Udawalawe National Park Safari with Elephant Transit Home Visit
Active
4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Udawalawe National Park, the sixth largest animal sanctuary of Sri Lanka, is located 112 miles (180 km) from Colombo in the south-central sector of the island. Sri Lanka’s Udawalawe National Park is best known for having a huge elephant population. The Elephant Transit Home is one of the largest animal sanctuaries on the island, where young elephants are cared for before being released back into the park.
Available options
Jeep with No Tickets (3 hrs)
LK50A04C00: Udawalawe National Park Private Safari and Elephant Transit Home with Guide including Jeep with No Tickets (3 hrs)<br/>Pickup included
Jeep with Tickets (3 Hrs)
LK50A04C00: Udawalawe National Park Private Safari and Elephant Transit Home with Guide including Jeep with Tickets (3 hrs)<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Experienced Driver (Also your tracker).
All taxes and service charges.
One Mineral Water Bottle Per Person.
All Entrance Fees (If you select "Jeep with Tickets")
4x4 Safari Jeep (Maximum of 6 Passengers per jeep).
Free Pickup/Drop off from/to any location within the radius of 5KM from the Park Gate and Udawalawe.
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Udawalawe is undoubtedly one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see wild Asian Elephants throughout the year. Usually, you will have a better chance to spot herds of elephants if you choose morning departure. There are about 500 elephants in the park and they often roam in herds of up to 100. Udawalawe National Park is unique in terms of consistency in numbers of elephants roaming the park. If you choose afternoon departure, you will have great photographic opportunities of capturing the mesmerizing sunset with your camera.
You may spot other animals in the park including water buffalo, wild boar, spotted deer, sambur deer, jackal, sambar, black-naped hare, mongooses, bandicoots, foxes, the endemic toque macaque and gray langers. If you are lucky you might be able to see a leopard and other smaller cats, such as fishing cat and jungle cat. When the tour ends, you will be taken back to the departure point.
2
The Udawalawe Elephant Transist Home also known as Udawalawa Ath Athuru Sewana is a facility within Udawalawe National Park in Sri Lanka that was established in 1995 by the Sri Lanka Department of Wildlife Conservation. Its primary objective is to rehabilitate orphaned elephant calves for ultimate release back into the wild.
Elephant Transit Home during feeding hours and take a closer look at hundreds of wild elephant babies. The park sustains large numbers of elephants with its abundant water sources. Although you can’t get up close and personal with the elephants, seeing them at feeding time (from a viewing platform) is still a lot of fun.
What's not included
Hotel pickup and drop-off if outside of 5km of the park entrance gate.
All Entrance Fees (If you select "Jeep with No Tickets")
Food and drinks.
Expenses of Personal Nature
Gratuities.
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Tripadvisor
4.7
7 reviews
5★
6
4★
0
3★
1
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
About Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a vibrant island nation known for its lush landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and diverse wildlife. From ancient temples and colonial architecture to pristine beaches and verdant tea plantations, it offers a unique blend of experiences that cater to every type of traveler.
Top Attractions
Sigiriya Rock Fortress
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress with stunning frescoes, gardens, and panoramic views.
Historical
3-4 hours
Moderate (LKR 5,000 for foreigners)
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Located in Kandy, this temple houses a relic of the Buddha's tooth and is a significant pilgrimage site.
Religious
1-2 hours
Budget (LKR 1,500 for foreigners)
Yala National Park
One of the best places in the world to see leopards, Yala National Park is also home to elephants, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.
Nature
Full day
Moderate (LKR 6,350 for foreigners, including safari jeep)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Rice and Curry
A staple dish consisting of rice served with a variety of curries made from vegetables, meat, or fish.
Main Course
Can be vegetarian or non-vegetarian
Hoppers (Appa)
Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, often served with an egg in the center.
Breakfast
Can be vegetarian or non-vegetarian
Kottu Roti
A popular street food made from chopped roti bread, vegetables, and meat, stir-fried with spices.
Street Food
Can be vegetarian or non-vegetarian
Popular Activities
Hiking
Wildlife safaris
Surfing
White-water rafting
Beach lounging
Ayurvedic spa treatments
Tea plantation tours
Yoga and meditation
Best Time to Visit
December to April (for the west and south coasts) and May to September (for the east coast)
This is the best time to visit Sri Lanka as the weather is generally dry and pleasant. It's ideal for beach activities, wildlife safaris, and exploring cultural sites.
25°C to 30°C
77°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Sinhala, Tamil
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
Time Zone
GMT+5:30
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Sri Lanka is generally safe for travelers, with low violent crime rates. However, petty crime and scams can occur, especially in tourist areas. Be cautious of your surroundings and take necessary precautions.
Important Precautions:
- • Use reputable transport services and agree on fares in advance
- • Be cautious of strangers offering help or services
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
Getting there
By air
- Bandaranayake International Airport • 35 km from Colombo
By train
Colombo Fort Station
By bus
Colombo Central Bus Stand, Bastion Street Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Trains are a scenic and affordable way to travel, with options ranging from local trains to express services.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, PickMe
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Galle Fort
Colombo Fort
Day trips
Nuwara Eliya
180 km from Colombo • Full day
Known as 'Little England' for its colonial architecture and cool climate, Nuwara Eliya is a scenic hill station with tea plantations, waterfalls, and historic sites.
Adam's Peak
40 km from Ratnapura • Full day
A sacred mountain believed to contain the footprint of the Buddha, Adam's Peak is a popular pilgrimage site with a challenging but rewarding hike.
Festivals
Vesak • April/May (full moon day)
Esala Perahera • August (full moon day)
Pro tips
- Travel by train for a scenic and affordable way to explore the country, especially the route from Kandy to Ella
- Hire a private driver or use app-based taxi services like Uber and PickMe for convenient and reliable transport
- Visit lesser-known attractions like Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Polonnaruwa to avoid crowds and experience authentic Sri Lankan culture
- Try local street food and dishes like kottu roti, hoppers, and rice and curry for an authentic culinary experience
- Respect local customs and traditions, such as dressing modestly when visiting religious sites and using your right hand for eating and giving
Get Price
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
