Ella to Tangalle/Hiriketiya/Mirissa/Galle Shuttle & Yala Safari
Traveler rating
4.0/5
Based on 13 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Ella to Tangalle/Hiriketiya/Mirissa/Galle Shuttle & Yala Safari worth booking?
Ella to Tangalle/Hiriketiya/Mirissa/Galle Shuttle & Yala Safari is a 8.5-hour experience in Ella, Sri Lanka, from $40 per person. It scores 62 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4/5 rating across 13 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 62 / 100
- Rating
- 4/5 (13)
- Duration
- 8.5 hours
- From
- $40 per person
This tour is unique because it combines adventure and relaxation in one seamless experience. It begins with a comfortable pick-up from Ella, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the countryside before heading to Yala National Park for an exhilarating safari. Expert guides help you spot iconic wildlife, such as elephants and leopards, in their natural habitat. Finally, the tour concludes with a stress-free drop-off in the charming coastal towns of Tangalle or Hiriketiyas, allowing you to unwind on pristine beaches.
What you get
About this experience
This tour is unique because it combines adventure and relaxation in one seamless experience. It begins with a comfortable pick-up from Ella, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the countryside before heading to Yala National Park for an exhilarating safari. Expert guides help you spot iconic wildlife, such as elephants and leopards, in their natural habitat. Finally, the tour concludes with a stress-free drop-off in the charming coastal towns of Tangalle or Hiriketiyas, allowing you to unwind on pristine beaches.
What's included
Included
- Toyota Hilux 4X4 Safari vehicle on SHARING BASIS - (with 7 seats)
- Hotel pickup - From Ella/Bandarawela
- Air-conditioned transfer vehicle on SHARING BASIS with luggage space
- Experienced Driver/Guide
- Drop off in any hotel around Tangalle/Hiriketiya/Mirissa/Weligama/Ahangama/Unawatuna/Galle Areas.
Not included
- Entrance & Service Fees to the National Park
- Food & Drinks
What you'll see and do
Ella
Pick up From Ella/Bandarawela Area
30 minutes here
Rawana Falls
On your way from Ella, you can see the Rawana Water Fall on the road side. If you prefer, you can take around 20 minutes break there. If you get down from Wellawaya area, you will not get the opportunity to see the Ravana waterfall.
20 minutes here
Yala National Park
This is the first game drive of the day, one of the highlights of the journey. The duration is 2 hours. We are aiming to be in the YALA National Park at dawn in the Morning Safari or at dusk in the Afternoon Safari. These are the best times of the day, which is called "Golden Hours" and gives you the highest chance of spotting the elusive Sri Lankan leopards, which is a leopard subspecies native to Sri Lanka. YALA National Park boasts approximately a hundred individual leopards and has the highest leopard density in the world. There is also a possibility to encounter Sloth Bear, Elephants, Crocodiles, Monkeys, Spotted Dears, Mongoose, Birds and a plethora of other species. Our highest priority is your comfort and safety, so we use only the rugged Toyota Hilux 4X4 vehicles for the Game Drives.
120 minutes here · Admission not included
At the end of the first game drive, you will be given a break to refresh yourself at the Patanangala beach inside the YALA National Park facing the Indian Ocean. You can enjoy your breakfast in the break. Breakfast is not included in this tour. Sri Lankan breakfast with Plain Hoppers, Egg Hoppers, Rotti, Coconut Sambol, Sini Sambol or Western Picnic Breakfast with Cheese and Tomato Sandwich, Boiled egg, Cake, Cookie, Jumbo Peanut and Sri Lankan fruits.
30 minutes here
Yala National Park
After the break, you start the 2nd game drive which is the second highlight of the day. Duration 1 hour. Marvel at the sight of majestic elephants, graceful spotted deer, and elusive sloth bears, among a plethora of other mesmerizing species. Your knowledgeable driver cum guide will regale you with insights into the behaviors and habitats of YALA's diverse wildlife, enriching your safari experience. With every moment promising an unforgettable encounter, YALA offers a sanctuary where the extraordinary becomes the norm.
60 minutes here
Tissamaharama
After completing the 2nd game drive, you will come out of the YALA National Park and travel to Tissamaharama by the safari vehicle. You will get down from the safari vehicle and get into the airconditioned transfer vehicle.
30 minutes here
Tissamaharama
In Tissamaharama at around 5.30 a.m., you will get down from the transfer vehicle and get on to the SHARED SAFARI VEHICLE. Your safety and comfort is our top priority, so we use only the rugged Toyota Hilux 4x4 vehicle for the safari, specially equipped to navigate the YALA National Park's diverse off-road conditions easily. Safari vehicles consist of 6 individual seats, which gives a 270 degree view to the guest. You can leave your luggage in the Taxi while you are going on the Safari. Here, there's 30 minutes break in Afternoon Safari for you to have lunch. (meals not included)
30 minutes here
Tangalle
2-4 hours is going to take from Tissamaharama to Tangalle/Hiriketiya/Mirissa/Weligama/Ahangama/Unawatuna/Galle areas it would take less than that. These are going to be the places where we end the journey. Visit your hotel in Tangalle/Hiriketiyta/Mirissa/Weligama/Ahangama/Unawatuna/Galle area, as a person filled with memories of a lifetime and has a newfound appreciation for the wonders of one of the best spots in Sri Lanka's majestic wilderness. Hope we were able to paint a picture in your mind, on what the experience of the tour would be. We, at Ajith Safari Jeep Tours ready to serve you and we invite you to book this tour with us.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Ajith Safari Jeep Tours
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please be informed that the Entrance and Sercice fees for the YALA National Park is not included in this package.
- You must pay the fees at the entrance in cash in Sri Lankan Rupees (approx. $43 per person) or through a credit card. (There is no facility at present at the YALA National Park entrance to make cash payments in foreign currencies)
- The total duration of the Tour is around 10-12 hours. This includes 3 hours inside the YALA National Park, 3 hours and 30 min to Pick up and reach to the YALA National Park entrance and 4 hours to Drop off after the safari.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 13 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
13 verified traveler reviews for Ella to Tangalle/Hiriketiya/Mirissa/Galle Shuttle & Yala Safari. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Total mess
Booking somehow was doubled. That means the information was shared all around for safari providers. Payed double.
via Viator
Yala safari
I slept through my alarm and missed my pick up but luckily enough the tour operator managed to get me on a safari the next day and I didn't loose my place which I was so happy about! My driver ishan done a amazing job, unfortunately we didn't spot a leopard but we saw everything else! The highlight if the trip was seeing a bear
via Tripadvisor
Yala Safari
The safari was very nice. The guide Ishan was great and very kind. He spoke explained us everything clearly. He showed us many animals and places. Thanks to him , we saw leopards which was amazing. Ishan knew where to go and helped us see everything
via Tripadvisor
Avoid this company – extremely unprofessional and misleading.
We booked and paid online for a transfer from Tangalle to Ella and the safari tour, but the experience was highly disappointing: - The vehicle that came in the morning, almost 45 minutes later than the mentioned time was already full of people leaving us to carry our big luggage in our arms and having one of us taking the front seat near the drive because no room left in the back. - Breakfast was prepaid, yet nothing was provided. Our requests on Whatsapp and via their contact form for a refund went unanswered. - We paid in advance online for the park tickets only to find out they actually charge more than the official price. - The safari began very late, due to repeated delays. The driver arrived 45 minutes late for pickup in the morning, then when he was close to the park entrance he got called that the jeeps are actually somewhere else and had to backtrack to take us to the jeeps. - Because of the late arrival, we waited nearly an hour at the park entrance behind many other vehicles, in order for the driver to buy the tickets. - The safari itself took only around 2-2.5 hours with chaotic driving back and forth on the same road. - After the safari ended, we were left waiting another hour for the transfer to the next car due to poor organization, "we are only 4 in the car instead of 6, and we have to go to Ella with a full car". Same as in the morning, a person was left to stay in front with the driver because no space for luggage. Overall, the service was chaotic, poorly managed, and far below expectations. I strongly advise others to avoid booking with this company.
via Tripadvisor
Find a different tour operator
From the start this tour failed to deliver. Thee car that picked me up didn't smell good, which was a shame. Once at the collecting area, we were allocated a 4x4 eventually. It then drove around swapping people from one 4x4 to another. This wasted time. The tour of the Yala park was fine. When we returned to their "office" it turned out hgat I had misunderstood the tick and wanted to return to where I had been collected from . It was dark, late and raining hard. They wouldn't arrange a return to my hotel unless I paid them $45 which was more than the original trip which included transport and a guide/driver. They had me over a barrel and they knew it. They paid the driver tgat took me back a lot less than $45. There are plenty of tours operating to Yala. Find an honest one that is much better organised and not out to fleece the customer.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 5
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Ajith Safari Jeep Tours, who run 8 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 62.8.
See everything Ajith Safari Jeep Tours runsWhy this scores 62
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Ella to Tangalle/Hiriketiya/Mirissa/Galle Shuttle & Yala Safari: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Ella.
How much does Ella to Tangalle/Hiriketiya/Mirissa/Galle Shuttle & Yala Safari cost?
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Prices start at $40 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Ella usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Ella to Tangalle/Hiriketiya/Mirissa/Galle Shuttle & Yala Safari take?
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Plan for about 8.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Ella is not rushed.
Is Ella to Tangalle/Hiriketiya/Mirissa/Galle Shuttle & Yala Safari worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 62 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4/5 across 13 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Ella, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Ella to Tangalle/Hiriketiya/Mirissa/Galle Shuttle & Yala Safari?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Ella to Tangalle/Hiriketiya/Mirissa/Galle Shuttle & Yala Safari suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Ella to Tangalle/Hiriketiya/Mirissa/Galle Shuttle & Yala Safari?
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Around 5 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Ella can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Ella and add a light layer if any part of the 8.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Ella to Tangalle/Hiriketiya/Mirissa/Galle Shuttle & Yala Safari start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Ella within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Ella?
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On Outty we rank every Ella experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Discover Ella - Ella Rock, Little Adam's Peak & Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Sight seeing Private tours, Ella Sri Lanka Cooking Class Experience. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Ella?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Ella?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Ella to Tangalle/Hiriketiya/Mirissa/Galle Shuttle & Yala Safari?
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Included: Toyota Hilux 4X4 Safari vehicle on SHARING BASIS - (with 7 seats); Hotel pickup - From Ella/Bandarawela; Air-conditioned transfer vehicle on SHARING BASIS with luggage space; Experienced Driver/Guide; and Drop off in any hotel around Tangalle/Hiriketiya/Mirissa/Weligama/Ahangama/Unawatuna/Galle. Not included: Entrance & Service Fees to the National Park; and Food & Drinks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Ella to Tangalle/Hiriketiya/Mirissa/Galle Shuttle & Yala Safari include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 553 listed pickup locations in and around Ella. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Ella to Tangalle/Hiriketiya/Mirissa/Galle Shuttle & Yala Safari offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Ella to Tangalle/Hiriketiya/Mirissa/Galle Shuttle & Yala Safari?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Ella to Tangalle/Hiriketiya/Mirissa/Galle Shuttle & Yala Safari wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Ella to Tangalle/Hiriketiya/Mirissa/Galle Shuttle & Yala Safari if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Ella. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Ella to Tangalle/Hiriketiya/Mirissa/Galle Shuttle & Yala Safari?
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Across 13 reviews averaging 4.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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