For nature lovers exploring Sri Lanka’s south coast, two standout national parks near Galle offer remarkable wildlife encounters.
Our favorite tours head to Yala National Park, where skilled guides track leopards and elephants in 4WD vehicles across diverse terrain. The more intimate Udawalawe National Park, with its guaranteed elephant sightings, provides an equally compelling safari experience.
Most worthwhile tours include convenient hotel pickup, park permits, and expert naturalist guides. Half-day trips work well for time-strapped travelers, while full-day adventures allow deeper exploration.
The best safari operators maintain small group sizes and offer straightforward cancellation terms – essential for flexible travel planning.
Let’s look at the top national park tours running from Galle.
Key Points
- Yala National Park safari offers a private trip with early morning pickup, cultural stops, and a 3-hour 4WD experience with local lunch and refreshments.
- Udawalawe National Park safari provides a private tour focused on diverse wildlife encounters, with comfortable air-conditioned transport and an English-speaking guide.
- One-day Yala National Park safari includes hotel pickup, personalized experience with a knowledgeable driver-guide, and all-inclusive amenities like park entry tickets, bottled water, and meals.
- Udawalawe National Park day excursion allows visitors to see over 600 elephants, with a maximum of 15 participants and an English-speaking guide in a comfortable 4×4 vehicle.
- Udawalawe and Yala National Park safaris from coastal towns like Galle, Mirissa, and Weligama offer all-inclusive packages with round-trip transportation, entrance fees, and various amenities.
Yala National Park Private Safari Trip From Galle/Unawatuna/Mirissa
For those seeking an immersive wildlife adventure, the Yala National Park Private Safari Trip from Galle/Unawatuna/Mirissa offers a captivating opportunity to explore Sri Lanka’s second-largest wildlife park.
Accompanied by a professional guide, visitors can expect insights on the local wildlife, including elephants and leopards. The early morning pickup ensures optimal viewing conditions, and an optional stop at Waurukannala Temple provides a cultural complement.
The safari includes hotel pickup and drop-off, bottled water, a private jeep, and national park entrance tickets. While meals aren’t included, the experience promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Sri Lanka’s natural wonders, with overwhelmingly positive reviews from previous travelers.
Read our full review: Yala National Park Private Safari Trip From Galle/Unawatuna/Mirissa Review
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Udawalawe National Park Safari From Mirissa
Departing from Mirissa, travelers embark on a private safari tour that promises an immersive encounter with Udawalawe National Park‘s diverse wildlife.
The tour includes return private air-conditioned transport and a 4×4 safari, offering opportunities to spot elephants, deer, boar, and a variety of birds.
The English-speaking chauffeur and safari driver/tracker guide visitors through the park, while the air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfortable travel.
Though not wheelchair accessible and not recommended for those with certain medical conditions, the tour requires a moderate fitness level.
Priced from €88.79 per person, the safari can be booked with a free cancellation policy and a reserve now, pay later option.
Read our full review: Udawalawe National Park Safari From Mirissa Review
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Half Day Safari at Yala National Park With Lunch
A half-day safari at Yala National Park is an ideal way for visitors to Galle to combine adventure and convenience during their short stay.
The tour includes private car transport, a 3-hour 4WD safari, and the chance to spot wildlife like leopards, elephants, and crocodiles. Participants will enjoy refreshments, a local lunch, and all entrance fees and taxes are included.
The tour starts at 5:30 AM, with pickup from most Galle hotels. It’s not recommended for those with back problems or serious medical conditions, and a valid passport is required.
With a 5.0 rating from 8 reviews, this tour offers great value starting at €144.77 per person.
Read our full review: Half Day Safari at Yala National Park With Lunch Review
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One Day Yala National Park From Galle/Hikkaduwa/Mirissa/Unawatuna
Visitors exploring the Southern coast of Sri Lanka can embark on a captivating one-day safari through the expansive Yala National Park.
This private tour includes hotel pickup from Galle, Hikkaduwa, Mirissa, or Unawatuna, and provides a personalized experience with a knowledgeable driver-guide.
The safari includes a private jeep, park entry tickets, bottled water, snacks, and even breakfast and lunch.
With operating hours from 3 AM to 10 AM, the tour offers the best chances of spotting the park’s diverse wildlife, including the elusive leopard.
Booking confirmation is provided, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.
Priced from $184.94 per person, this private tour guarantees a memorable wildlife experience.
Read our full review: One Day Yala National Park From Galle/Hikkaduwa/Mirissa/Unawatuna Review
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Udawalawe National Park Safari From Weligama
Travelers exploring the southern coast of Sri Lanka can partake in a captivating safari through the expansive Udawalawe National Park from the seaside town of Weligama.
The private tour, which starts at 11 AM, costs from $92 per group and includes hotel pickup, air-conditioned transportation, and the service of an English-speaking driver.
During the safari, you will have the opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife, including elephants, in their natural habitat.
While food and drinks aren’t specified, the tour provides a low-cost way to experience the stunning landscapes and diverse fauna of Udawalawe National Park.
Advance booking is recommended, as free cancellation is available up to 24 hours prior.
Read our full review: Udawalawe National Park Safari From Weligama Review
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Yala National Park Private Safari (All Inclusive) From Mirissa
The Yala National Park private safari experience from Mirissa offers an all-inclusive outing, providing travelers with the opportunity to embark on an early morning exploration of the renowned wildlife reserve.
Priced from $151.52 per person, the tour includes bottled water, air-conditioned transportation, entrance fees, and a packed lunch.
Although the experience isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for those with certain medical conditions, most travelers can participate.
With a 4.5-star rating based on 4 reviews, the safari is generally well-received, though one guest noted feeling rushed and the driver being quiet.
The tour operator has responded positively to the feedback, indicating a commitment to customer satisfaction.
Read our full review: Yala National Park Private Safari (All Inclusive) From Mirissa Review
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Day Excursion at Udawalawe National Park From Galle
Located just an hour’s drive from Galle, Udawalawe National Park offers a remarkable day excursion for nature enthusiasts. This tour provides a chance to witness the park’s diverse wildlife, including over 600 elephants, as well as water buffalo, deer, eagles, and peacocks.
Travelers can expect a personalized experience with a maximum of 15 participants, a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, and comfortable transportation in a 4×4 Jeep. The tour includes bottled water, seasonal fruits, and free WiFi onboard.
While park entrance tickets aren’t included, the overall price of $175 or less provides excellent value. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, making this excursion a flexible and exciting option for visitors to Galle.
Read our full review: Day Excursion at Udawalawe National Park From Galle Review
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Travel to Ella From Galle With Udawalawe National Park Safari on the Way
From Galle, travelers can embark on a captivating journey to Ella, with a thrilling safari at Udawalawe National Park along the way.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an air-conditioned vehicle, and a private safari jeep with a qualified wildlife tracker. Travelers will enjoy bottled water, refreshments, and National Park entrance tickets, as well as the option to visit an elephant orphanage.
The tour can accommodate a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 10 people, and is accessible for strollers. Guests can cancel their reservation up to 24 hours in advance, and the price varies based on group size, starting from €221.98.
Read our full review: Travel to Ella From Galle With Udawalawe National Park Safari on the Way Review
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Udawalawe National Park Safari | From Mirissa | Galle | Weligama
Travelers seeking a thrilling safari experience can embark on an Udawalawe National Park tour from Mirissa, Galle, or Weligama.
The tour includes a jeep safari, bottled water, hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transport, and an English-speaking driver.
Entrance fees, food, and gratuities aren’t included. The tour starts at 11 AM, and travelers can cancel up to 24 hours beforehand.
Infants must sit on laps, and those with serious medical conditions or heart problems can’t participate. Most travelers can join, and the tour has a 5-star rating based on 2 reviews.
Prices start at $85 and vary by group size.
Read our full review: Udawalawe National Park Safari | From Mirissa | Galle | Weligama Review
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Explore Beauty Of Yala (Ruhuna) National Park From South Coast in One Day.
For those seeking to enjoy the captivating wilderness of Sri Lanka, a day trip to Yala (Ruhuna) National Park from the South Coast offers a remarkable opportunity.
This private tour provides a comprehensive experience, spanning 2.5-3 hours of travel to the park, 4 hours of exploration, and 2.5-3 hours for the return journey.
Included in the tour are bottled water, snacks, homemade cake, and an air-conditioned vehicle with a private safari jeep, driver, and guide.
Priced at $95 per person, with the option to request pickup from various locations, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Yala’s natural beauty.
Read our full review: Explore Beauty Of Yala (Ruhuna) National Park From South Coast in One Day. Review
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Udawalawe National Park Safari From Unawatuna
Visiting Udawalawe National Park from the coastal town of Unawatuna offers an exceptional opportunity to witness the diverse wildlife that thrives in this renowned sanctuary.
The 3-hour jeep safari provides a private, guided experience where travelers can spot elephants, deer, and other animals in their natural habitat. Priced from €103.27, the tour includes round-trip transportation, entrance fees, and a bottle of water per person.
While meals aren’t included, the tour is suitable for most travelers, except those with back problems, heart conditions, or pregnancy.
With a 5-star rating based on positive reviews, this safari promises an unforgettable adventure in Sri Lanka’s stunning Udawalawe National Park.
Read our full review: Udawalawe National Park Safari From Unawatuna Review
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Udawalawe National Park Safari From Galle/Mirissa/Weligama (All Inclusive)
Nestled within Sri Lanka’s lush wilderness, Udawalawe National Park beckons adventurers seeking an all-inclusive safari experience from the coastal towns of Galle, Mirissa, and Weligama.
For €135.12 per person, this private tour provides a hassle-free day of wildlife viewing in an air-conditioned vehicle with bottled water and lunch included.
The 10:00 am departure time ensures an immersive experience, though the tour may not be suitable for pregnant travelers or those with heart conditions.
With a 5-star rating based on a single review, this Udawalawe safari offers a guaranteed low price and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.
Read our full review: Udawalawe National Park Safari From Galle/Mirissa/Weligama (All Inclusive) Review
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Yala National Park Safari From Weligama
Travelers seeking a thrilling safari experience can embark on a private tour of Yala National Park from the coastal town of Weligama. This tour offers the chance to spot majestic leopards, elephants, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
Guests will enjoy the best views from an open-top, off-road vehicle and receive one-on-one attention from a private guide. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, and a bottled water.
However, it excludes food, drinks, and entrance fees. While the tour isn’t recommended for those with mobility issues, it requires only a moderate level of fitness.
With a 4.0 rating, this tour provides a memorable safari adventure in Sri Lanka’s premier national park.
Read our full review: Yala National Park Safari From Weligama Review
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The Sum Up
Galle and the surrounding areas offer a variety of tours to explore the region’s national parks. Yala and Udawalawe are popular options, with safari trips available from nearby towns like Mirissa, Unawatuna, and Weligama. Visitors can choose from full-day or half-day excursions, with some packages including lunch and other amenities. These tours provide an excellent opportunity to witness Sri Lanka’s diverse wildlife in its natural habitats.