Galle/Mirissa/Hiriketiya: Drop to Ella & Udawalawa Safari

Travelers seeking a seamless journey from Galle, Mirissa, or Hiriketiya to Ella can now experience an exhilarating safari through Udawalawa National Park. This service offers comfortable, air-conditioned transportation and the opportunity to spot elephants, crocodiles, and monkeys in their natural habitats. With flexible booking options and experienced local guides, this adventure promises an unforgettable wildlife encounter. But what else can one expect on this comprehensive journey through Sri Lanka’s stunning landscapes?

Key Points

• Shuttle service connects coastal towns like Galle, Mirissa, and Hiriketiya to Ella, with a journey duration of approximately 8 hours.
• The service includes a combined shuttle transfer and safari through Udawalawe National Park, known for its elephant, crocodile, and monkey sightings.
• Pickup from hotels in coastal towns and direct drop-off at the hotel in Ella are included, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
• Early morning safari offers the best wildlife viewing opportunities, with local guides providing insights and encouraging donations for additional information.
• The tour package price ranges from £63.35 to £60.18 per person, with up to 5% savings and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Service

This shuttle service offers a convenient way to travel from various coastal towns in southern Sri Lanka, including Tangalle, Hiriketiya, Matara, Mirissa, Weligama, Unawatuna, Galle, and Hikkaduwa, directly to the town of Ella.

The duration of the journey is approximately 8 hours, and the price ranges from £63.35 to £60.18 per person, with the opportunity to save up to 5%.

Customers can reserve the service now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This activity combines a shuttle transfer with a safari through Udawalawa National Park.

Transportation Details

The shuttle service includes pickup from hotels in the specified areas, ensuring a convenient start to the journey.

Travelers will ride in an air-conditioned vehicle, providing comfort throughout the transfer to Ella after the safari.

The transportation is seamlessly coordinated, with a direct drop-off at the traveler’s hotel in Ella following the Udawalawe National Park exploration.

This end-to-end service allows for a hassle-free experience, enabling guests to fully enjoy the wildlife encounter without worrying about logistics.

Udawalawe National Park Safari

After the seamless transportation to Ella, travelers embark on an exhilarating safari through Udawalawe National Park.

During the early morning tour, they’ll have the opportunity to spot diverse wildlife, including elephants, crocodiles, and monkeys, in their natural habitat. Local guides provide valuable insights, though donations are expected for additional information.

The safari offers a chance to see elephants up close, making for an unforgettable experience. With the chance to witness the park’s vibrant ecosystem, the Udawalawe adventure completes the exceptional door-to-door service from the southern coastal towns to Ella.

Wildlife Viewing Opportunities

Early morning tours provide the best opportunities to spot wildlife in Udawalawe National Park.

Visitors can see herds of elephants grazing, crocodiles basking on the banks, and monkeys leaping through the trees. Local guides are adept at spotting the diverse bird species that inhabit the park, from vibrant peacocks to majestic eagles.

There are chances to observe the animals up close, though a respectful distance is maintained. The safari experience offers a chance to witness the animals in their natural habitat, providing memorable wildlife encounters for travelers.

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Experienced Local Guides

Although the Udawalawe National Park safari is a self-guided experience, knowledgeable local guides are available to provide valuable insights and help spot wildlife.

These guides have extensive experience navigating the park and intimate knowledge of the animals’ behaviors and habitats. They’ll point out subtle signs of animal activity, identify different species, and share fascinating facts about the park’s diverse ecosystem.

Their expertise enhances the safari experience, increasing the chances of up-close encounters with elephants, crocodiles, and other wildlife.

Visitors are encouraged to make a small donation to the guides for their helpful insights and commentary.

Entrance Fees and Additional Costs

The entrance fees for Udawalawe National Park are not included in the tour package, which costs an additional 21,500 LKR for two adults. While this additional cost is not covered in the base price, the package offers excellent value with its comfortable transportation and knowledgeable local guides.

| Item | Cost (LKR) |

|——|————|

| Park Entrance Fee (2 adults) | 21,500 |

| Tour Package | 60,180* |

| Total | 81,680 |

*Discounted price from £63.35 per person.

The guides can provide valuable insights on the wildlife, enhancing the overall safari experience. Travelers are encouraged to be flexible with their plans and take advantage of the option to reserve without immediate payment.

Flexibility in Travel Plans

With the option to reserve the shuttle service without immediate payment, travelers can keep their travel plans flexible.

This "reserve now, pay later" policy allows guests to book the transportation and safari experience in advance, without requiring full upfront payment.

Plus, the service offers free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure, ensuring travelers have the freedom to adjust their itinerary if needed.

This combination of booking flexibility and risk-free cancellation empowers travelers to plan their Ella and Udawalawa adventure with confidence, knowing they can adapt their travel arrangements as necessary.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the shuttle service and safari experience, with the service earning an impressive 4.8/5 rating based on 60 reviews.

The guides, transportation, and overall value for money received particularly high marks, scoring 4.9/5 and 4.2/5 respectively. Guests highlighted prompt pickups, friendly drivers, and successful wildlife sightings during the Udawalawe National Park safari.

The service provides a hassle-free way to explore the region’s natural beauty, with the flexibility to book without immediate payment and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Common Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks for the Safari?

Yes, customers can bring their own food and drinks for the safari. Participants are free to pack snacks and beverages to enjoy during the wildlife viewing experience in Udawalawe National Park.

Is There an Option to Extend the Safari Duration?

Yes, there’s an option to extend the safari duration. Customers can request an extended safari experience, which would incur an additional fee. The tour operator can accommodate these requests based on availability.

Are Children Allowed on the Safari, and Is There a Discount?

Yes, children are welcome on the safari. There is a 20% discount for children under 12 years old. The safari provides an engaging wildlife experience suitable for all ages.

Can I Stop at Places of Interest Along the Way to Ella?

Yes, you can stop at places of interest along the way to Ella. The shuttle service offers flexibility, allowing you to visit sites en route to your final destination at Ella.

What Items Should I Bring for the Safari Experience?

For the safari, visitors should bring binoculars, camera, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and water. Wearing comfortable, lightweight clothing and closed-toe shoes is also recommended to fully enjoy the wildlife viewing experience.

The Sum Up

This seamless excursion offers a convenient way to travel from Galle, Mirissa, or Hiriketiya to Ella, complemented by an exhilarating safari through Udawalawa National Park. Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles, experienced local guides, and the flexibility to plan your trip make this adventure a hassle-free experience. With the opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife, this service promises an unforgettable journey through Sri Lanka’s picturesque landscapes.

You can check availability for your dates here: