Ella, the charming hill town in Sri Lanka, serves as the gateway to a day of coastal exploration and safari adventure. Travelers can easily shuttle between picturesque destinations like Mirissa, Galle, and Hikkaduwa, taking in the stunning seaside landscapes. But the highlight of the day? An exhilarating safari through Udawalawe National Park, where the chance to spot elephants and endemic birds awaits. With convenient transportation and knowledgeable guides, this seamless experience promises to captivate all who embark on it.
Key Points

- Shuttle service from Ella to southern coast destinations including Mirissa, Weligama, and Galle, combined with a 3-hour safari tour in Udawalawe National Park.
- Comfortable, air-conditioned transportation with pickup and drop-off options at various locations along the route.
- Early morning safari in Udawalawe National Park to observe diverse wildlife, such as elephants, crocodiles, and endemic birds.
- Positive customer reviews highlighting the knowledgeable guides, smooth journeys, and overall reliable and satisfactory experience.
- Entrance and service fees for Udawalawe National Park are not included in the price, and the tour may not be suitable for certain individuals.
Activity Overview

The activity offers a shuttle service from Ella to destinations along the southern coast, including Mirissa, Weligama, and Galle, combined with a safari tour through Udawalawe National Park.
The price ranges from €90.40 to €85.88 per person, offering a potential saving of up to 5%. The duration is 1 day, including a 3-hour safari.
A live English-speaking tour guide accompanies the group, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The tour features comfortable air-conditioned transportation and an early morning safari to optimize wildlife viewing.
Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Udawalawa National Park
Transportation Details

Pickup from any hotel in Ella, Bandarawela, Haputale, or Wellawaya area is provided.
Travelers will be transported in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.
Travelers will be transported in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring a pleasant journey.
The shuttle service covers the route from Ella to Mirissa, Weligama, or Galle.
Passengers will be dropped off at their desired destination, which can be in the Matara, Mirissa, Weligama, Ahangama, Koggala, Habaraduwa, Unawatuna, or Galle areas.
Highway toll charges are included in the price, ensuring a hassle-free journey.
The shuttle service is designed to provide a convenient and comfortable way to explore the southern coast of Sri Lanka.
Safari Experience

What can visitors expect from the safari experience?
The early morning safari in Udawalawe National Park offers the chance to spot a variety of Sri Lankan wildlife.
Travelers will ride in open-air jeeps, providing optimal viewing of elephants, crocodiles, monkeys, water buffaloes, and endemic bird species.
With the animals at their peak activity levels, the tour promises ample photography opportunities to capture the local wildlife and natural habitats.
The knowledgeable guide will share insights about the park’s ecosystem and animal behaviors, enhancing the overall safari adventure.
Customer Reviews

Based on the overwhelmingly positive reviews, customers seem to have thoroughly enjoyed their experience with this shuttle and safari tour.
Reviewers highlighted several key aspects:
-
Timely pickups and comfortable vehicles made for a smooth and enjoyable journey.
-
Knowledgeable guides provided valuable insights during the safari, leading to many sightings of elephants and other wildlife.
-
The overall ease of travel and seamless transitions between drivers were commended, contributing to a hassle-free experience.
With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on 46 reviews, this shuttle and safari tour appears to be a reliable and memorable option for visitors to Sri Lanka.
More Great Tours NearbyImportant Information

There are a few important considerations for this shuttle and safari tour.
Firstly, the entrance and service fees to Udawalawe National Park aren’t included in the tour price, costing approximately $37 USD per person.
The entrance and service fees to Udawalawe National Park aren’t included in the tour price, costing approximately $37 USD per person.
Plus, the tour may not be suitable for pregnant women or individuals with back problems, as the safari is conducted in open-concept jeeps.
Participants should also check availability for starting times and ensure they meet the required group size.
- From Ella: Udawalawe Safari With Elephant Transit Home
- Udawalawe Wild Safari Tours | 10 Hours Safari
- Tangalle/Hiriketiya: Udawalawa Safari & Elephant Transit Hom
- Ella: Shuttle to Mirissa/Galle/Hikkaduwa & Udawalawa Safari
- Galle/Unawatuna/Mirissa: Udawalawe Safari
- Udawalawe National Park | Full Day-10 Hours | All Inclusive
Booking and Pricing

Booking this shuttle and safari tour is straightforward. Prices start from €90.40 to €85.88 per person, with potential savings up to 5%.
Here are the key booking details:
-
Secure your spot by selecting your desired departure date and location on the tour provider’s website or app.
-
Choose from a range of pickup points in the Ella, Bandarawela, Haputale, and Wellawaya areas.
-
Complete your booking and payment online, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
This convenient shuttle and safari package offers an engaging one-day experience exploring Sri Lanka’s wildlife and landscapes.
Pickup and Drop-off Locations

The shuttle service offers convenient pickup locations across the Ella, Bandarawala, Haputale, and Wellawaya areas. Passengers can be picked up from any hotel in these regions and transferred to their desired destination in the Matara, Mirissa, Weligama, Ahangama, Koggala, Habaraduwa, Unawatuna, or Galle areas.
| Pickup Locations | Drop-off Locations |
| — | — |
| Ella | Matara/Mirissa/Weligama |
| Bandarawela | Ahangama/Koggala/Habaraduwa |
| Haputale | Unawatuna/Galle |
| Wellawaya | Hikkaduwa |
The vehicles used are comfortable, air-conditioned, and the highway toll charges are included in the price.
Highlights and Inclusions

The shuttle and safari experience offers a range of highlights and inclusions.
Travelers can enjoy:
-
A 3-hour safari through Udawalawe National Park, spotting elephants, crocodiles, monkeys, and endemic birds in their natural habitats.
-
Comfortable air-conditioned transportation with pickup from hotels in the Ella, Bandarawela, Haputale, or Wellawaya areas, and drop-off in the Matara, Mirissa, Weligama, or Galle regions.
-
A live English-speaking tour guide to provide insights throughout the day’s activities.
The pricing for this full-day adventure ranges from €90.40 to €85.88 per person, with up to 5% savings available.
Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance.
Common Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Safari?
Passengers are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on the safari. However, the tour operator recommends purchasing refreshments from the park’s designated vendors to support the local economy and ensure food safety.
Is There an Option to Extend the Safari Duration?
Yes, it’s possible to extend the safari duration. Customers can speak with the tour operator about upgrading to a longer safari experience in Udawalawe National Park for an additional fee. However, this option isn’t automatically included in the standard tour.
How Many People Typically Join the Shuttle Service?
The shuttle service typically accommodates a small group size, with most tours having between 6 to 12 participants. The group size allows for a more personalized experience during the safari and transportation.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Children or Seniors?
There are no specific discounts mentioned for children or seniors. The prices listed range from €90.40 to €85.88 per person, with a potential savings of up to 5% available.
Can I Book the Shuttle and Safari Separately?
Yes, you can book the shuttle and safari separately. The shuttle service and Udawalawe National Park safari can be purchased individually, providing more flexibility for your travel plans.
The Sum Up
This Ella to Mirissa/Galle/Hikkaduwa shuttle service coupled with an Udawalawe National Park safari offers travelers a seamless and memorable experience. With comfortable transportation, knowledgeable guides, and the chance to spot diverse wildlife, this adventure is both enjoyable and hassle-free. Competitive pricing and convenient hotel pickups make this the perfect choice for exploring Sri Lanka’s stunning landscapes.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Full-Day in Udawalawa National Park
More Tour Reviews in Udawalawa National Park
- From Ella: All Inclusive Udawalawe National Park Safari
- Udawalawe National Park | Full Day-10 Hours | All Inclusive
- Galle/Unawatuna/Mirissa: Udawalawe Safari
- Ella: Shuttle to Mirissa/Galle/Hikkaduwa & Udawalawa Safari
- Tangalle/Hiriketiya: Udawalawa Safari & Elephant Transit Hom
- Udawalawe Wild Safari Tours | 10 Hours Safari
