Colombo to Trincomalee Shuttle & Safari Drive

The Colombo to Trincomalee Shuttle & Safari Drive combines the convenience of a scenic transfer with the thrill of an immersive wildlife experience. Guests can look forward to an unforgettable journey through stunning landscapes, culminating in a 3.5-hour safari in the renowned Minneriya National Park. With a focus on personalized service and sustainability, this tour promises an adventure that caters to nature enthusiasts seeking an enriching and eco-conscious encounter. As you embark on this journey, the prospect of encountering Sri Lanka’s iconic elephants in their natural habitat sets the stage for an unforgettable day.

Key Points

• This one-way transfer from Colombo to Trincomalee includes a wildlife safari experience lasting approximately 3.5 hours.
• The tour features a carbon-neutral boat ride, local lunch, and jeep safari in national parks like Minneriya.
• Minneriya National Park is known for its large elephant population and historical significance, offering diverse birdwatching opportunities.
• The small group size ensures a personalized wildlife experience, with high ratings from previous customers.
• The tour is suitable for a wide range of participants, except for those with back issues, and is priced starting at $140 per person.

Overview of the Tour

What does the Colombo to Trincomalee Shuttle & Safari Drive tour entail?

This tour combines a one-way transfer from Colombo to Trincomalee with a wildlife safari. Based in Colombo, Sri Lanka, the tour lasts around 3.5 hours for the safari portion.

Along the way, travelers can enjoy a local lunch, a carbon-neutral boat ride, and a jeep safari in a national park like Kaudulla, Minneriya, or Hurulu.

The tour is suitable for most, though not recommended for those with back problems.

With a 5.0 rating from 5 reviews, the tour offers a personalized wildlife experience and seamless logistics, starting from $140 per person.

Location and Highlights

The Colombo to Trincomalee Shuttle & Safari Drive tour takes travelers on an immersive journey through the diverse landscapes of Sri Lanka.

Beginning in Colombo, the tour includes a transfer to the coastal town of Trincomalee, with a thrilling safari experience along the way. Guests can explore the Minneriya National Park, a protected area known for its large elephant population.

The safari also includes a carbon-neutral paddle boat ride and a local lunch, ensuring a well-rounded cultural experience.

With a small group size and attentive service, this tour offers a unique combination of transportation and wildlife encounters, making it an appealing option for visitors seeking to maximize their time in Sri Lanka.

Inclusions and Logistics

Aside from the wildlife safari experience, the Colombo to Trincomalee Shuttle & Safari Drive tour includes several other amenities to enhance the journey.

Travelers will enjoy a local lunch and evening snacks, a carbon-neutral paddle boat ride at Pelvehera village, and bottled water throughout the tour. The tour also covers national park entrance fees, ensuring a seamless experience.

Small group sizes provide a personal touch, while the tour’s carbon-neutral nature aligns with eco-conscious travelers’ preferences.

The tour’s logistics are well-organized, with pickups available from Colombo, Negombo, or the surrounding suburbs, and confirmation provided upon booking.

Minneriya National Park

Minneriya National Park, established on August 12, 1997, initially functioned as a wildlife sanctuary since 1938.

The park protects the Minneriya tank catchment and surrounding wildlife. It holds historical significance, as the Minneriya tank was built by King Mahasen in the 3rd century AD.

The park serves as a critical dry season feeding ground for elephants from the Polonnaruwa and Trincomalee districts. It’s also part of 70 Important Bird Areas in Sri Lanka, offering a diverse avian population.

The park features:

1. A vast grassland landscape.
2. Lush forests and woodlands.
3. The Minneriya tank, a man-made reservoir.
4. A wide range of wildlife, including elephants, deer, and various bird species.

Wildlife Experience

Although the tour combines a shuttle transfer to Trincomalee, the core of the experience lies in the wildlife safari.

The safari takes place in one of three national parks – Kaudulla, Minneriya, or Hurulu. Minneriya National Park, established in 1997, protects the Minneriya tank catchment and surrounding wildlife.

It holds historical significance, as the Minneriya tank was built by King Mahasen in the 3rd century AD. The park serves as a dry season feeding ground for elephants from the Polonnaruwa and Trincomalee districts.

It’s also part of 70 Important Bird Areas in Sri Lanka, offering opportunities to spot diverse avifauna.

The safari is conducted in a small group setting, providing a personal and immersive wildlife experience.

Participant Information

The tour experience is suitable for a wide range of participants. Infants can join the tour, though they’ll need to sit on laps.

Travelers with back problems may find it challenging, so it’s not recommended for them. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

However, most travelers can comfortably participate in this unique combination of a transfer and wildlife safari.

The tour includes:

1. Local lunch and evening snacks
2. Carbon neutral paddle boat ride
3. Jeep safari in a national park
4. Bottled water and national park entrance fees

With a small group size, this tour provides a personal and enjoyable experience for participants.

Customer Reviews

Overwhelmingly positive feedback from past participants underscores the tour’s exceptional logistics, comfort, and quality of the safari experience.

Reviewers consistently praise the smooth organization, comfortable transportation, and professional service. The excellent local lunch and attentive responsiveness of the tour organizers were also standout highlights.

Reviewers enthusiastically recommend this tour for its unique combination of a one-way transfer and immersive wildlife encounter.

With a 5.0 rating from 5 reviews, the Colombo to Trincomalee Shuttle & Safari Drive offers a compelling package that delivers on its promises of a personalized and memorable adventure.

Tour Pricing and Duration

The Colombo to Trincomalee Shuttle & Safari Drive tour offers flexibility in pricing, with rates starting from $140.00 that vary based on group size.

The total tour duration can vary, but the safari component itself lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.

The tour includes:

1. Pickup from Colombo, Negombo, or nearby suburbs
2. A local lunch and evening snacks
3. A carbon neutral paddle boat ride at Pelvehera village
4. A jeep safari in either Kaudulla, Minneriya, or Hurulu national park, with the park entrance fee included.

On top of that, the tour provides a small group experience with bottled water and a one-way transfer to Trincomalee, making it a convenient and immersive wildlife adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Discounts Available for Larger Groups?

Yes, the tour offers discounted pricing for larger groups. The more people in the group, the lower the per-person cost. Details on exact group discounts can be obtained by contacting the tour operator.

Can We Request a Specific Departure Time?

Yes, you can request a specific departure time for the tour. The tour operators aim to accommodate guests’ preferences and may adjust the schedule as needed, within the overall tour duration.

Will We Have Opportunities for Photographs During the Safari?

Yes, the safari provides ample opportunities for photographs. The tour includes a Jeep safari in one of the national parks, allowing guests to capture photos of the diverse wildlife and scenic landscapes encountered during the experience.

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

Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes bottled water, a local lunch, and evening snacks, but guests can supplement these with their own provisions if desired.

Is It Possible to Extend the Safari Duration if Desired?

The tour offers a set safari duration, but participants can inquire about extending it. However, any changes to the itinerary would incur additional fees. It’s best to discuss options with the tour organizers prior to booking.

Recap

The Colombo to Trincomalee Shuttle & Safari Drive offers a captivating adventure that combines scenic transfer with an immersive wildlife experience. Guests can look forward to a thrilling safari through Minneriya National Park, renowned for its abundant elephant population, as well as a carbon-neutral paddle boat ride. With a local lunch, evening snacks, and personalized service, this tour provides a perfect escape for nature enthusiasts at a reasonable price.