Exploring the wonders of Udawalawa National Park is a must-do activity for nature enthusiasts visiting Sri Lanka’s southern coast. This 9-hour safari adventure, now offered at a discounted price, promises an unforgettable encounter with the park’s diverse wildlife, including majestic elephants and elusive leopards. With convenient pickup options and a hassle-free experience, it’s the perfect way to take in the breathtaking beauty of Sri Lanka’s premier national park. What makes this safari truly remarkable, however, is the opportunity to visit the renowned Elephant Transit Home, where visitors can learn about the park’s conservation efforts firsthand.
Key Points
- This 9-hour tour from Mirissa, Galle, or Hikkaduwa offers a comprehensive Udawalawa National Park safari experience, including a 3-hour wildlife viewing and a visit to the Elephant Transit Home.
- The tour provides convenient pickup options from 14 diverse locations, ensuring easy access for travelers, and includes national park entry tickets for a hassle-free experience.
- Visitors can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including large herds of Asian elephants, leopards, water buffalo, deer, and a rich avian population, during the safari.
- The Elephant Transit Home visit offers an educational experience on conservation efforts and the rehabilitation of orphaned or injured young elephants.
- The tour features competitive pricing with savings of up to 20% and a "Reserve now & pay later" option, providing booking flexibility for travelers.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The tour, titled "Udawalawa National Park Safari from Mirissa/Galle/Hikkaduwa," offers competitive pricing, with savings of up to 20% – from €82.90 to €66.32 per person.
It’s a 9-hour experience with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Customers can also take advantage of the "Reserve now & pay later" option for added booking flexibility.
The tour includes pickup and drop-off, as well as national park entry tickets, ensuring a hassle-free safari experience through Udawalawa’s diverse landscapes, known for its abundant wildlife.
Looking for more options in Mirissa? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Itinerary and Highlights
Offering a diverse range of pickup locations, the tour provides 14 options, including Talpe, Udawalawa, Tissamaharama, Weligama, Hikkaduwa, Dikwella, Ahangama, Unawatuna, Ella, Thanamalwila, Galle, Mirissa, Tangalle, and Matara.
With pickup options from Talpe to Matara, the tour offers extensive coverage for your convenience.
The main stops include:
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Udawalawa National Park: A 3-hour safari through diverse landscapes, known for large herds of elephants, leopards, water buffalo, deer, and various bird species.
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Elephant Transit Home: A 1-hour visit to the rehabilitation center for orphaned or injured young elephants.
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Transportation: Luxury air-conditioned vehicles and 4*4 safari jeeps for optimal wildlife viewing.
Pickup Locations
With a range of 14 pickup locations, travelers can conveniently join the Udawalawa National Park Safari from various towns and cities, including Talpe, Udawalawa, Tissamaharama, Weligama, Hikkaduwa, Dikwella, Ahangama, Unawatuna, Ella, Thanamalwila, Galle, Mirissa, Tangalle, and Matara.
This diverse selection ensures easy access to the tour, catering to visitors in different areas. Whether staying in Mirissa, Galle, or Hikkaduwa, travelers can seamlessly arrange their pickup and embark on the safari adventure, maximizing their convenience and flexibility.
Udawalawa National Park Safari
Spanning over 30,000 hectares, Udawalawa National Park is a premier wildlife destination in Sri Lanka, renowned for its diverse and abundant wildlife.
Sprawling over 30,000 hectares, Udawalawa National Park in Sri Lanka is a renowned wildlife haven teeming with diverse and abundant fauna.
The park is home to:
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Large herds of Asian elephants, which can be observed roaming freely through the diverse landscapes
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Majestic leopards, considered one of the best places in the country to spot these elusive predators
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A variety of other wildlife, including water buffalo, deer, and a rich avian population
The safari through the park offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
More Great Tours NearbyElephant Transit Home
The Elephant Transit Home is a rehabilitation center dedicated to the care and recovery of orphaned or injured young elephants within Udawalawa National Park. Visitors can witness the feeding and daily care of these elephants, learning about the conservation efforts to protect these gentle giants. The center provides a safe haven for the elephants until they are ready to be released back into the wild.
| Highlights | Key Facts | Conservation Efforts |
|———-|———–|———————-|
| Rehabilitation of injured/orphaned elephants | 1-hour visit | Feeding and monitoring elephant health |
| Observe elephant feeding and care | 100+ elephants cared for annually | Preparing elephants for release into the wild |
| Educational experience on conservation | Success stories of elephant reintegration | Raising awareness on elephant protection |
Wildlife Viewing
What makes Udawalawa National Park a prime destination for wildlife viewing? The diverse landscapes of the park, home to large herds of elephants, as well as leopards, water buffalo, deer, and an abundance of bird species.
The diverse landscapes of Udawalawa National Park are home to large herds of elephants, leopards, water buffalo, deer, and abundant bird species.
Visitors can:
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Witness elephants in their natural habitat, observing their behaviors and interactions up close.
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Spot a variety of other wildlife, including the elusive leopard, roaming the lush grasslands and dense forests.
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Enjoy a guided safari experience led by knowledgeable guides, who provide insightful commentary to enhance the wildlife-viewing experience.
Guided Tour and Conservation Education
As part of the Udawalawa National Park safari, visitors are treated to a guided tour led by experienced naturalists, who provide insightful commentary on the park’s diverse wildlife and ecosystems. These knowledgeable guides ensure a memorable and educational experience, sharing their expertise on the park’s conservation efforts. At the Elephant Transit Home, guests witness the rehabilitation and care of orphaned or injured young elephants, gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges these majestic creatures face and the importance of conservation initiatives.
| Benefits of the Guided Tour |
| — | — | — | — |
| Knowledgeable Guides | Insightful Commentary | Memorable Experience | Conservation Education |
Important Information
Visitors should bring their passport or national ID card to the Udawalawa National Park safari.
This tour isn’t suitable for:
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Pregnant women
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Individuals with back problems
Alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed on the tour.
The package includes pickup and drop-off, as well as national park entry tickets, which cost approximately $37 per adult.
Food and drinks aren’t included in the tour price.
It’s important to be prepared and follow the guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience at Udawalawa National Park.
Common Questions
What Are the Restroom Facilities Like During the Safari?
The safari jeeps have limited restroom facilities, so visitors are encouraged to use the restrooms available at the park’s entrance and Elephant Transit Home. There are basic amenities, but guests should plan accordingly for the length of the tour.
Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Travelers are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on the tour, though they’re not included in the package. The tour only provides pickup, drop-off, and national park entry tickets. Consuming alcohol and drugs is not permitted.
How Knowledgeable Are the Guides About the Local Flora and Fauna?
The guides are highly knowledgeable about the local flora and fauna. They provide insightful commentary on the diverse wildlife, including the elephants, leopards, and bird species found in Udawalawa National Park, ensuring a memorable and educational experience for visitors.
Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for Children to Participate?
There is no minimum age requirement for children to participate in the tour. However, the tour may not be suitable for very young children as it involves safari drives and long periods in the vehicle. Parents should use their discretion.
Can We Extend the Length of the Safari if We Wish to See More?
The tour duration can be extended, but additional fees may apply. Guests who wish to see more of the park can discuss options with the tour provider. Extending the safari is subject to availability and additional costs.
The Sum Up
The Udawalawa National Park Safari from Mirissa, Galle, or Hikkaduwa offers a remarkable opportunity to witness the park’s diverse wildlife, including majestic elephants and elusive leopards. Coupled with a visit to the Elephant Transit Home, this tour provides an exhilarating and educational experience for nature enthusiasts at a competitive price. With convenient pickup, luxury transport, and flexible cancellation, this safari ensures a hassle-free and unforgettable adventure.
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