1-Day Tour of Both Yala and Udawalawe National Parks

Exploring the wildlife-rich national parks of Sri Lanka is a captivating experience. This 1-day tour takes visitors on an immersive journey through the stunning landscapes of Yala and Udawalawe, offering unparalleled opportunities to spot iconic species like leopards and elephants. With knowledgeable guides leading the way, travelers can expect an unforgettable adventure filled with breathtaking scenery and remarkable wildlife encounters. But the true allure of this tour lies in its ability to transport visitors into the heart of Sri Lanka’s captivating natural wonders.

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Key Points

This 1-day tour provides an opportunity to explore Yala and Udawalawe National Parks, Sri Lanka’s premier wildlife destinations, in a single day.
The tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, a picnic lunch, transportation, and all entrance fees, priced at £95.08 per person.
Guests can witness a variety of wildlife, including leopards, elephants, and diverse bird species, during the early morning safari in Yala and the afternoon exploration of Udawalawe.
The tour offers a seamless experience with a knowledgeable private guide, who provides insights into the animals and their habitats throughout the day.
The tour’s itinerary is designed to maximize wildlife sightings, with an early 5 AM pickup for the Yala safari and an afternoon exploration of Udawalawe until sunset.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This 1-day tour provides visitors the opportunity to explore two of Sri Lanka’s premier national parks – Yala and Udawalawe.

Priced at £95.08 per person, the 12-hour tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, a picnic lunch, water, transportation, and entrance fees.

The day begins with an early 5 AM pickup to visit Yala National Park at sunrise, followed by an afternoon safari in Udawalawe National Park until sunset.

Travelers can expect to spot a variety of wildlife, including leopards, elephants, water buffalo, and jackals, with a knowledgeable private guide leading the way in a rugged 4×4 vehicle.

Looking for more options in Yala National Park? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins with an early morning pickup at 5 AM from hotels in Yala, Tissamaharama, Kataragama, or Hambantota.

The tour begins with an early morning pickup at 5 AM from hotels in Yala, Tissamaharama, Kataragama, or Hambantota.

Guests visit Yala National Park first, home to 44 mammal species and 215 bird species. Exploring forests, grasslands, and lagoons, they experience the beauty of the park at sunrise.

After a picnic lunch, the tour heads to Udawalawe National Park. From 2:30 PM until sunset at 6 PM, guests search for elephants, deer, jackals, and other wildlife.

Throughout, a knowledgeable private guide in a rugged 4×4 vehicle provides the wildlife experience.

Yala National Park Experience

As the tour begins at Yala National Park, guests explore the diverse landscapes of the park, which include forests, grasslands, and lagoons.

They experience the park’s wildlife during the sunrise, spotting a variety of mammals like leopards, elephants, and jackals.

The knowledgeable private guide navigates the rugged 4×4 vehicle, sharing insights about the animals and their habitats.

Visitors are captivated by the beauty of the natural surroundings and the chance to witness these majestic creatures in their element.

The morning at Yala sets the stage for the afternoon adventure at Udawalawe National Park.

Udawalawe National Park Exploration

After the morning adventure at Yala National Park, the tour now transitions to Udawalawe National Park for the afternoon exploration.

At 2:30 PM, the group heads to the second national park, known for its large elephant population. The guide leads the drive through the grasslands and forests, scanning for wildlife. Guests eagerly watch for elephants, deer, jackals, and other animals.

As the sun sets at 6 PM, the tour concludes its exploration of Udawalawe’s diverse habitats.

With both morning and afternoon safaris complete, the day tour offers an immersive experience to see Sri Lanka’s renowned wildlife.

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Wildlife Sightings

With the national park explorations underway, guests eagerly scanned the landscapes for the diverse array of wildlife. The knowledgeable guide skillfully navigated the rugged terrain, spotting a variety of species along the way. From majestic elephants roaming the grasslands to elusive leopards lounging in the trees, the wildlife encounters exceeded expectations. Guests were thrilled to witness the natural behaviors of these magnificent creatures in their native habitats. The table below highlights some of the notable wildlife sightings during the tour.

| Yala National Park | Udawalawe National Park |

|——————-|————————|

| Leopard | Elephant |

| Elephant | Deer |

| Water Buffalo | Jackal |

| Sambar Deer | Crocodile |

There's plenty more to explore in Yala National Park

Tour Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package includes a comprehensive list of amenities to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.

It includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a picnic lunch, bottled water, and transportation in a rugged 4×4 vehicle.

Entrance fees to both Yala and Udawalawe National Parks are also covered.

Customers can take advantage of the knowledgeable private guide who’ll lead the safari experience.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or individuals with back problems.

Pets and smoking are also not allowed.

Customers should bring a sun hat and camera to capture the stunning wildlife sightings.

Important Considerations

There are a few important considerations to keep in mind when booking this 1-Day Tour of Yala and Udawalawe National Parks.

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or those with back problems, so guests should ensure they can handle the rugged 4×4 vehicle transport.

Bringing a sun hat and camera is recommended, while pets and smoking aren’t allowed.

Entrance fees for Yala and Udawalawe National Parks aren’t included in the tour price, costing approximately $40 USD and $33 USD respectively.

Guests should plan accordingly and pack appropriately for this wildlife-focused day trip.

Customer Feedback

Although the 1-Day Tour of Yala and Udawalawe National Parks received a mixed bag of customer reviews, many praised the guide’s animal spotting skills and the overall experience of the day trip.

Some guests complained about pricing transparency and felt the guide’s knowledge could be improved.

However, positive comments highlighted the thrill of seeing leopards, elephants, and other wildlife during the sunrise and sunset safaris.

Customers thrilled by sightings of leopards, elephants, and other wildlife during sunrise and sunset safaris.

Customers appreciated the convenience of hotel pickup, the included picnic lunch, and the ability to explore two of Sri Lanka’s premier national parks in a single day.

Common Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

The tour package includes a picnic lunch and water, so bringing your own food and drinks is not necessary. However, you’re welcome to bring additional snacks or beverages if you wish.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour package doesn’t offer an option to extend the duration. However, travelers can inquire with the tour operator about customizing the tour or booking a private extended tour if they’d like more time in the national parks.

Do I Need to Pay a Deposit for the Tour?

The tour operator does not require a deposit for this tour. Customers can pay the full amount upon pickup. The tour is prepaid, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Can I Customize the Itinerary Based on My Preferences?

The tour’s itinerary is fixed, but you can discuss your preferences with the tour operator. They may be able to accommodate minor adjustments to better suit your interests, subject to logistical constraints and other guests’ needs.

What Happens if the Weather Is Unfavorable During the Tour?

If the weather is unfavorable, the tour company will work with customers to adjust the itinerary as needed. They’ll provide guidance on any weather-related changes to activities and ensure customers have a smooth and enjoyable experience despite the conditions.

The Sum Up

This one-day tour of Yala and Udawalawe National Parks offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness Sri Lanka’s breathtaking natural beauty and diverse wildlife. From majestic leopards to towering elephants, the guided expeditions provide an immersive and unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts. With knowledgeable guides leading the way, travelers are sure to create lasting memories from this captivating exploration of Sri Lanka’s renowned national parks.

You can check availability for your dates here: