Udawalawe National Park With Elephant Transit Home From Colombo

Nestled in the southern region of Sri Lanka, Udawalawe National Park stands as a haven for diverse wildlife. Boasting a rich ecosystem, the park offers visitors a chance to witness the majestic presence of elephants, as well as a variety of other species, including wild buffalo and an array of bird life. Complementing the park’s natural wonders is the Elephant Transit Home, a specialized facility dedicated to the rehabilitation and reintegration of orphaned elephants into the wild. This captivating tour promises an immersive experience, blending the awe-inspiring sights of Udawalawe with the heartwarming mission of the Elephant Transit Home. Uncover the remarkable story that unfolds within these captivating landscapes.

Key Points

• This private tour from Colombo to Udawalawe National Park includes a jeep safari for wildlife observation and a visit to the Elephant Transit Home for orphaned elephants.
• The tour includes round-trip transportation from Colombo hotels, entrance fees to the national park, and complimentary bottled water, fresh coconut, seasonal fruits, and lunch.
• The tour is not recommended for travelers with physical limitations or serious medical conditions, as the jeep safari can be physically demanding.
• Visitors can observe a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, wild buffalo, deer, and possibly elusive leopards and sloth bears, during the safari.
• The Elephant Transit Home plays a crucial role in elephant conservation by rehabilitating and preparing orphaned calves for reintegration into wild herds.

Tour Overview

Embarking on a private tour from Colombo to Udawalawe National Park, visitors will enjoy a dedicated guide for personalized attention and pacing.

The tour includes a jeep safari to observe the park’s indigenous wildlife and flora. Travelers will also visit the Elephant Transit Home, a unique facility that cares for orphaned and injured elephants.

With round-trip transportation from Colombo hotels, guests can enjoy the natural wonders of the region without worrying about the logistics.

The tour provides bottled water, refreshments, and a delicious lunch, ensuring a comfortable and enriching experience.

Inclusions

The Udawalawe National Park tour includes round-trip transportation from Colombo hotels.

Entrance fees to the national park, costing $35 per person, are also covered.

Travelers will enjoy bottled water, fresh coconut, seasonal fruits, and a tasty lunch during the excursion.

An air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver is provided for a comfortable and informative journey.

Gratuities and any other personal expenses are included in the tour price, which starts at $100 per person and varies based on group size.

The tour’s duration may fluctuate due to traffic and weather conditions, but free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience.

Pickup Information

Where are travelers picked up for the Udawalawe National Park tour?

Pickup is confirmed from all hotels in Colombo, with travelers arriving at the hotel lobby 10 minutes before their selected pickup time.

Shared transfer options are also available for those who prefer to join the tour with other participants.

• Pickup location: All hotels in Colombo, confirmed by the operator.
• Arrival time: 10 minutes before selected pickup time.
• Transfer options: Shared transfer available for those who prefer to join with others.

The duration of the transfers may vary depending on traffic and weather conditions, but the tour operator ensures a seamless pickup experience for all participants.

Tour Conditions

Accessing the Udawalawe National Park tour isn’t recommended for travelers with certain physical limitations. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps.

Guests with back problems, pregnant women, or those with serious medical conditions should reconsider this activity. The jeep safari can be physically demanding, so it’s essential to consider one’s fitness level before booking.

Littering and smoking are prohibited, and visitors mustn’t feed the animals or throw items into the exhibits. Strong scents should be avoided, as the animals are sensitive to such stimuli.

These restrictions are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of both the participants and the wildlife.

Additional Details

Receiving confirmation at the time of booking is guaranteed for this Udawalawe National Park tour, which accommodates a maximum of 15 travelers.

The duration of the transfers can vary depending on traffic and weather conditions, so travelers should plan accordingly. Importantly, this tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, providing flexibility for customers.

Additional key details to consider:

• Pricing starts at $100.00 per person, with variations based on group size.
• Shared transfer options are available for those interested.
• The tour isn’t recommended for those with specific medical conditions or limitations.

Wildlife Spotting

The Udawalawe National Park is renowned for its diverse wildlife, offering visitors the opportunity to spot a range of indigenous species during the jeep safari. Elephants roam freely, including the gentle giants of the park. Majestic wild buffaloes, deer, and wild boar are common sightings. Visitors may also catch glimpses of the elusive leopard, sloth bear, and various bird species, including the vibrant peacock. The park’s lush landscapes provide a stunning backdrop for these wildlife encounters.

Animal	Sightings	Characteristics
Elephant	Common	Gentle giants
Wild Buffalo	Common	Majestic
Deer	Common	Graceful
Wild Boar	Common	Rugged
Leopard	Elusive	Powerful predator
Sloth Bear	Elusive	Omnivorous

Elephant Transit Home

Located within the Udawalawe National Park, the Elephant Transit Home serves as a vital rehabilitation center for orphaned and injured elephants.

The facility give you orphaned calves with the care and support they need to eventually rejoin wild elephant herds. Visitors can observe the elephants during their feedings, which occur several times a day. This allows the elephants to acclimate to human presence while prioritizing their wellbeing and independence.

The Elephant Transit Home plays a crucial role in:

• Rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned and injured elephants
• Preparing them for reintegration into the wild
• Educating visitors on elephant conservation

Price and Cancellation

The price for the private tour from Colombo to Udawalawe National Park starts at $100.00 per person, with the exact cost varying based on the group size.

Travelers can expect to pay for the national park entrance fee, which is $35 per person.

The tour includes round-trip transportation, bottled water, King Coconut, seasonal fruits, and lunch.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start of the experience.

The tour has a maximum capacity of 15 travelers and isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Infants must sit on laps, and the tour isn’t recommended for those with certain medical conditions or concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Extend the Tour to Include Other Destinations?

Absolutely, the tour can be extended to include other destinations. The operator offers customizable itineraries to suit travelers’ preferences and interests, allowing them to explore more of Sri Lanka’s natural wonders.

How Do I Obtain a Visa for the Tour?

To obtain a visa for this tour, travellers should check the requirements for Sri Lanka based on their nationality. Many countries offer e-visas or visa on arrival, which can be easily arranged prior to the trip.

What Should I Bring for the Jeep Safari?

For the jeep safari, it’s recommended to bring sun protection, insect repellent, binoculars, and a camera to capture the wildlife and scenery. Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. Bring any necessary medications and stay hydrated throughout the tour.

Is There an Option for a Private Jeep During the Safari?

Yes, the tour includes a private jeep safari. The description states the tour provides a "Jeep safari to observe indigenous wildlife and flora" with a "dedicated guide for personalized attention and pacing."

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?

Yes, you can customize the tour itinerary to your preferences. The operator offers a private tour with a dedicated guide, allowing you to personalize the pacing and activities during your visit.

Recap

Exploring Udawalawe National Park and the Elephant Transit Home offers a unique opportunity to witness the captivating wildlife and conservation efforts in Sri Lanka. Travelers can expect an exhilarating jeep safari, spotting majestic elephants, wild buffalo, and diverse bird species, along with a visit to the rehabilitation center dedicated to orphaned elephants. This private tour from Colombo provides a comprehensive and immersive experience in the heart of Sri Lanka’s natural wonders.