether you love elephants or simply want a memorable day exploring the country’s natural side, this trip offers genuine value and authentic moments.
You can check availability for your dates here: