Bentota is a fantastic base for exploring Sri Lanka’s rich wildlife. It’s not just about lounging on beaches—it’s also a gateway to some of the island’s most renowned national parks. Whether you’re eager to see elephants, leopards, or rare birds, Bentota makes an excellent starting point thanks to its central location and well-organized tour options. We especially like the Udawalawe safaris for their focus on elephants and the Yala adventures for the chance to spot elusive leopards. Plus, many tours include hotel pick-up and drop-off, making your wildlife adventures easy and stress-free.
If you’re short on time, a full-day safari like the From Bentota: Full-Day Yala National Park Safari Tour offers a comprehensive experience. For those who want a longer, more immersive trip, the 10 to 12-hour Udawalawe safari provides a deeper look at Sri Lanka’s most iconic animals. Explore below to find out which tour fits your style and schedule.
1. Udawalawe National Park Safari from Bentota
At number 1 on our list, the Udawalawe National Park Safari from Bentota is perfect for travelers wanting a hassle-free wildlife experience. For around $137, this full-day adventure includes private return transfers from your hotel and a 4×4 open-top safari inside the park. The route is designed for comfort, with everything from park entry fees to hotel pickup included, so you can focus on the thrill of spotting wildlife. During the safari, look for elephants, crocodiles, deer, and a variety of bird species—Udawalawe is famous for its large herds of elephants.
What sets this tour apart is its simplicity and focus on wildlife viewing, guided by a knowledgeable guide with a good eye for spotting animals. The safari typically starts early and lasts about 9 hours, making it ideal for a full day of adventure. Guests love the straightforward logistics and the chance to see elephants in their natural habitat. This tour is best suited for travelers who want a reliable, all-inclusive experience without the hassle of arranging transport or park fees themselves.
Bottom Line: If elephants are your main interest and you prefer a smooth, guided experience, this safari delivers excellent value.
2. Udawalawa National Park Safari
Coming in at number 2, the Udawalawa National Park Safari is a great choice if you’re traveling with a group of up to seven people. For $150, the entire group gets a private guided tour that lasts approximately 10 to 12 hours. One of its distinctive features is the flat fee, which simplifies budgeting, especially for families or friends traveling together. This tour includes pick-up and drop-off from hotels in Colombo, Ahungalla, or the airport area, making it very convenient if you’re based in those regions.
The tour highlights include a visit to Udawalawe, known for its large herds of elephants, and a stop at the Moonstone Mines in Meetiyagoda for a worthwhile gemstone shopping experience. The safari itself is designed to give you a good chance to see elephants, buffalo, and macaques, with a guide sharing insights about the animals and their environment.
Guests have commented that the tour is well-organized and provides good value for the price, especially given the inclusive nature of the group rate. Do note, park admission fees, meals, and the 4WD rental are at your own expense, so budget accordingly.
Bottom Line: Perfect for groups wanting a private experience with some extra sightseeing, like gemstone shopping, bundled into the day.
$150.00 per group (up to 7)
3. Udawalawe National Park Safari from Ahungalla
Number 3 on our list is the Udawalawe National Park Safari from Ahungalla, an 8.5-hour tour priced at about $128 per person. This trip is ideal for those staying in Ahungalla, offering a convenient way to explore Sri Lanka’s elephant territory. The itinerary includes a 3-hour safari inside Udawalawe, giving plenty of time to spot wildlife with a guide who knows the best viewing spots.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on seeing elephants in the wild, which Udawalawe is particularly famous for. The safari is short but impactful, emphasizing wildlife in its natural settings. Travelers appreciate the organized pickup from Ahungalla and the smooth transfer, which makes it easy to join without extra planning stress. The tour emphasizes the experience of raw nature and the opportunity to see animals like elephants, crocodiles, and various bird species.
A reviewer noted, “This short but unforgettable safari brought us many steps closer to raw nature,” highlighting the quality of the experience. It’s best suited for travelers who want a focused, shorter excursion rather than a full day of sightseeing.
Bottom Line: For those based in Ahungalla and with limited time, this safari offers a compact, wildlife-rich experience.
$128.00 per person
4. Yala National Park Safari from Bentota
Number 4 is the Yala National Park Safari from Bentota, offering an opportunity to see leopards, elephants, and crocodiles in Sri Lanka’s second-largest park. For $172, you get a nearly 9-hour trip that includes a game drive through diverse habitats. Yala’s reputation for spotting leopards makes it a must-do for wildlife enthusiasts.
This tour provides a rough terrain vehicle that can handle Yala’s varied landscape, and the safari guides are experienced at finding elusive animals. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, and during the drive, you’ll see elephants grazing and possibly catch a glimpse of the elusive leopard. Reviews mention the “good mix of animals and terrains” and highlight the opportunity for close encounters with Sri Lanka’s iconic wildlife.
While the price is higher, the chance to see leopards and a broader range of animals** makes it worthwhile. The town of Bentota offers a scenic coastal backdrop, combining beach time with wildlife adventures.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers eager to see Sri Lanka’s big cats and enjoy a longer, more adventurous safari.
5. From Bentota: Full-Day Yala National Park Safari Tour
Rounding out our list, the Full-Day Yala National Park Safari from Bentota is an excellent option for those who want a comprehensive day immersed in Sri Lanka’s wildlife. For $105, the tour offers about 12 hours of adventure, with pick-up from multiple locations including Bentota, Beruwala, and Kalutara.
The day includes a scenic drive to Yala, with a roughly four-hour wildlife viewing session inside the park. Expect to see elephants, exotic birds, and perhaps a leopard if luck is on your side. The tour emphasizes easy logistics, with hotel pickups and drop-offs, making it suitable for time-conscious travelers. The reviews mention the excellent value and the chance to enjoy Yala’s diverse ecosystems.
This tour is ideal if you want a full day of wildlife without the hassle, especially if you’re based in the southern coast area. It’s less expensive than some shorter tours but still packs in a lot of wildlife action.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers looking to maximize their wildlife sightings in a single day, with convenience built in.
$105 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect National Park Tour in Bentota
When selecting the right tour, consider your budget, available time, and specific interests. For instance, if elephants are your main focus, the Udawalawe safaris are unbeatable. If you’re eager to see leopards and diverse habitats, the Yala tours should be your pick. If traveling with a group, the private group safari offers great value and comfort, while solo travelers might prefer the full-day Yala tour for its flexibility.
Check booking conditions and best times to visit—wildlife is most active early morning or late afternoon, so scheduling around sunrise or sunset can enhance your chances of sightings. For detailed planning, visit the specific tour pages, and remember to book early during peak seasons to secure your spot.
Final Thoughts
From elephants in Udawalawe to leopards in Yala, Bentota offers a range of national park tours suited to different interests and schedules. For a quick, reliable sighting of Sri Lanka’s iconic elephants, the Udawalawe Safari is hard to beat. For a broader adventure with the chance to see elusive big cats, the Yala safaris shine. And if you’re traveling with a group or want a full-day immersive experience, options like the Udawalawe or Yala full-day tours will serve you well.
Whatever your choice, remember to book early—these tours fill up fast, especially during peak season. Each offers a chance to see Sri Lanka’s wildlife in its natural habitat, making your trip truly unforgettable. Happy wildlife spotting!