Exploring Sri Lanka’s natural wonders has never been easier. The "Ella to Tangalle/Hiriketiya Shuttle & Yala Safari Adventure" offers an exceptional opportunity to witness the country’s stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. This 8-hour experience combines a scenic drive through lush tea plantations with an exhilarating safari in Yala National Park, giving travelers a chance to spot elephants, leopards, and an array of bird species. At just €11.75 per person, it’s an adventure that shouldn’t be missed. What makes this tour truly remarkable is the chance to take in Sri Lanka’s captivating beauty.

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Key Points

This tour offers a scenic drive from Ella to Tangalle/Hiriketiya, followed by an exciting wildlife safari in Yala National Park, all for a discounted price of €11.75 per person.
The 8-hour experience includes pickup from hotels, a 2-hour car journey, a 30-minute transfer to the safari location, and a 2-hour guided wildlife tour.
Travelers can enjoy the natural beauty of the region, including lush tea plantations and rolling hills, before seeing the biodiversity of Yala National Park.
The tour includes air-conditioned transportation, but excludes food, drinks, and park entrance fees, which must be paid in cash using Sri Lankan Rupees.
The tour may not be suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back problems, or wheelchair users, due to the rugged nature of the 4×4 vehicle used for the safari.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Pricing

The tour, titled "Ella to Tangalle/Hiriketiya Shuttle & Yala Safari Adventure," offers a discounted price, with savings of up to 20% bringing the cost down from €14.68 to €11.75 per person.

This 8-hour experience includes a scenic drive, a safari in Yala National Park, and drop-off in either Tangalle or Hiriketiya.

Guests can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance and take advantage of a flexible booking policy that allows them to reserve their spot without immediate payment.

The tour provides a comfortable shuttle service with a professional driver/guide, ensuring a memorable and hassle-free adventure.

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Itinerary

Pickup for the tour commences from hotels in the Ella/Bandarawela area.

The scenic drive takes 15 minutes before transitioning to a 2-hour car journey to Yala National Park.

Once there, guests board a rugged 4×4 jeep/SUV for a 30-minute transfer to the safari location.

The guided wildlife tour lasts 2 hours, followed by a 30-minute break. An additional 1 hour of wildlife viewing concludes the safari.

The return journey mirrors the outbound, with a 30-minute jeep/SUV transfer and 2-hour car drive, culminating in drop-off at the guest’s chosen destination of Tangalle or Hiriketiya.

Scenic Drive and Sightseeing

As the tour commences, guests are treated to a 15-minute scenic drive through the lush tea plantations and local villages surrounding Ella.

The winding roads offer breathtaking views of the rolling hills, dotted with verdant tea bushes and traditional Sri Lankan homes.

The winding roads offer breathtaking views of the rolling hills, dotted with verdant tea bushes and traditional Sri Lankan homes.

This scenic introduction sets the stage for the adventure to come, allowing travelers to appreciate the natural beauty of the region before embarking on the journey to Yala National Park.

The serene drive provides a peaceful transition from the bustling town of Ella, preparing guests for the wildlife encounter that awaits them.

Yala National Park Safari

After the scenic drive, the adventurers embark on the main highlight of the tour – the thrilling wildlife safari at Yala National Park.

They hop into a rugged Toyota Hilux 4×4 vehicle and venture into the park, expertly guided by a knowledgeable driver.

The safari offers opportunities to spot an array of wildlife, including majestic elephants, elusive leopards, mischievous monkeys, and a diverse array of bird species.

The adventurers enjoy a 2-hour guided tour, followed by a break and an additional hour of wildlife viewing.

This immersive safari experience allows them to connect with the rich biodiversity of Yala National Park.

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Wildlife Viewing and Spotting

During the wildlife safari, adventurers eagerly scan the lush landscapes of Yala National Park, keeping a keen eye out for the diverse array of flora and fauna.

With the guidance of experienced drivers and naturalists, they’ve the chance to spot majestic elephants, elusive leopards, playful monkeys, and a wide variety of exotic bird species.

The thrill of spotting these captivating creatures in their natural habitat is unparalleled.

The thrill of encountering these captivating creatures in their natural realm is unmatched and truly awe-inspiring.

The safari vehicle navigates through the park’s rugged terrain, allowing visitors to enjoy the wild wonders of this premier Sri Lankan destination.

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Return Travel and Drop-off

The journey back from Yala National Park begins with a 30-minute transfer by Jeep/SUV to the waiting car. Passengers then embark on the 2-hour drive back to their final destination. The return route offers another opportunity to admire the scenic landscapes as the vehicle navigates through the winding roads.

| Return Travel | |

| — | — |

| Jeep/SUV | 30 minutes |

| Car | 2 hours |

| Drop-off Locations | Tangalle or Hiriketiya |

Upon arrival, travelers are dropped off at either Tangalle or Hiriketiya, depending on their preference, concluding the Ella to Tangalle/Hiriketiya Shuttle & Yala Safari Adventure.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This tour includes an array of services to provide a seamless and enjoyable experience.

It covers pickup from hotels in Ella/Bandarawela and drop-off in Tangalle/Hiriketiya. The package also includes a wildlife safari in Yala National Park, using a Toyota Hilux rugged 4×4 safari vehicle.

Ground transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with luggage space and highway toll charges are also covered.

However, food, drinks, and the entrance and service fees for Yala National Park, which must be paid in cash in Sri Lankan Rupees, aren’t included in the tour price.

Important Considerations

Certain travelers may find this tour unsuitable.

Certain travelers may find this tour unsuitable.

Pregnant women, individuals with back problems, and wheelchair users are advised against participating due to the physical demands of the safari experience. The tour involves extended periods of sitting and navigating uneven terrain in the safari vehicle.

Plus, the entrance and service fees for Yala National Park must be paid in cash using Sri Lankan Rupees, as foreign currency payment facilities aren’t available at the park entrance.

Visitors should plan accordingly and ensure they’ve the necessary local currency before embarking on this adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Age Limit for Children Participating in the Safari?

The tour does not specify an age limit for children participating in the safari. However, it advises that the tour may not be suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back problems, or wheelchair users.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

While the tour includes transportation, it does not provide food or drinks. Participants can bring their own snacks and beverages to enjoy during the trip, but they’ll need to cover those costs separately.

Is There a Guided Tour Available in Languages Other Than English?

The tour offers guided safaris in English. Additional language options may be available upon request, but are not guaranteed. Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks for the excursion.

Do We Need to Bring Any Special Equipment or Gear for the Safari?

The safari typically does not require any special equipment or gear. Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and insect repellent are recommended. The tour operator will provide the necessary transportation and equipment for the wildlife viewing experience.

Can We Extend the Safari Duration or Add Additional Stops?

The tour duration and stops are pre-set, but travelers can inquire about customizing the itinerary or extending the safari time. However, any changes would incur additional costs and require prior arrangement with the tour operator.

The Sum Up

The "Ella to Tangalle/Hiriketiya Shuttle & Yala Safari Adventure" offers an exciting and affordable way to explore Sri Lanka’s natural wonders. With a scenic drive through tea plantations and a guided safari in Yala National Park, it’s an unforgettable experience that allows travelers to witness elephants, leopards, and diverse birdlife. The flexible cancellation policy and cash-only entrance fees make this adventure a hassle-free and rewarding addition to any Sri Lankan itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: