Safari from Kalutara: Yala or Udawalawe National Park

Two national parks, one choice: elephants at Udawalawe or the full spectrum at Yala

A one-day safari tour departing from Kalutara, Beruwala, Aluthgama or Wadduwa that takes you to either Yala National Park in the southeast or Udawalawe National Park inland, depending on which wildlife you want to see. The tour includes hotel pickup, a private air-conditioned vehicle, highway charges and water. You choose the park when you book. Entry tickets and the safari jeep are arranged separately at a discounted rate if you request them.

Step-by-step itinerary

Safari visit to Yala or Udawalawe Park

• Travel from Kalutara area
• Enjoy safari at Yala National Park
• Or enjoy safari at Udawalawe National Park
• Return to starting point

The experience

You get picked up from your hotel in the Kalutara area and driven south or inland in a private air-conditioned vehicle: the route and timing adjust based on which park you've chosen. Yala National Park sits in the southeast and holds 44 mammal species and 215 bird varieties. Udawalawe lies inland and is known for wild elephants. The choice between them is yours to make at checkout, and the price stays the same either way. Highway charges are covered, and you'll have water and a free 4G connection (up to 2 GB on request) for the drive.

The full day runs 10 to 12 hours from pickup to return. The operator is officially registered with Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA Reg. No. SLTDA/SQA/TA/02178) and flexible about your preferences. If there are stops or detours you want to skip or add depending on timing, let them know and they'll rearrange the itinerary. If you want the safari jeep for the park itself, they can arrange it at a discounted rate. That booking happens separately from the tour.

What’s included

• Private air-conditioned vehicle with a driver.
• hotel pickup from your chosen area.
• highway charges.
• water bottles.
• free 4G connection on request (up to 2 GB).

Options for this experience

4 options

Start from KalutaraNo fixed timePickup from Kalutara is included

Stars from AluthgamaNo fixed timePickup from Aluthgama is included

Starts from BeruwalaNo fixed timePickup from Beruwala is included

Stars from BentotaNo fixed timePickup from Bentota is included

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Infant (under 11)

GroupPrivate

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 41 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Island Divvy Tours

Is this one for you?Choose Yala if you want the broadest range of wildlife in one day. Pick Udawalawe if wild elephants are what you came to see. The private vehicle means the timing and route adapt to your pace and interests, and the operator will rearrange stops if the day calls for it.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 17 years); Infant (under 11).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the difference between Yala and Udawalawe if I'm choosing between them?

Yala National Park in the southeast is home to 44 mammal species and 215 bird species, giving you the widest range of wildlife. Udawalawe National Park is famous for wild elephants. If seeing elephants is your priority, Udawalawe is the better choice.

Does the tour include entry to the national park?

Entry tickets to Yala or Udawalawe are not included in the tour price and are arranged separately. The operator can help you book them at a discounted rate if you request it when you reserve.

What if I want to add or skip stops along the way?

The operator is flexible with the itinerary and will rearrange stops or detours depending on timing and your preferences. Just let them know when you book or before the day starts.

Can I arrange the safari jeep through this tour?

Yes, the safari jeep for the park itself is not included in the tour price but can be arranged separately at a discounted rate. Let the operator know if you want them to book it for you.

Where does the pickup happen?

Hotel pickup is included and operates from Kalutara, Beruwala, Aluthgama or Wadduwa. You choose your departure area when you book.