Tour Overview
If you want to see elephants in Sri Lanka, Udawalawe National Park is your best bet! This incredible day tour takes you to one of Asia’s finest wildlife destinations, famous for its huge elephant herds that roam freely across open grasslands. Unlike dense jungle parks, Udawalawe’s savanna-like terrain offers excellent visibility, making it perfect for wildlife photography and guaranteed elephant sightings.
Located in the southern part of Sri Lanka, Udawalawe was created as a sanctuary for wildlife displaced by the Udawalawe Reservoir. Today, it’s home to over 500 elephants, along with water buffalo, crocodiles, deer, and numerous bird species. The park’s landscape resembles African savannas, with scattered trees, grasslands, and the beautiful reservoir creating a stunning backdrop.
This tour is ideal for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and photographers. The elephant transit home visit adds a heartwarming element to your safari, where you’ll see baby elephants being cared for before their release into the wild. Our experienced naturalist guides ensure you don’t miss any action while sharing fascinating insights about Sri Lankan wildlife and conservation efforts.
What Makes This Tour Special
- Prime morning safari when animals are most active
- Experienced naturalist guide for wildlife spotting
- Visit Yala’s famous leopard territory
- UNESCO Galle Fort exploration
- Witness traditional stilt fishing technique
- Comfortable safari jeep with guaranteed window seat
- Professional wildlife photography opportunities
Tour Plan with Starting Time
04:00 AM – Early Pickup from Your Hotel
Early start is essential for the best wildlife viewing! Don’t worry, we bring breakfast for you. Our comfortable vehicle is ready with blankets if needed for the morning chill.
07:00 AM – Arrive at Yala National Park
Enter through Palatupana entrance gate. Transfer to a private 4×4 safari jeep with expert tracker.
06:30 AM – Yala National Park Safari (Duration: 4 hours)
Your adventure begins! Yala Block 1 covers 141 square kilometers of diverse terrain including forests, grasslands, lagoons, and beaches. Watch for:
Leopards – Yala has the world’s highest leopard density
Sri Lankan Elephants – Often seen in herds near water sources
Sloth Bears – Particularly active during fruiting season
Wild Buffalo – Massive herds in the grasslands
Crocodiles – Basking near lagoons
Birds – Over 215 species including painted storks, pelicans, eagles
Your naturalist guide explains animal behavior, tracks, and ecosystem relationships. Multiple stops for photography and observation.
11:30 AM – Exit Yala & Branch
Enjoy a hearty Sri Lankan breakfast at a nearby restaurant (included in tour).
01:30 PM – Koggala Stilt Fishing Photo Stop (Duration: 30 minutes)
Drive 15 minutes to Koggala Beach to witness the iconic stilt fishermen. This traditional fishing method has been practiced for generations. Watch fishermen balance on wooden poles planted in the surf, casting lines for small fish. This is one of Sri Lanka’s most photographed cultural traditions. Your guide explains the technique and helps you get the perfect sunset photo.
03:30 PM – Arrive at Galle Fort
Brief rest and refreshment break.
04:00 PM – Galle Fort Walking Tour (Duration: 1.5 hours)
Explore this perfectly preserved Dutch colonial fortress as the afternoon sun creates magical lighting. Walk the ramparts, visit the lighthouse, explore museums and galleries, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy the sea breeze. The fort is less crowded in late afternoon, making it perfect for photos and peaceful exploration.
06:00 PM – Return Journey
Scenic coastal drive back to your hotel.
07:30 PM – Drop at Your Hotel
Arrive back with incredible memories and photos.
Pickup & Drop Location
Pickup:
Your hotel in Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, Galle, Mirissa, or any south coast location. Early pickup times may vary based on your location (30 minutes either way).
Drop:
Return to your hotel or any requested location along the south coast.
Note:
This tour requires a very early start for optimal wildlife viewing. We recommend going to bed early the night before! Hotel breakfast boxes can be arranged if your hotel provides this service.
Photo Tips:
Bring a camera with good zoom (or binoculars). Safari dust can be an issue, so protect your equipment. Evening light at Galle and Koggala is stunning for photography.
Important Information:
- Very early morning start required
- Wear neutral colors for safari (avoid bright colors)
- Bring hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses
- Camera with zoom lens highly recommended
- Park entrance fees included
- Private safari jeep included
- Breakfast and lunch not included
- Cool morning, hot midday, pleasant evening – dress in layers
- Yala can be dusty – bring a scarf/bandana
- No guarantees on leopard sightings, but our trackers maximize chances