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

From Galle/ Mirissa/ Tangalle : Udawalawa Safari & Drop Ella offers an accessible way to combine wildlife encounters with scenic hill country views. For just $44 per person, you’ll visit Udawalawe National Park, renowned for its elephants and diverse wildlife, then stop at the Elephant Transit Home to see baby elephants being fed, before ending up in the picturesque town of Ella. Guided by experienced naturalists and traveling in a luxury air-conditioned car with a customized 4×4 safari jeep, this tour packs a lot into a single day.

We love that this experience offers a blend of wildlife and nature with scenic drives through lush landscapes. The fact that it’s tailored to your interests—whether you’re wildlife-obsessed or just want to enjoy the views—is a big plus. The professional guides and comfortable transportation make the whole day feel relaxed and well-organized.

One potential drawback is the need to pay entrance fees separately—about $36 for the park and $7 for the Elephant Transit Home—which adds to your overall cost. Also, the timing of the elephant feeding sessions (10:30 AM, 2:30 PM, 6:00 PM) means you might want to plan your day around these to get the most out of the experience.

This tour suits nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and those wanting a smooth transfer between southern beaches and Ella, without the hassle of arranging everything independently. If you enjoy guided tours with authentic wildlife encounters and scenic drives, this is a great pick.

Key Points

• Wildlife Encounters: Offers a great chance to see elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and a variety of birds.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable naturalists enhance the safari experience with their insights.
• Comfortable Transport: Travel in air-conditioned cars and a luxurious 4×4 jeep, making the journey pleasant.
• Flexible & Convenient: Pick-up and drop-off from several locations, with a flexible “pay later” booking option.
• Add-On Costs: Entrance fees to the park and Elephant Transit Home are extra, around $43 total.
• Authentic Encounters: Reviews highlight the chance to see animals close up, even touch elephants, and enjoy reliable, friendly service.

You can check availability for your dates here:

In-Depth: A Full Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point & Logistics

The experience begins with a pickup from your hotel in Hikkaduwa, Mirissa, Galle, or Tangalle. The early morning start, typically around 6:00 or 7:00 AM, means you’ll be on your way to Udawalawe National Park before the heat of the day. The comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle makes the roughly 3-4 hour drive more pleasant, and many reviews praise the timeliness and friendly communication of the guides.

The Safari in Udawalawe National Park

Once inside the park, you’ll switch to a luxury 4×4 safari jeep, which is essential given the rugged terrain and the need for good visibility. The experienced guides will point out wildlife, and from the reviews, it’s clear they excel at spotting animals—their knowledgeable guidance often makes the difference between a good safari and a great one.

Expect to see elephants up close, often walking along water bodies or grazing in open plains. One reviewer, Brian, noted, “You could touch the elephants—they walked so close to you.” Others mentioned spotting crocodiles, deer, and even leopards, though the latter is less common. The diversity of wildlife in Udawalawe is what makes this safari special—birds, buffalo, and occasionally some surprise sightings are part of the fun.

Visiting the Elephant Transit Home

After the safari, you’ll visit the Elephant Transit Home, a conservation project where over 30 baby elephants are cared for and fed. The feeding sessions are scheduled at specific times (10:30 AM, 2:30 PM, 6:00 PM), so if you want to see the feeding, plan your visit accordingly. Several reviews highlight how heartwarming it is to watch these gentle giants being fed and learn about ongoing conservation efforts.

The $7 entrance fee is worth it, as you’ll see the elephants in a caring environment, learning about their rescue stories. Many travelers find this to be a touching and educational highlight of the trip, with one reviewer noting that “it was good to learn more about them in the transit museum.”

More Great Tours Nearby

Scenic Drive to Ella

Following the wildlife and elephant encounters, you’ll enjoy a scenic drive through Sri Lanka’s lush hill country to reach Ella. The journey offers remarkable vistas of rolling hills, tea plantations, and waterfalls, making it a visual treat. The relaxing drive allows you to reflect on your morning adventures and enjoy the natural beauty of Sri Lanka.

Arriving in Ella

Your day concludes with arrival in Ella, where you’ll have the chance to explore some of Sri Lanka’s most stunning vistas, waterfalls, and tea fields. Many reviews mention that this trip’s timing makes the transfer to Ella seamless, saving you the hassle of arranging transportation yourself.

What’s Included & What’s Not

The included portion covers luxury transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, a private guide, and the safari in a customized 4×4 jeep—all key ingredients for a smooth adventure. The unforgettable wildlife safari and service quality are often praised, with reviewers emphasizing how well-organized and friendly the experience is.

However, the entry fees to Udawalawe Park and Elephant Transit Home are extra, totaling about $43. Food and drinks are not included, so bringing snacks or a packed lunch might be wise, especially if you want to avoid extra stops.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Bring your passport or ID card for park entry.
• Be prepared for possible weather changes—light rain gear or umbrellas can be helpful.
• If you want the best wildlife sightings, try to schedule your visit around the feeding times.
• The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or those with back problems, so keep that in mind if you have health concerns.
• Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change unexpectedly.

Authentic Feedback from Travelers

Many travelers emphasize the reliability and professionalism of their guides. Juan Luis Alcazar praised the trip as a smooth transfer from Tangalle to Ella, complemented by “seeing spotted deer, crocodiles, and elephants up close.”

Another reviewer, David, called it a “well-organised trip,” highlighting friendly guides and good communication. Several mentioned that the safari drivers were exceptionally good at spotting animals and pointing them out, making the experience more engaging and rewarding.

The feedback on the Elephant Transit Home is equally positive, with many appreciating the opportunity to see baby elephants being fed and learn about conservation efforts. This element adds an educational dimension that elevates the wildlife experience from merely seeing animals to understanding their protection.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour offers a fantastic value for those seeking a combined wildlife and scenic experience without the hassle of planning everything independently. Wildlife enthusiasts and families will especially appreciate the chance to see elephants up close and learn about conservation efforts.

Travelers who enjoy guided trips, comfortable transport, and authentic encounters will find this tour a worthwhile addition to their Sri Lanka itinerary. The scenic drive to Ella also makes it an excellent way to see more of Sri Lanka’s diverse landscapes in a single day.

While it involves additional costs for park entry, the overall experience—with its blend of animal encounters, beautiful scenery, and professional guides—delivers genuine value. If you’re looking for a well-organized, informative, and authentic wildlife adventure, this tour hits the mark.

FAQ

Is transportation provided from Galle, Mirissa, or Tangalle?
Yes, the tour includes pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in those locations, making it very convenient.

How long does the entire trip last?
The tour typically starts early in the morning and concludes in the early afternoon or early evening, depending on your drop-off point in Ella.

What wildlife can I expect to see?
Expect elephants, deer, crocodiles, buffalo, and various bird species. Sightings of leopards are possible but not guaranteed.

Are the safari vehicles comfortable?
Absolutely. The safari is conducted in spacious, luxury 4×4 jeeps designed for wildlife viewing.

What about entrance fees?
They are not included and will cost around $36 for the park and $7 for the Elephant Transit Home.

Is food included?
No, meals and drinks are not included, so plan to bring snacks or purchase food during the day.

Is this tour suitable for children or pregnant women?
It’s not recommended for pregnant women or those with back problems due to the nature of the safari and terrain.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your schedule changes.

Is the tour offered in languages other than English?
The information specifies English as the language, so it’s likely the guides speak English.

In summary, this tour provides a balanced mix of wildlife, scenery, and comfort—perfect for travelers eager to experience Sri Lanka’s natural side without the fuss. It’s ideal for those who value authentic encounters, reliable service, and well-organized logistics—a memorable day that combines the best of Sri Lanka’s wildlife and landscape in one seamless package.

You can check availability for your dates here: