We Rank Udawalawa National Park’s 10 Top Tours & Experiences

Udawalawa National Park is a top spot for wildlife lovers visiting Sri Lanka. Its vast landscape provides a natural home for herds of elephants, water buffalo, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species. While the park itself is impressive, the real magic happens when you step into a safari vehicle and get close to these animals in their natural habitat. We especially love the private safaris because they offer a more relaxed, personalized experience, allowing you to observe wildlife without the constant hustle of larger tour groups. For example, the Udawalawa National Park: Private Safari gets high marks for its small group size and knowledgeable guides, making it perfect for those wanting an intimate wildlife encounter.

If you’re looking to combine your safari with a longer adventure, the From Ella: All Inclusive Udawalawe National Park Safari offers an 8-hour tour packed with scenic drives, wildlife stops, and local touches like Sri Lankan desserts. For travelers with limited time, there are also quick half-day options like the Udawalawe: National Park Safari & Elephant Transit Home Tour, which combines wildlife viewing with a visit to the Elephant Transit Home. Down south, full-day trips and shuttle services provide a stress-free way to experience Udawalawa’s wildlife along with convenient transfers.

Below, you’ll find a detailed look at each of the ten best tours, helping you decide which adventure fits your style and schedule.

1. Udawalawa National Park: Private Safari

Enjoy a safari in Udawalawa National Park that provides an intimate look at Sri Lanka’s iconic elephants, along with water buffalo, wild boar, and many bird species. This tour lasts around 3 hours, during which an experienced guide will help you spot wildlife in the park’s mostly untouched wilderness. One of the key advantages of a private safari is the flexibility; guides are attentive to your pace, often moving quietly to avoid disturbing the animals, which helps you get closer to the action.

This tour consistently earns high praise, with reviews highlighting the professionalism and kindness of drivers like Darmasiri and guides like Asanka, who share detailed knowledge of the animals and their behaviors. For just $26 per person, it offers fantastic value, especially compared to larger group safaris. The small group size means fewer cars crowding around the animals, making for a more relaxed and authentic experience. The tour includes pickup and drop-off in Udawalawa, making logistics simple.

Bottom Line: Ideal for wildlife enthusiasts wanting an affordable, personalized experience with expert guides, this private safari delivers close encounters with elephants and a variety of other animals.

2. From Ella: All Inclusive Udawalawe National Park Safari

For around $140, this full-day tour offers an all-inclusive experience that includes transport from Ella, a 3-hour wildlife game drive, and a guided tour inside Udawalawa. This tour stands out because of its comprehensive approach: it’s not just about seeing animals but also enjoying the scenic drive and local Sri Lankan touches like roadside stops and traditional desserts. The guide Dino, with his 25 years of experience, is praised for his ability to spot elephants and share insightful wildlife facts.

The itinerary includes scenic stops along the way—over lotus fields and rural villages—that enrich the day. The vehicle is air-conditioned for comfort, and the small groups ensure personalized attention. Reviewers mention Dino’s genuine passion for wildlife and his efforts to inform and entertain during the long day. Plus, the trip includes visits to key spots like the Elephant Transit Home, where you can see baby elephants being fed, adding an emotional highlight.

Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers wanting a full-day, hassle-free adventure that combines scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and local culture, all led by a seasoned guide.

3. Ella: Shuttle to Tangalle/Mirissa/Galle & Udawalawa Safari

This budget-friendly shuttle service offers a convenient way to travel from Ella to popular southern destinations like Tangalle, Mirissa, and Galle, with a safari stop at Udawalawa included. For $52 per person, you get a 3-hour safari in Udawalawa along with door-to-door service in an air-conditioned vehicle, making it ideal for those wanting to see wildlife en route to their beach stay.

The tour’s strength is its simplicity and convenience, especially for travelers moving between the hill country and the south. While it doesn’t include a guided game drive, it’s perfect for those who want a quick wildlife encounter combined with their transfer. The safari stop allows you to stretch your legs and see elephants and other wildlife in their natural environment, without the need for a separate booking.

Bottom Line: A cost-effective way to combine transportation with wildlife viewing, perfect for travelers on a tight schedule or those wanting to keep costs down.

4. Hambantota Port: Udawalawe Safari Tour & Transit Home Visit

This half-day tour, priced at $66, is designed for cruise travelers or those with limited time. It includes a game drive through Udawalawa, focusing on elephants and other wildlife, and a visit to the Elephant Transit Home, where you can see young elephants being fed. You’ll spend about four hours exploring and learning about the animals’ habits and habitats.

The tour offers detailed explanations from guides like Pathum, and reviews highlight the driver’s expertise and the abundance of elephants seen during the drive. This experience is ideal for travelers wanting a quick but comprehensive wildlife experience, with the added bonus of visiting one of Asia’s largest elephant sanctuaries.

Bottom Line: Great for cruise passengers or those short on time, this tour balances wildlife viewing with educational visits, all in a manageable 4-hour window.

5. Tangalle/Hiriketiya: Udawalawa Safari & Elephant Transit Hom

For a full-day adventure at $93, this tour combines a half-day safari with a visit to the Elephant Transit Home. It focuses on the thriving elephant population of Udawalawa and the chance to see crocodiles, buffalo, and various bird species. The trip includes comfortable, air-conditioned transport from the southern beaches, making it a stress-free way to add wildlife viewing to your itinerary.

Reviewers note that early starts are best, and the experience is quite rewarding for those interested in elephants and wildlife. While some found the Elephant Sanctuary visit less essential, the safari itself received praise for its visibility of elephants and other animals.

Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers based in the south who want a dedicated, full-day wildlife outing to see Sri Lanka’s elephants in their natural setting.

6. Udawalawe: National Park Safari & Elephant Transit Home Tour

This 4-hour tour is an affordable option at just $28, combining a jeep safari with a visit to the Elephant Transit Home. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a quick, engaging experience with wild elephants and other wildlife like crocodiles and jackals.

The guide’s local knowledge shines, with reviews mentioning how helpful and informative guides like ours make the experience memorable. The timing is flexible, and the tour offers good value, especially for those on a budget. Visitors often appreciate the opportunity to see elephants close up and to learn about conservation efforts.

Bottom Line: A solid choice for wildlife lovers seeking a brief but meaningful safari experience focused on elephants and local fauna.

7. Udawalawe National Park | Full day-10 Hours | All Inclusive

At around $121, this full-day tour is ideal for travelers eager for an in-depth experience. Led by a guide with over 10 years of experience, it offers an extensive safari to see elephants and other animals, plus scenic drives and a chance to learn more about the park’s ecosystem.

The itinerary includes pickup from central locations and a focus on maximizing wildlife sightings in a relaxed setting. Reviewers mention the guide’s professionalism and the park’s impressive diversity. The tour is best suited for those with a whole day to spare and a keen interest in wildlife.

Bottom Line: Perfect for dedicated wildlife enthusiasts wanting a comprehensive, guided safari with plenty of time to explore.

8. Galle/Unawatuna/Mirissa: Udawalawe Safari

For $115, this single-day tour caters to travelers exploring the south coast. It combines hotel pickup with a safari in Udawalawa, where you can see a large herd of Asian elephants and other wildlife in the park’s wild habitat.

The tour emphasizes comfort and convenience, with friendly guides explaining the animals and their behaviors. Reviewers report seeing many animals and appreciate the smooth logistics, making this an easy way to add a wildlife experience to a beach holiday.

Bottom Line: Well-suited for beach travelers who want a hassle-free, guided wildlife outing while exploring Sri Lanka’s southern coast.

9. From Ella: Udawalawe Safari with Elephant Transit Home

This full-day trip, costing around $65, offers a comprehensive look at Udawalawa’s wildlife. It includes a 3-hour safari, a visit to the Elephant Transit Home, and a scenic drive back to Ella. Travelers like you will see an array of animals, including elephants, buffalo, deer, and crocodiles.

While reviews are mixed, many mention the guide’s helpfulness and the abundance of elephants seen during the safari. It’s a good choice for those staying in Ella who want a rewarding, day-long wildlife experience without breaking the bank.

Bottom Line: A practical, all-in-one trip for Ella-based travelers seeking a full day of wildlife and elephant viewing.

10. Udawalawe Wild Safari Tours | 10 Hours Safari

Costing $69 per person, this 10-hour safari tour offers a guided, immersive experience led by a guide with over a decade of experience. The focus is on elephants and other wildlife, with opportunities to spot a variety of animals and birds in the expansive park.

The long duration allows for a thorough exploration, especially suited for travelers who want to maximize their wildlife sightings and enjoy a full day in Sri Lanka’s wilderness. Reviewers praise the professionalism of the guides and the quality of the sightings.

Bottom Line: Excellent for wildlife enthusiasts who want a full, guided day in Udawalawa with a focus on elephant sightings.

How to Choose

When picking the perfect Udawalawa tour, consider your budget, time availability, and interest level. If you prioritize intimacy and personalized attention, the private safari might be best. For those who want a relaxed, guided day with added cultural stops, the full-day all-inclusive provides exceptional value. Travelers on a cruise or short stop will appreciate the Hampantota Port option, while beach lovers in the south can opt for the Galle/Unawatuna/Mirissa safari.

Planning ahead is key—book early, especially during peak season, and check availability for your preferred times. Think about whether you want just a quick wildlife glimpse or a full-day immersion into Sri Lanka’s wildlife world.

Final Thoughts

Udawalawa National Park offers a variety of tours that cater to different interests and schedules. For a personalized, affordable experience, the private safari is hard to beat. If you’re after a comprehensive day with scenic drives and cultural stops, the all-inclusive safari hits the mark. Beach travelers and cruise passengers will find the shorter options perfectly suited.

Whatever you choose, remember that early booking can help secure the best times and prices. Watching elephants roam free in Sri Lanka’s wilderness is a memory worth making—so pick your adventure and get ready for some unforgettable wildlife encounters.