Tangalle and Hiriketiya offer a unique wildlife adventure with the Udawalawa Safari and Elephant Transit Home tour. Combining an 8-hour guided safari and a visit to care for orphaned elephants, this experience promises an unforgettable day in Sri Lanka’s stunning natural landscapes. With comfortable transportation and positive reviews, it’s an enriching opportunity to support conservation efforts while encountering the region’s diverse wildlife. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking an authentic adventure, this tour could be the highlight of your Tangalle/Hiriketiya visit.

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Key Points

A half-day excursion to Udawalawa National Park and Elephant Transit Home, priced between $85.00 to $80.75 per person with up to 5% savings.
Guided safari jeep tour in Udawalawe National Park to spot wild elephants, crocodiles, and diverse wildlife, with insights from a professional driver/guide.
Opportunity to feed orphaned baby elephants at the Elephant Transit Home, supporting conservation efforts and learning about their rehabilitation.
Round-trip transfers from local hotels in Tangalle and Hiriketiya are included, with an air-conditioned vehicle and professional driver/guide.
Overall tour rating of 4.1 out of 5 based on positive reviews, with praise for the close encounters with elephants and the quality of the driver/guide.

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Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour takes place in the picturesque Tangalle/Hiriketiya region, offering a half-day excursion to Udawalawa National Park and the Elephant Transit Home.

Priced from $85.00 to $80.75 per person, the tour provides an opportunity to save up to 5%.

Priced from $85.00 to $80.75 per person, the tour offers up to a 5% savings opportunity.

Lasting 8 hours, the flexible booking allows reserving now and paying later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Transportation is provided via an air-conditioned vehicle, along with a professional driver/guide.

Entrance fees to Udawalawa National Park aren’t included in the package, which overall has a rating of 4.1/5 based on 9 reviews.

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Wildlife Experience

Visitors can explore Udawalawe National Park on a guided safari jeep tour, where they’ll have the opportunity to spot wild elephants, crocodiles, wild boars, buffalos, spotted deer, barking deer, sambars, hares, mongoose, and up to 30 species of snakes.

The park’s diverse wildlife includes:

50 species of butterflies
Various bird species in their natural habitat
Crocodiles basking on the riverbanks
Herds of wild elephants grazing peacefully

The guided tour provides a chance to observe these majestic creatures thriving in their natural environment.

Elephant Transit Home Visit

During the tour, visitors have the opportunity to feed orphaned baby elephants for 30 minutes at the Elephant Transit Home.

This unique experience allows travelers to directly engage with these gentle giants and support elephant conservation efforts.

The knowledgeable guide will provide insights into the facility’s work in rehabilitating and caring for young elephants, many of whom have been orphaned or displaced.

Visitors can observe the elephants’ behaviors and learn about the challenges they face.

This hands-on interaction is a highlight of the tour, offering a rare and memorable wildlife encounter.

Transportation and Logistics

This tour includes round-trip transfers from local hotels in Tangalle and Hiriketiya.

Transportation is provided by an air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring a comfortable journey. A professional driver/guide is included, responsible for navigating the roads and providing insights throughout the experience.

The transportation logistics of this tour are as follows:

Round-trip transfers, air-conditioned vehicle, and professional driver/guide ensure comfortable transportation throughout the wildlife and conservation experience.

Round-trip transfers from hotels in Tangalle and Hiriketiya
Air-conditioned vehicle for transportation
Professional driver/guide included

With these seamless transportation arrangements, guests can focus on seeing the wildlife encounters and elephant conservation efforts during this half-day tour.

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Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package includes round-trip transfers from local hotels in Tangalle and Hiriketiya, as well as an air-conditioned vehicle and professional driver/guide.

However, the entrance fees to Udawalawa National Park aren’t included in the package price.

The tour offers a comprehensive wildlife experience, allowing visitors to observe a variety of animals in their natural habitat.

The Elephant Transit Home visit is also a highlight, providing the opportunity to feed orphaned baby elephants and learn about elephant conservation efforts.

With a flexible booking policy and positive reviews, this tour seems like a great option for nature enthusiasts visiting the Tangalle/Hiriketiya region.

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Reviews and Ratings

Visitors have given the Tangalle/Hiriketiya tour to Udawalawa National Park and the Elephant Transit Home generally positive reviews, with an overall rating of 4.1 out of 5 based on 9 reviews.

Reviewers highlighted:

Close encounters with elephants in their natural habitat
The quality and knowledge of the professional driver/guide
Experiencing the Elephant Transit Home and observing the conservation efforts
The overall value and flexibility of the tour

Positive feedback emphasized the unique wildlife experience and the opportunity to learn about elephant conservation, making this tour a popular choice for those visiting the region.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Travelers can reserve their Tangalle/Hiriketiya tour to Udawalawa National Park and Elephant Transit Home now and pay later.

The booking offers flexible options, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. This provides customers the convenience to plan their trip with ease, without the worry of losing their money.

The tour also includes round-trip transfers from local hotels, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

With a duration of 8 hours, the half-day excursion offers ample time to explore the wildlife and witness the conservation efforts at the Elephant Transit Home.

Booking this tour is a straightforward process, catering to the needs of modern travelers.

Getting to Tangalle/Hiriketiya

To reach the Tangalle/Hiriketiya area, one can either self-drive or arrange for a private transfer.

Self-driving offers flexibility, allowing you to explore the scenic coastal roads at your own pace. Alternatively, a private transfer provides a stress-free experience, with a knowledgeable driver navigating the roads.

The journey typically takes:

Around 2.5 hours from Colombo
Approximately 1.5 hours from Galle
About 45 minutes from Hambantota

The transfer option can be included as part of your tour package, ensuring a seamless start to your wildlife adventure.

Common Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour does not prohibit bringing your own food and drinks. However, it’s recommended to check with the tour operator for any specific policies or recommendations regarding carrying personal items on the safari and visit to the Elephant Transit Home.

What Should I Wear for the Safari and Elephant Visit?

It’s recommended to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes for the safari and elephant visit. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect against the sun. Avoid bright colors that could startle the animals.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour Activities?

There are no age restrictions for the tour activities. Children of all ages are welcome, though parents should ensure their kids can safely participate in the safari and elephant interaction. The tour is suitable for families with young children.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to Meet My Preferences?

Yes, the tour itinerary can be customized to meet your preferences. The provider offers flexibility, allowing you to adjust the schedule and activities to suit your interests and needs.

Are There Any Additional Costs or Hidden Fees to Be Aware Of?

The tour package includes round-trip transfers and a professional guide, but doesn’t cover entrance fees to Udawalawa National Park. Travelers should budget for these additional costs when planning their trip.

The Sum Up

The Tangalle/Hiriketiya: Udawalawa Safari & Elephant Transit Home tour provides an unforgettable wildlife experience. Guests can spot elephants, crocodiles, and deer while enjoying the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle. The highlight is the unique opportunity to feed and learn about orphaned baby elephants, supporting vital conservation efforts. With flexible booking and positive reviews, this tour promises an enriching adventure for nature enthusiasts.