
Udawalawe National Park Safari | From Ella
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 36 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Udawalawe National Park Safari | From Ella worth booking?
Udawalawe National Park Safari | From Ella is a 7-hour experience in Ella, Sri Lanka, from $65 per person. It scores 77 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 36 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 77 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (36)
- Duration
- 7 hours
- From
- $65 per person
Udawalawe National Park lies on the boundary of Sabaragamuwa and Uva Provinces, in Sri Lanka. The national park was created to provide a sanctuary for wild animals displaced by the construction of the Udawalawe Reservoir on the Walawe River, as well as to protect the catchment of the reservoir.
What you get
About this experience
Udawalawe National Park lies on the boundary of Sabaragamuwa and Uva Provinces, in Sri Lanka. The national park was created to provide a sanctuary for wild animals displaced by the construction of the Udawalawe Reservoir on the Walawe River, as well as to protect the catchment of the reservoir.
What's included
Included
- Hotel pick and drop off from Ella Hotels.
- 1 Jeep Safari in Udawalawe National Park.
- Service of an English-Speaking Chauffeur.
- Transport throughout the tour with an air-conditioned vehicle.
- 1 Liter of Bottled Mineral Water Per Person.
Not included
- Food and Beverages.
- Expenses of Personal Nature.
- Udawalawe National Park Entrance Fees. (For Transfer + Jeep Only Option)
What you'll see and do
Udawalawe National Park
You will be starting your tour from Ella at 11:30 am. Your chauffeur will be picking you up from your hotel and driving you to Udawalawe. Explore Udawalawe National Park, one of the most undisturbed and pristine natural ecosystems on the planet enriched with a wealth of Sri Lankan elephants. See huge herds of elephants, and enjoy glances of water buffalo, wild boar, spotted deer, jackal, and more. Discover an area of 30,821 hectares, which embodies the true essence of a tropical paradise. See a rich variety of exotic flora and fauna and enjoy the perfect getaway for bird-watchers. Enjoy ample opportunities for spotting endemic and migrated birds. This Udawalawe safari might even present you with the sighting of the Sri Lankan Jungle Fowl, Spur Fowl, and Green Pigeon. After the safari, you will return to your vehicle and you’ll get back to the hotel by 7:30 pm, completing your tour.
180 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Options you can book
Transfer + Jeep Only
Pickup included
Transfer + Jeep + Tickets
Pickup included
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 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Travceylon Leisure
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 36 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
36 verified traveler reviews for Udawalawe National Park Safari | From Ella. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Nice experience
Wonderful experience. I must add, there was a man that came up to the Jeep prior to entering the park that said he was a tour guide and that he was not a part of my package and that I could hire him. I declinedbecause honestly, I just wanted to see the animals not necessarily learn about them so no point. However, my driver (included in the package) knew about the animals and informed me perfectly fine anyway. His English wasn’t all that good, but it was good enough for my purpose.
via Tripadvisor
A great trip around Udawalawe park.
We were collected from Ella exactly on time (5am!) and delivered to the Park at about 7.15am. Our driver and guide was Shameera. He was friendly, knowledgeable and had the sharpest eyes ever. We saw two mixed age family groups of elephants very close up, including an extremely rare 'tusker' - there being only about 5 of them in the Park. The water was fair low in the lake and there were dozens of freshwater crocodiles within easy viewing distance. Shameera was also a great driver and knew the park very well. He has been guiding there for about 11 years. Our tour was about three hours long and cost about $300 for three of us, including pickup from Ella, the tour and sunsequent delivery to our lovely nearby hotel after. Very happy to recommend this particular tour and this particular guide.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful review of Travceylon Leisure. We truly appreciate your kind words and are delighted to know that you enjoyed your travel experience with us. Your feedback inspires our team to continue delivering exceptional service and creating unforgettable journeys for every traveler. It was our pleasure to be part of your adventure, and we are grateful for your trust and support. We look forward to welcoming you again for your next holiday and helping you create even more amazing memories. Wishing you safe travels, happiness, and many exciting adventures ahead!
via Tripadvisor
Great safari, with some issues
The jeep safari was fantastic. We had a great guide and saw lots of elephants as well as other birds and animals. It was a two-hour drive each way from Ella and the car had no air-conditioning, so that wasn't much fun in the heat. We had to drive with all the windows down the whole way. We also went to a "herbal garden" suggested by the tour company which turned out to be just a sales pitch to buy various herbal remedies produced from the garden so that was frustrating.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful review of Travceylon Leisure. We truly appreciate your kind words and are delighted to know that you enjoyed your travel experience with us. Your feedback inspires our team to continue delivering exceptional service and creating unforgettable journeys for every traveler. It was our pleasure to be part of your adventure, and we are grateful for your trust and support. We look forward to welcoming you again for your next holiday and helping you create even more amazing memories. Wishing you safe travels, happiness, and many exciting adventures ahead!
via Tripadvisor
Recommended service provider
I will never forget the experience of visiting the Udawalawe National Park, the home of elephants. The large animals roaming freely were a delight to the eyes. Their behavior is very free. It is very good to be able to see them very close. The company's service is very respectful. No complaints at all.
via Tripadvisor
Unforgettable Wildlife adventure with great drivers
A 3-hour safari at Udawalawe National Park is a must for nature lovers. We saw herds of elephants, exotic birds, deer, and even a crocodile. The guide was knowledgeable, and the scenery was stunning. A short but unforgettable wildlife adventure!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 7 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $65 to $225
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 13
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Travceylon Leisure, who run 87 experiences we rank across 10 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 52.4.
See everything Travceylon Leisure runsWhy this scores 77
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Udawalawe National Park Safari | From Ella: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Ella.
How much does Udawalawe National Park Safari | From Ella cost?
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Prices start at $65 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 Udawalawe National Park Safari | From Ella take?
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Plan for about 7 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 Udawalawe National Park Safari | From Ella worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 77 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 36 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 Udawalawe National Park Safari | From Ella?
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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 Udawalawe National Park Safari | From Ella suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Udawalawe National Park Safari | From Ella?
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Around 13 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 7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Udawalawe National Park Safari | From Ella 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 Udawalawe National Park Safari | From Ella?
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Included: Hotel pick and drop off from Ella Hotels; 1 Jeep Safari in Udawalawe National Park; Service of an English-Speaking Chauffeur; Transport throughout the tour with an air-conditioned vehicle; and 1 Liter of Bottled Mineral Water Per Person. Not included: Food and Beverages; Expenses of Personal Nature; and Udawalawe National Park Entrance Fees. (For Transfer + Jeep Only Option). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Udawalawe National Park Safari | From Ella include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 22 listed pickup locations in and around Ella. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Udawalawe National Park Safari | From Ella 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 Udawalawe National Park Safari | From Ella?
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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 Udawalawe National Park Safari | From Ella wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Udawalawe National Park Safari | From Ella if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Udawalawe National Park Safari | From Ella?
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Across 36 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Udawalawe National Park Safari | From Ella?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Transfer + Jeep Only, Transfer + Jeep + Tickets. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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