Mirissa: Udawalawe & YALA Safaris + lunch, Drop off: Ella

An In-Depth Look at the Mirissa: Udawalawe & YALA Safaris + Lunch, Drop off in Ella

Imagine starting your day in the early morning darkness, climbing into a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, and heading out from Mirissa or nearby coastal towns like Matara or Weligama toward Sri Lanka’s most famous wildlife havens: Udawalawe and Yala. For a price of $167 per person, you’ll spend roughly 14.5 hours immersed in some of the island’s most spectacular natural scenery, with visits to two of its top national parks. You’ll also enjoy a hearty Sri Lankan lunch and a special encounter with adorable baby elephants.

What we love about this tour is how it combines two major parks in a single day, saving you precious travel time, and the chance to experience contrasting landscapes — from the open plains of Udawalawe to the dense, leopard-rich forests of Yala. The knowledgeable guides and well-maintained 4×4 vehicles make wildlife spotting more enjoyable, and the small group size ensures a more personal experience.

A potential consideration is that entrance fees for the parks and Elephant Transit Home aren’t included in the basic price — so you should budget an extra roughly $60-$70 USD. Also, for those with mobility issues or pregnant women, the early start and long day might be less ideal. This adventure suits nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, or anyone eager to tick two major parks off their Sri Lanka itinerary without multiple overnight stays.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Efficient dual-park experience: Visit Udawalawe and Yala in one day, saving time and allowing a broader wildlife experience.
• Authentic encounters: Feed baby elephants at Udawalawe’s Elephant Transit Home and see some of the highest leopard densities in Yala.
• Comfortable, safe transport: Rugged 4×4 safari vehicles with individual seats and air-conditioned transfers.
• All-inclusive meals: Enjoy breakfast and Sri Lankan-style lunch, with fresh fruits and local flavors.
• Small group size: Limited to 12 participants, creating a more intimate, engaging atmosphere.
• Support for local communities: Tour operations prioritize eco-friendliness and local economic benefits.

The Full Experience: What to Expect from Start to Finish

Early Morning Pickup and Transfer

We start with an early pick-up around 4:30 to 5:00 a.m. from your hotel in Mirissa, Matara, or nearby coastal towns. The drive, which lasts approximately 2-3 hours, takes you inland to the first highlight of the day: Udawalawe National Park. This early start is worth it because the animals are most active in the cooler morning hours, and you’ll beat some of the crowds.

Udawalawe National Park: Elephant Encounters and Wildlife Viewing

Once at Udawalawe, you’ll switch from your comfortable transfer vehicle into a rugged 4×4 safari vehicle. We loved the way these jeeps offer great 270-degree views and access to rougher terrain. Your guide, who is experienced and friendly, will focus on animal sightings. Expect to see elephants, crocodiles, buffaloes, and many bird species.

One of the highlights is visiting the Elephant Transit Home, where you can watch the adorable baby elephants being fed at around 10:30 a.m. This close-up encounter is both touching and photogenic. According to reviews, guides like “John” (name not specified but mentioned in reviews) keep the atmosphere friendly and informative, making the experience more meaningful.

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Breakfast Break

After about 2.5 hours of wildlife viewing, you’ll stop for a short break, where a picnic breakfast is laid out. The included breakfast offers cheese or chicken sandwiches, boiled eggs, sausages, and fresh Sri Lankan fruits—a simple, hearty start to your day. We appreciated how the breakfast is straightforward but satisfying, fueling you for the next part of your adventure.

Transfer to Tissamaharama and onward to Yala

Post-breakfast, you’ll return to your transfer vehicle and continue towards Tissamaharama, roughly an hour and a half away, for a lunch break. The provided Sri Lankan lunch includes rice, curries, beans, and other local flavors—an authentic taste of the island’s culinary traditions.

Yala National Park: Leopard Spotting and Diverse Landscapes

In the afternoon, you’ll head into Yala National Park for a 3-hour game drive. This park is renowned for having the highest density of leopards in the world, giving you a solid chance to see these elusive cats. As one reviewer noted, the landscapes here are vast and fascinating, with open plains, dense forests, and lagoons, providing a variety of wildlife habitats.

The guides here are attentive, but some travelers noted that driving too close to animals can disturb them — something to keep in mind when observing wildlife. Still, the overall experience is rewarding; spotting leopards, sloth bears, crocodiles, and myriad bird species makes this a true wildlife lover’s dream.

End of Safari and Transfer to Ella

By around 6:00 p.m., your safari concludes, and you begin the journey back to Ella. The drive takes approximately 2 hours, and you’ll arrive around 8:00 p.m., completing an action-packed day of adventure.

Throughout the day, water is supplied in a cool box, helping you stay refreshed during the afternoon safaris. The entire experience is designed with your safety and comfort in mind, with professional guides and well-maintained vehicles.

Informed by Real Feedback: What Travelers Say

Many reviews emphasize the smooth organization of the trip. As one traveler shared, “everything went perfectly, without worries,” highlighting punctual pickups and well-planned transitions. The friendly guides and English-speaking staff are consistently praised for making communication easy and enhancing the overall experience.

The safari at Udawalawe particularly impresses visitors, with sightings of many elephants making it memorable. The lunch at a local restaurant received excellent remarks, with one reviewer calling it “a memorable curry cooked in front of us,” which adds a delightful cultural touch.

While the Yala safari is sometimes noted for fewer sightings than Udawalawe, the diversity of landscapes and the chance to spot leopards make it worthwhile. One guest remarked, “The landscapes of the two parks are very different and fascinating, it is interesting to visit them both.”

Highlights from Actual Guests

• “The organization of the trip was impeccable, with smooth and punctual transfers.”
• “The guides spoke good English, making communication easy.”
• “The safari vehicles provide great views, and spotting elephants was exciting.”
• “The Sri Lankan lunch was excellent, with fresh flavors.”

Pricing, Value, and Practical Considerations

At $167, this tour offers good value for a full day combining two major parks, meals, and transfers. Keep in mind that the park entrance fees are extra: approximately $37 USD for Udawalawe, $12 USD for Elephant Transit, and $45 USD for Yala. These are paid in cash in Sri Lankan Rupees, so plan accordingly.

The small group size (limited to 12 participants) enhances the experience, ensuring guides can give more attention to each guest, and the safari vehicles are comfortable and well-equipped.

For families or travelers with limited mobility, early mornings, and long hours on safaris might be challenging. But for those eager for wildlife sightings and authentic nature encounters, this trip hits all the right notes.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This safari is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and adventurers wanting to maximize their time in Sri Lanka without multiple overnight stops. It’s ideal for those who appreciate small-group tours with expert guides, and who want to see iconic animals like elephants and leopards in their natural habitat. The inclusion of lunch and hotel transfers makes it a convenient all-in-one package, especially for visitors staying on the south coast.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour for You?

This day-long safari packs in a lot — early mornings, long drives, and close wildlife encounters — but for the price, you get two of Sri Lanka’s top wildlife parks, a delicious traditional lunch, and the comfort of organized transfers. The small group size makes it more personal and engaging, with guides who are knowledgeable and friendly.

If you’re looking to see elephants up close, perhaps spot a leopard or two, and enjoy authentic Sri Lankan food in the process, this tour offers excellent value. It’s especially suited for nature lovers who don’t mind an early start and a full day on the move. While not perfect for those with mobility issues or seeking a leisurely pace, it’s a fantastic option for travelers eager to combine wildlife, scenery, and cultural flavor in one memorable day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay park entrance fees separately?
Yes, the entrance fees for Udawalawe, Elephant Transit Home, and Yala are not included in the tour price and should be paid in cash in Sri Lankan Rupees.

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, transfers in air-conditioned vehicles, wildlife safaris in 4×4 jeeps, breakfast, lunch, and water.

How long are the safaris?
You’ll enjoy approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes at Udawalawe and 3 hours at Yala.

What if I want to join from a different location?
Pick-up is available from Koggala, Ahangama, Weligama, Mirissa, Matara, Dondra, and Talalla. For locations beyond, contact the provider for arrangements and extra charges.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children above 5 are charged at 50% of the adult price, and those 5 or below ride free. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The early start and long day might be tiring for young kids.

What should I wear or bring?
Dress in neutral colors suitable for wildlife viewing, bring sunscreen, a hat, and binoculars if you have them. Cameras are highly recommended.

Can I customize the experience?
While the itinerary is fixed, contact the operator if you have special needs or requests, especially regarding pick-up or drop-off locations.

How physically demanding is the tour?
It involves some sitting in jeeps and walking at each site, but it’s suitable for most travelers in good health. Not recommended for pregnant women or those with back problems.

What if I want to extend my stay or do other activities in Sri Lanka?
This tour is designed as a day trip, but the operator offers other experiences, so ask about additional arrangements or nearby activities.

This safari promises a full day of adventure, authentic wildlife encounters, and a taste of Sri Lanka’s vibrant natural beauty. Whether you’re captivated by elephants, intrigued by leopards, or simply want to experience the island’s landscapes, this tour provides a practical, rewarding way to learn about some of Sri Lanka’s best natural treasures.

You can check availability for your dates here: