Half Day Udawalawe Safari from Kalutara (Entrance + Lunch)
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 9 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Half Day Udawalawe Safari from Kalutara (Entrance + Lunch) worth booking?
Half Day Udawalawe Safari from Kalutara (Entrance + Lunch) is a 12-hour experience in Kalutara, Sri Lanka, from $190 per person. It scores 64 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 9 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 64 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (9)
- Duration
- 12 hours
- From
- $190 per person
This half-day safari will give you the chance of visiting Udawalawe National Park which is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see wild elephants. An Asian elephant herd, no less than 250, is permanently residing at U
What you get
About this experience
This half-day safari will give you the chance of visiting Udawalawe National Park which is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see wild elephants. An Asian elephant herd, no less than 250, is permanently residing at Udawalawe national park. The park is capable of sustaining large numbers of elephants because of its abundant water sources. Hundreds of elephants annually migrate to the park from nearby protected areas as well. Udawalawe national park was created for elephants displaced by the construction of the adjoining Udawalawe reservoir. Furthermore, Udawalawe is an important bird area with a wide range such as aquatic, birds of prey, and land birds in abundance. If you like to explore Sri Lankan birdlife, morning safari experiences are known to include rare bird sightings frequently.
What's included
Included
- Pick up and drop off will be provided by a air-conditioned vehicle.
- All government taxes.
- Lunch at a local restaurant.
- Refreshments and water bottles during the safari.
- Hotel pick up and drop off to most closely located hotels in Kalutara, Wadduwa or Bentota.
- Entrance fees to Udawalawe National Park.
- Cost of the safari jeep.
Not included
- Gratuities.
- Anything not mentioned in inclusions.
What you'll see and do
Udawalawa
06.00 AM - You will be greeted and picked up from most closely located hotels in Kalutara, Wadduwa or Bentota and proceeded to Udawalawe National Park. 10.00 AM - On arrival at Udawalawe National Park, you will enjoy a thrilling 3 hours safari with our jeep driver. Udawalawe National Park is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see wild elephants. An Asian elephant herd, no less than 250, is permanently residing at Udawalawe National Park. The park is capable of sustaining large numbers of elephants because of its abundant water sources. Hundreds of elephants annually migrate to the park from nearby protected areas as well. 02.00 PM - After the safari, you will be taken to enjoy your, lunch at a local restaurant. 03.00 PM - After a mouthwatering lunch, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Kalutara, Wadduwa or Bentota.
180 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Kalutara
Pick up and drop off will be provided from most closely located hotels in Kalutara, Wadduwa or Bentota.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Pick up and drop off will be provided from most closely located hotels in Kalutara, Wadduwa or Bentota.
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 9 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Overa 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
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please be ready at the hotel lobby 15 minutes before the pick up time.
- Please bring valid passports for entering to the national park.
- Please come with a comfortable attire for a safari.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 9 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
9 verified traveler reviews for Half Day Udawalawe Safari from Kalutara (Entrance + Lunch). Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great wildlife experience
It is a great opportunity to see the amazing wildlife - elephants, crocs, birds, deers, chameleons... Fully enjoyed the beauty of the natural park with a knowledgeable guide
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your lovely feedback! We’re thrilled to hear that you fully enjoyed your wildlife experience and the beauty of the national park. It’s wonderful to know that our guide helped make your safari both informative and memorable. We truly appreciate you choosing Overa Tours and hope to welcome you again soon for more amazing adventures in Sri Lanka! 🌿🐘✨
via Viator
HIGHLY recommend - great memories, great tour guide, very caring!
Super well organized, very responsive and reliable agency -Kamal the owner was our contact - offering flexible programs you can adapt to your wishes. Convenient booking and consulting via WhatsApp / Email / Phone. Our tour guide Thushara was super friendly, very client focused, experienced, honest, knowledgeable, helpful and reliable. Really enjoyed and we specifically asked to get the same tour guide for our upcoming 2 days tour.
via Tripadvisor
Loved my visit to Udawalawe
A great safari experience. It is home to lots of animals. And also we saw variety of different species of birds. We didn't expect too much. But we were really lucky to see number of species. Udawalawe is best place to visit to enjoy the nature .
Response from the operator: Dear Madam / Sir, Greetings from Overa Tours!! Thank you for taking the time to write such outstanding feedback on your recent experience with Overa Tours. We appreciate your most valuable compliments on our service. It brings us great joy in knowing that all our efforts have been successful in making your experience memorable and enjoyable. Looking forward to welcoming you back soon.
via Tripadvisor
Safari
Thought this excursion was really good. Pretty early morning pickup but definitely worth it when I got to see the feeding of the elephants. Inside the park there were also lots of animals to see. Amazing to see the animals in their element. Had a great guide all day. The return trip to the hotel was beyond expectations. Nice ride but good staff, fresh car with good ac. I also stopped at extra places when I asked.
Response from the operator: Kära fru / Sir, Hälsningar från Overa Tours !! Tack för att du tog dig tid att skriva så enastående feedback om din senaste upplevelse med Overa Tours. Vi uppskattar dina mest värdefulla komplimanger på vår tjänst. Det ger oss stor glädje när vi vet att alla våra ansträngningar har lyckats med att göra din upplevelse minnesvärd och rolig. Ser fram emot att välkomna dig tillbaka snart.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Udawalawe Safari
Had an amazing day visiting Udawalawe National Park today. Our guide picked us up from our Bentota hotel prompt at 05:30 in a very comfortable, air conditioned car. On our 3 hour car journey he pointed out things of interest & we were lucky enough to have time to stop & visit the Transit Camp where, to our delight, we watched the orphaned babies/youngsters receive their 09:00 milk feeds. Some of the little ones broke into a run with excitement - delightful. The safari was brilliant - we saw several elephant family groups. Along with monkeys, water buffalo & many beautiful birds. Lunch followed & our return journey was very comfortable. A day we will always remember.
Response from the operator: Dear Madam / Sir, Greetings from Overa Tours!! Thank you for taking the time to write such outstanding feedback on your recent experience with Overa Tours. We appreciate your most valuable compliments on our service. It brings us great joy in knowing that all our efforts have been successful in making your experience memorable and enjoyable. Looking forward to welcoming you back soon.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 12 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $190 to $290
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Overa Tours, who run 71 experiences we rank across 11 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 53.6.
See everything Overa Tours runsWhy this scores 64
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Half Day Udawalawe Safari from Kalutara (Entrance + Lunch): questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kalutara.
How much does Half Day Udawalawe Safari from Kalutara (Entrance + Lunch) cost?
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Prices start at $190 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Kalutara usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Half Day Udawalawe Safari from Kalutara (Entrance + Lunch) take?
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Plan for about 12 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 Kalutara is not rushed.
Is Half Day Udawalawe Safari from Kalutara (Entrance + Lunch) worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 64 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 9 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Kalutara, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Half Day Udawalawe Safari from Kalutara (Entrance + Lunch)?
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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 Half Day Udawalawe Safari from Kalutara (Entrance + Lunch) suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Half Day Udawalawe Safari from Kalutara (Entrance + Lunch)?
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Around 3 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 Kalutara 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 Kalutara and add a light layer if any part of the 12-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Half Day Udawalawe Safari from Kalutara (Entrance + Lunch) 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 Kalutara 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 Kalutara?
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On Outty we rank every Kalutara experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Sri Lanka Car Rental with Driver per Day | Car Van or MiniBus Rental with Driver, The Most Recommended Round Tour in Sri Lanka, Udawalawe Safari DayTrip frm Bentota/Kalutara/Ahungalla/Hikkaduwa. 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 Kalutara?
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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 Kalutara?
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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.
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