Exploring the fascinating Udawalawe National Park is a must-do adventure for nature enthusiasts visiting Sri Lanka. This full-day excursion from Colombo offers an immersive experience, where travelers can witness majestic elephants in their natural habitat. Along with these gentle giants, the safari also provides opportunities to spot a diverse array of wildlife, including crocodiles, buffaloes, and a vibrant collection of bird species. With hotel pickup included and a local lunch available, this tour seamlessly blends wildlife exploration and cultural experiences. But what makes this adventure truly remarkable is the chance to visit the renowned Elephant Transit Home – a unique conservation initiative that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.
Key Points
- A full-day excursion from Colombo to Udawalawe National Park, lasting 12 hours and costing K₨2,878 per person.
- Guided jeep safari in the park offering opportunities to observe elephants, crocodiles, buffalo, and diverse bird species.
- Established in the 1970s to shelter animals displaced by the Udawalawe Reservoir, the park is known for its significant elephant population.
- The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation, jeep safari, and park entrance fees, with lunch available at personal expense.
- Positive customer feedback highlights excellent driver service, wildlife sightings, and the park’s role in preserving Sri Lanka’s natural heritage.
👉 Check out our guide to the 20 Best 2 Day Tours In Colombo
Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview and Details
- Itinerary and Experience
- Wildlife and Conservation
- Inclusions
- Customer Feedback
- Getting to Udawalawa
- Exploring the National Park
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What Are the Safety Precautions During the Safari?
- Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
- Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
- What Should I Pack for the Tour?
- Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Colombo
- More Safari Adventures in Colombo
- More Tours in Colombo
- More Tour Reviews in Colombo
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Colombo we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Overview and Details
The Udawalawa Safari & Elephant Transit Home Tour offers a full-day excursion from Colombo, immersing visitors in the natural wonders of Udawalawe National Park.
This 12-hour activity costs from K₨2,878 per person and includes hotel pickup, transportation, a guided jeep safari, and park entrance fees.
Travelers can expect to see elephants in their natural habitat, as well as other wildlife like crocodiles, buffalo, and diverse bird species.
After the safari, participants can enjoy a local lunch at their own expense.
The tour features a live English-speaking guide and a private group option.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in Colombo
Itinerary and Experience
Following the overview of the tour details, the day begins with a morning pickup from one’s hotel in Colombo, kicking off the 4-hour drive to Udawalawe National Park.
Upon arrival, the safari drive by jeep commences, offering the opportunity to observe elephants in their natural habitat. The adventure doesn’t stop there – guests can also spot other captivating wildlife, such as:
-
Crocodiles basking in the sun
-
Mighty buffalo roaming the plains
-
Agile wild boar scurrying through the undergrowth
After the safari, a local lunch at a hotel in Udawalawe awaits, followed by the return journey to Colombo with hotel drop-off, completing this immersive wildlife experience.
Wildlife and Conservation
Established in the 1970s, Udawalawe National Park provides shelter for animals displaced by the construction of the Udawalawe Reservoir.
The park is home to a thriving elephant population and significant biodiversity, including 50 butterfly species and various bird species, making it the third most visited park in Sri Lanka.
The park’s diverse wildlife is a testament to its successful conservation efforts. Visitors can expect to spot not only elephants but also crocodiles, buffalo, wild boar, sambhur, and hare during the safari drive.
The park’s role in preserving Sri Lanka’s natural heritage is crucial, ensuring that future generations can appreciate the country’s rich biodiversity.
Inclusions
The tour package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation in an air-conditioned private vehicle, highway toll fees, a jeep safari drive, and entrance fees to the national park. However, food and drinks aren’t included in the package price.
The inclusions in this tour ensure a comfortable and hassle-free experience for visitors:
-
Private transportation with hotel transfers, allowing for a seamless journey.
-
Jeep safari drive within Udawalawe National Park, providing ample opportunities to spot diverse wildlife.
-
Entrance fees to the national park, granting access to this renowned conservation area.
While meals and refreshments aren’t part of the package, travelers can enjoy a local lunch at their own expense during the tour.
More Great Tours NearbyCustomer Feedback
Customers have generally rated the Udawalawa Safari & Elephant Transit Home Tour quite positively, with an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 based on 5 reviews. Customers have praised the excellent service provided by the tour’s driver, as well as the wonderful wildlife sightings, particularly of baby elephants. However, some customers have noted that the pricing for lunch was a bit high due to the limited dining options in the area.
| Positive Remarks | Negative Remarks |
|---|---|
| Excellent driver service | High lunch pricing |
| Fantastic wildlife sightings | Limited dining options |
| Seeing baby elephants | N/A |
| N/A | N/A |
Getting to Udawalawa
To get to Udawalawa, visitors typically embark on a 4-hour drive from Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. The journey takes them through scenic countryside before reaching the Udawalawe National Park, home to a thriving elephant population.
The drive offers several highlights along the way:
-
Passing through picturesque tea plantations and rolling hills that characterize the central Sri Lankan landscape.
-
Catching glimpses of rural village life, with locals going about their daily activities.
-
Crossing the Udawalawa Reservoir, a vast manmade lake that was created as part of a major irrigation project.
Once at the park, visitors can look forward to an exciting safari experience in search of the area’s abundant wildlife.
Exploring the National Park
Upon reaching the Udawalawe National Park, visitors embark on an exhilarating jeep safari to observe the park’s thriving elephant population in their natural habitat.
As the safari vehicle glides through the lush terrain, guests keep a keen eye out for these majestic creatures, along with other wildlife such as crocodiles, buffalo, wild boar, and an array of bird species.
The knowledgeable guide provides insights into the park’s rich biodiversity and the conservation efforts that have led to the flourishing ecosystem.
Visitors are captivated by the elephants’ behavior, from their powerful movements to their tender interactions with their young.
The safari offers a truly immersive experience, allowing guests to appreciate the wonders of Sri Lanka’s natural heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Safety Precautions During the Safari?
For the safari, visitors must follow safety guidelines. They’re required to remain seated in the jeep, avoid sudden movements, and listen to the tour guide’s instructions. Adherence to these precautions ensures an enjoyable and secure wildlife viewing experience.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
Yes, there is an option to extend the tour duration. Customers can customize the tour by adding more activities, such as visiting the Elephant Transit Home or exploring other nature attractions in the area, for an additional fee.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks for the Udawalawa Safari & Elephant Transit Home Tour. The tour package doesn’t include lunch, so bringing your own provisions is an option to save on dining costs.
What Should I Pack for the Tour?
For this full-day tour, it’s recommended to pack sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, comfortable walking shoes, and extra snacks or water if needed. Bringing a camera is also advised to capture the wildlife sightings during the safari drive.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
The tour has no explicit age restrictions, though it may not be suitable for very young children. Participants of all ages are welcome, but parental supervision is advised for minors to ensure their safety and enjoyment on the safari.
From Colombo: Udawalawa Safari & Elephant Transit Home Tour
“Saw a couple of elephants but its is not worth 200£”
Recap
This thrilling full-day excursion from Colombo to Udawalawe National Park offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness majestic elephants in their natural habitat, alongside diverse wildlife.
The exhilarating jeep safari, combined with a visit to the Elephant Transit Home, provides a unique blend of wildlife exploration and cultural experiences, making it a must-do for nature enthusiasts.
With hotel pickup, local lunch, and seamless logistics, this adventure promises an unforgettable exploration of Sri Lanka’s captivating natural wonders.
You can check availability for your dates here:
