Udawalawa National Park & Orphanage Visit from Hambantota Port
Active
5h - 7h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Take a tour of Udawalawe National Park, one of Sri Lanka's largest animal sanctuaries. You’ll have plenty of time to hear commentary about the wildlife you’ll see and ask questions. Keep an eye out for elephants, water buffalo, jackals, leopards, and other animals from the comfort of a rugged 4x4 vehicle.
Available options
Udawalawa Safari & Orphanage
Pickup included
What's included
Driver/guide
Transportation in a Safari Jeep (maximum of 7 passengers per jeep)
Port pickup and drop-off
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
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. The reserve covers 30,821 hectares (119.00 sq mi) of land area and was established on 30 June 1972. Before the designation of the national park, the area was used for shifting cultivation (chena farming). The farmers were gradually removed once the national park was declared. The park is 165 kilometres (103 mi) from Colombo. Udawalawe is an important habitat for water birds and Sri Lankan elephants. It is a popular tourist destination and the third most visited park in the country.
2
The Udawalawe Elephant Transfer Home is a facility within Udawalawe National Park in Sri Lanka that was established in 1995 by the Sri Lanka Department of Wildlife Conservation. Its primary objective is to rehabilitate orphaned elephant calves for ultimate release back into the wild.
What's not included
Udawalawe National Park
Elephant Transit Home (ETH)
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
3.0
2 reviews
5★
1
4★
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3★
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Tripadvisor
4.4
7 reviews
5★
6
4★
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3★
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1★
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Important information
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
About Hambantota
Hambantota is a coastal city in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka, known for its beautiful beaches, wildlife, and the famous Hambantota Cricket Stadium. The city is also home to the Mirijjawila Botanical Garden and the Bundala National Park, offering a mix of relaxation and adventure for travelers.
Top Attractions
Mirijjawila Botanical Garden
A beautiful botanical garden with a variety of local and exotic plants, offering a peaceful retreat from the city.
Nature
2-3 hours
Moderate (around 500 LKR)
Bundala National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its diverse wildlife, including elephants, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.
Nature
Half-day or full-day
Moderate (around 1000-1500 LKR for a safari)
Hambantota Cricket Stadium
A state-of-the-art cricket stadium that has hosted international matches and is a must-visit for cricket fans.
Sports
2-3 hours for a tour
Moderate (around 500-1000 LKR for a tour)
Ruhunu National Park
A national park known for its diverse wildlife, including elephants, leopards, and a variety of bird species.
Nature
Half-day or full-day
Moderate (around 1000-1500 LKR for a safari)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Rice and Curry
A traditional Sri Lankan meal consisting of rice served with a variety of curries, including vegetable, meat, and fish curries.
Dinner
Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available
Hoppers (Appa)
Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, often served with an egg or coconut sambal.
Breakfast
Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available
Kottu Roti
A popular street food made from chopped roti, vegetables, and meat, stir-fried with spices.
Lunch
Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available
Popular Activities
Wildlife safaris
Snorkeling
Hiking
Beach relaxation
Spa treatments
Botanical garden visits
Temple visits
Local markets
Best Time to Visit
December to March
This is the best time to visit Hambantota as the weather is dry and sunny, perfect for outdoor activities and beach visits.
25-32°C
77-90°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Sinhala, Tamil
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
Time Zone
GMT+5:30
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Hambantota is generally safe for travelers, but it is essential to take standard precautions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Be cautious of your surroundings, especially at night.
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
- • Use reputable tour operators and guides.
Getting there
By air
- Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport • 25 km from Hambantota
By bus
Hambantota Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Local buses are the most common form of public transport in Hambantota. They are affordable but can be crowded.
Taxis
Available • Apps: PickMe
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Hambantota City Center
Mirijjawila
Bundala
Day trips
Tangalle
50 km • Half-day or full-day
A beautiful coastal town known for its stunning beaches, clear waters, and relaxed atmosphere.
Yala National Park
60 km • Full-day
One of the most famous national parks in Sri Lanka, known for its diverse wildlife, including leopards, elephants, and a variety of bird species.
Festivals
Esala Perahera • July-August
Pro tips
- Visit the Mirijjawila Botanical Garden early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
- Book a guided safari at Bundala National Park for the best wildlife spotting experience.
- Try local street food for an authentic and budget-friendly dining experience.
- Learn a few basic phrases in Sinhala to enhance your interaction with locals.
- Carry small denominations of cash for local shopping and transportation.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
