Udawalawa National Park Day Tour

The Udawalawe National Park in southern Sri Lanka is a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts seeking an immersive nature experience. Covering an expansive area, the park boasts a diverse array of flora and fauna, including the iconic Sri Lankan elephant. With a renowned elephant orphanage and the opportunity to embark on a thrilling Jeep safari, this day tour promises a captivating glimpse into the region’s remarkable ecosystem. Whether you’re an avid nature lover or simply seeking a unique adventure, the Udawalawe National Park Day Tour offers a compelling and unforgettable journey that will leave you eager to discover more.

Key Points

• Asya Tours Kalutara organizes a 6-hour day tour to Udawalawe National Park, featuring a Jeep safari and a visit to the Elephant Transit Home.
• The tour offers opportunities to see large herds of elephants, crocodiles, and diverse wildlife in the park’s grasslands and bush forests.
• The package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, entry fees, air-conditioned transportation, and lunch, providing a hassle-free experience.
• The tour is not wheelchair-accessible and may be physically demanding for travelers with mobility issues or serious medical conditions.
• Customer reviews suggest an overall positive experience, with praise for the tour guide’s organizational skills, although some mentioned the tour felt rushed.

Overview and Highlights

Organized by Asya Tours Kalutara (ATK), the Udawalawe Safari Day Tour is a popular excursion for travelers seeking wildlife experiences, particularly large groups of elephants.

The tour’s key attractions include a Jeep Safari through Udawalawe National Park and a visit to the Udawalawe Elephant Orphanage to witness milk feeding of baby elephants.

Situated in southern Sri Lanka, the national park is renowned for its sizeable elephant population, allowing visitors to observe herds of females bathing or moving together across the grasslands and bush forests.

Udawalawe National Park

Udawalawe National Park, located in southern Sri Lanka, is renowned for its sizeable elephant population. Home to several hundred elephants, visitors may witness herds of females bathing or moving together.

The park features vast grasslands and bush forests, making it an ideal location for game spotting. Elephants are the main attraction, but visitors may also spot other wildlife, including leopards, sloth bears, and a variety of bird species.

The park’s diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife make it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers alike.

With its impressive elephant sightings and picturesque landscapes, Udawalawe National Park offers an unforgettable safari experience.

Wildlife and Attractions

Spanning over 30,000 hectares, Udawalawe National Park is renowned for its large elephant population.

Visitors to the park can expect to witness an array of wildlife, including:

• Herds of elephants, sometimes numbering in the hundreds, bathing and roaming through the grasslands and bush forests
• Crocodiles sunbathing on the riverbanks
• Sambar deer, wild boar, and various bird species
• The elusive leopard, though sightings are less common
• The park’s diverse ecosystem, which includes lakes, wetlands, and lush vegetation

The park’s open terrain and varied habitats make it an ideal destination for wildlife enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable safari experience in Sri Lanka.

Tour Logistics

The Udawalawe Safari Day Tour is a comprehensive experience that allows visitors to explore the park’s diverse wildlife. The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, with 2 hours dedicated to the Elephant Transit Home.

Travelers can expect hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as the use of a fully insured, air-conditioned vehicle. Lunch and personal expenses are included in the tour package.

Pickup times and locations are arranged before the tour, ensuring a seamless experience. While the tour isn’t wheelchair-accessible, it’s suitable for travelers with moderate physical fitness levels.

Feedback from past participants highlights the spacious, clean vehicles and the tour guide’s excellent organizational skills, though some noted a rushed pace during the trip.

Inclusions and Pricing

The tour package for the Udawalawe Safari Day Tour includes a range of amenities to ensure a seamless and comfortable experience.

The tour includes:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from your accommodation in Kalutara
• Entry/Admission to the Udawalawa Elephant Transit Home
• A fully insured air-conditioned vehicle for the duration of the tour
• Lunch to refuel during the day
• All personal expenses covered, allowing you to focus on the adventure

The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, with 2 hours dedicated to the Elephant Orphanage.

Pickup times and locations are arranged with you prior to the tour, ensuring a hassle-free start to your wildlife excursion.

Health Considerations

Wheelchair accessibility poses challenges for the Udawalawe Safari Day Tour, as the national park’s rugged terrain and unpaved paths can prove difficult to navigate.

Travelers with back problems or serious medical conditions may also find the tour physically demanding, as it requires a moderate level of fitness to navigate the uneven ground.

The tour isn’t recommended for those with limited mobility or health concerns.

However, the private nature of the tour means it can be customized to accommodate individual needs, provided the tour operator is made aware of any special requirements in advance.

Ultimately, participants should consider their physical capabilities before booking this excursion.

Accessibility Information

Accessibility presents some challenges for the Udawalawe Safari Day Tour. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, making it unsuitable for travelers with mobility issues.

Plus, those with back problems or serious medical conditions may find the experience physically demanding. A moderate level of fitness is required, as the tour involves navigating uneven terrain and spending extended periods in an open-air vehicle.

However, the tour is private, allowing your group to set the pace and accommodate individual needs. While accessibility is limited, the tour’s unique opportunity to observe elephants and other wildlife in their natural habitat may outweigh these constraints for many adventurous travelers.

• Not wheelchair accessible
• Not recommended for travelers with back problems or serious medical conditions
• Moderate physical fitness level required
• Private tour allows flexibility
• Unique opportunity to observe elephants in their natural habitat

Customer Feedback

Customers have generally praised the Udawalawe Safari Day Tour, highlighting its positive attributes. The tour has an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 5 reviews. Reviewers commended the spacious and clean vehicles, as well as the great organizing skills of the tour guide, Prasad.

Positive Experiences	Negative Experiences
Spacious, clean vehicles	Rushed experiences
Great organizing skills	Time management issues
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	–

However, some customers noted that the tour felt rushed, particularly regarding time management during the trip. The Udawalawe Safari Day Tour appears to provide a enjoyable wildlife experience for visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Extend the Tour Duration and Visit Other Attractions?

Yes, the tour duration can be extended to visit other attractions. Travelers can discuss customizing the itinerary with the tour operator to include additional sights or activities according to their interests and preferences.

How Often Do the Baby Elephants Get Fed During the Tour?

The baby elephants at the Udawalawe Elephant Orphanage are typically fed 2-3 times during the tour. Visitors can observe and participate in the feeding sessions, which are scheduled to provide an interactive experience for travelers.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Taxes Not Included in the Package?

The tour package includes hotel pickup, entrance fees, transportation, and lunch. There don’t appear to be any additional fees or taxes not covered by the package price. The tour operator provides a comprehensive experience with no hidden costs.

Are There Any Restrictions on Photography or Videography During the Tour?

There are no specific restrictions on photography or videography during the tour. However, visitors should be respectful and avoid disturbing the wildlife or obstructing other guests’ experiences. It’s recommended to check with the tour guide for any site-specific guidelines.

Can I Make Special Requests for Dietary Requirements or Mobility Assistance?

Yes, travelers can make special requests for dietary requirements or mobility assistance. The tour operator generally accommodates these needs, provided they are communicated in advance. Travelers should inquire about the available options when booking the tour.

Recap

The Udawalawe National Park Day Tour offers an immersive wildlife experience, showcasing the park’s diverse ecosystem. Visitors can observe large elephant herds, feed baby elephants, and explore the stunning natural landscapes. With a full-day itinerary and convenient transportation, this tour provides an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts. Whether you’re seeking an up-close encounter with Sri Lanka’s wildlife or a chance to connect with the natural world, this tour is a must-do experience.