Yala National Park Safari from Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa , Sri Lanka

Yala National Park Safari from Hikkaduwa

Active

9h - 10h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover Sri Lanka's famous wildlife park and enjoy the presence of many leopards and sloth bears. Sri Lanka is one of the few countries in the world where the population lives side-by-side with free-roaming animals and yala is an ideal witness for wildlife holidaymakers.

Available options

Safari Jeep + Hotel Transfers

Pickup included

What's included

Transportation in a Comfortable A/C Vehicle

English speaking guide for the entire tour

All Government Tax & Charges

Mineral Water Bottle

4X4 Safari Jeep

Detailed itinerary

The most visited and largest national park in Sri Lanka is Yala National Park, which borders the Indian Ocean. It consists of five blocks. Two of them are open to the public now, as well as adjoining parks. Each block is named Ruhuna National Park (Block 1) and Kumana National Park (or 'Yala East) for the adjacent area. It is located in the country's southeast, in Southern Province and Uva Province. It covers 979 km (378 mi) in area and is approximately 300 km (190 mi) away from Colombo. Yala was established as a wildlife sanctuary on May 1, 1900. It was also designated by Wilpattu in 1938. It is well-known for its wide range of wild animals. It is vital for conservation of Sri Lankan elephants, Sri Lankan Leopards, and aquatic birds

What's not included

National Park Entrance fees

Any other services not mentioned above

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa is a vibrant coastal town in Sri Lanka, renowned for its beautiful beaches, surfing spots, and vibrant nightlife. It's a popular destination for both relaxation and adventure, offering a mix of natural beauty and cultural experiences.

Top Attractions

Hikkaduwa Beach

Hikkaduwa Beach is the town's main attraction, known for its golden sands, clear waters, and excellent surfing conditions. It's a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

Beach Half day to full day Free

Hikkaduwa Coral Gardens

A protected marine area just off the coast, the Coral Gardens offer a chance to see vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. It's a popular spot for snorkeling and diving.

Nature 2-3 hours Moderate (snorkeling/diving tours)

Tsunami Honganji Vihara

This Buddhist temple is a memorial to the victims of the 2004 tsunami. The temple features a large statue of Buddha and offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling beach.

Historical 1 hour Free (donations welcome)

Hikkaduwa Nightlife

Hikkaduwa is known for its vibrant nightlife, with numerous bars, clubs, and beach parties. It's a great place to enjoy live music, dance, and socialize with fellow travelers.

Entertainment Evening to late night Moderate to Expensive

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kottu Roti

A popular Sri Lankan dish made with chopped flatbread, vegetables, and meat or seafood, stir-fried with spices.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or with meat/seafood

Fish Ambul Thiyal

A sour fish curry made with goraka (a type of sour fruit), coconut, and spices. It's a signature dish of Sri Lankan cuisine.

Dinner Contains fish

Woodapple Juice

A refreshing juice made from the woodapple fruit, often mixed with sugar and water. It's a popular local drink.

Drink Vegan

Popular Activities

Surfing Snorkeling Diving Jet-skiing Parasailing Beach lounging Yoga Spa treatments

Best Time to Visit

December to March

This is the best time to visit Hikkaduwa for beach activities and surfing, as the weather is dry and sunny. The town is lively with many events and festivals.

28°C to 32°C 82°F to 90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Sinhala, Tamil
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas

Currency

Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Hikkaduwa is generally safe for travelers, but it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions. Petty crime and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable tour operators and guides.
• Negotiate prices in advance for taxis and tours.
• Keep valuables secure and be cautious in crowded areas.

Getting there

By air

Bandaranayake International Airport • 120 km

By train

Hikkaduwa Railway Station

By bus

Hikkaduwa Bus Stand

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common form of public transport in Hikkaduwa. They are affordable and frequent, connecting the town to nearby areas.

Taxis

Available • Apps: PickMe

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Beachfront Area Galle Road Area Seenimodara

Day trips

Galle

20 km • Half day to full day

Galle is a historic port city with a rich colonial heritage. It's known for its well-preserved Dutch Fort, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its vibrant arts and culture scene.

Unawatuna

15 km • Half day to full day

Unawatuna is a beautiful beach town near Hikkaduwa, known for its golden sands, clear waters, and vibrant nightlife. It's a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the local beach bars.

Bentota

30 km • Full day

Bentota is a coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, water sports, and luxury resorts. It's a great destination for adventure activities like jet-skiing, parasailing, and river safaris.

Festivals

Hikkaduwa Beach Festival • December (specific dates vary) Vesak • May (specific dates vary) Esala Perahera • July or August (specific dates vary)

Pro tips

Learn a few basic phrases in Sinhala or Tamil to enhance your interactions with locals.
Rent a surfboard or take a lesson from local surf schools to experience Hikkaduwa's famous waves.
Visit the Hikkaduwa Beach Festival if you're in town during December for a unique cultural experience.
Explore nearby towns like Galle and Unawatuna for a mix of history, culture, and relaxation.
Try local street food, but be cautious and choose stalls with high turnover and good hygiene practices.