Galle to Ella Shuttle & Yala Safari Drive with Breakfast
Active
9h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Leave the coast behind and journey inland through the wilderness of Yala Block 5 and Lunugamvehera National Park, where misty lakes and distant mountains cradle the wild. Far from the crowded trails of Yala Block 1, this peaceful route reveals nature’s rhythm as leopards roam freely, elephants bathe in still waters, and birds echo across forest.
The adventure begins with pickup from Galle, Mirissa, Dickwella, Tangalle, or any southern coastal town, traveling inland through scenic countryside to Lunugamvehera, where open lakes and forest edges create perfect habitats. Continue into Yala Block 5, with safaris offered at sunrise, morning, and afternoon—each revealing a different mood of the wild. Guided by a wildlife expert.
Enjoy a packed homemade breakfast or evening snack. On private or sunrise safaris, receive a signature wildlife photo collection captured by our crew — complimentary. Seamless transfer continues to Ella, completing a journey where comfort, discovery and nature meet.
Available options
Shared Safari
Shared Shuttle & Safari<br/>Pickup included
Private Safari
Private Car & Jeep<br/>Pickup included
Sunrise Safari
Private Car & Jeep<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Hotel Pickup & drop (from Galle, Mirissa, Dickwella, Tangalle or any other tourist town to Ella)
4x4 Off-road Safari (4.5 hours of pure wilderness)
Local wildlife expert
Bottled water
Signature Wildlife Photo Pack (for Sunrise and Private Safaris Only)
Fresh home made breakfast or Evening snacks
Detailed itinerary
1
Discover a quieter side of Yala at Yala Block 5, where forest and open plains blend seamlessly into prime leopard territory. This remote sector offers remarkable wildlife diversity without the chaos of crowded jeep trails. Many travelers consider this the best spot in Sri Lanka for close yet respectful leopard encounters.
2
A natural bridge between Yala and Udawalawe, Lunugamvehera National Park offers a rare mix of forests, scrublands, and lakes teeming with wildlife. Elephants feed by the water, peacocks display in the grasslands, and eagles soar above the tree line — all in a calm, authentic setting far from mass tourism.
What's not included
National park entrance fee (approx 9000 - 12000 LKR per head - depending on the group size)
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Important notes
We will be sending the check-in link to receive the booking voucher, right after the reservation.
About Galle
Galle is a historic coastal city known for its well-preserved Dutch colonial architecture and UNESCO-listed Galle Fort. With its charming streets, vibrant culture, and stunning beaches, it offers a unique blend of history, nature, and relaxation. The city's rich heritage and tropical charm make it a must-visit destination in Sri Lanka.
Top Attractions
Galle Fort
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Galle Fort is a historic fortified city built by the Dutch in the 17th century. It's known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, ramparts, and charming streets.
Historical
Half day to full day
Free to enter the fort, some attractions may have entry fees
Unawatuna Beach
A popular beach known for its golden sand, clear waters, and vibrant atmosphere. It's a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
Beach
Half day to full day
Free
Jungle Beach
A secluded and peaceful beach surrounded by lush greenery. It's perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a more serene beach experience.
Beach
Half day to full day
Free
Meeru Gallery
A renowned art gallery showcasing a wide range of contemporary Sri Lankan art. It's a great place to appreciate local talent and perhaps purchase a unique piece of art.
Art
1-2 hours
Free to enter, artwork for sale
Galle International Cricket Stadium
A famous cricket stadium that hosts international and domestic matches. It's a great place to catch a game and experience the excitement of Sri Lankan cricket.
Sports
Half day to full day
Ticket prices vary depending on the match
Must-Try Local Dishes
Rice and Curry
A staple Sri Lankan dish consisting of rice served with a variety of curries, including vegetables, meat, or seafood.
Lunch/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 in the center.
Breakfast
Vegetarian (can be made vegan)
Kottu Roti
A popular street food made from chopped roti, vegetables, and meat, stir-fried on a hot plate.
Lunch/Dinner
Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available
Ambul Thiyal (Sour Fish Curry)
A sour fish curry made with goraka (a sour fruit), spices, and fish, typically served with rice.
Lunch/Dinner
Non-vegetarian
Popular Activities
Surfing
Snorkeling
Scuba diving
Beach lounging
Spa treatments
Yoga
Exploring Galle Fort
Visiting temples and churches
Best Time to Visit
December to April
This is the best time to visit Galle as the weather is dry and sunny, perfect for exploring the historic sites and enjoying the beaches. It's also the peak tourist season, so expect more visitors and higher prices.
25-30°C
77-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Sinhala, Tamil
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Widely spoken in tourist areas, moderately spoken elsewhere
Currency
Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
Time Zone
GMT+5:30
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Galle is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to stay vigilant and take common-sense precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Use reputable taxi services or apps like PickMe
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night
Getting there
By air
- Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport • 110 km from Galle
- Bandaranayake International Airport • 120 km from Galle
By train
Galle Railway Station
By bus
Galle Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the most common and affordable way to get around Galle. They are frequent and cover most parts of the city and nearby areas.
Taxis
Available • Apps: PickMe, Uber
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Fort Area
Unawatuna
Hikkaduwa
Ahungalla
Day trips
Hikkaduwa
20 km from Galle • Half day to full day
Hikkaduwa is a popular beach destination known for its surfing spots, coral reefs, and vibrant atmosphere. It's a great place to relax, enjoy water sports, and explore the local culture.
Koggala Lake
25 km from Galle • Half day to full day
Koggala Lake is a scenic freshwater lake known for its beautiful surroundings and various water activities. It's a great place to relax, enjoy nature, and take a boat tour.
Turtle Hatchery (Habaraduwa)
10 km from Galle • Half day
A turtle hatchery dedicated to the conservation and protection of sea turtles. It's a great place to learn about these fascinating creatures and support their conservation efforts.
Festivals
Galle Literary Festival • January (dates vary)
Esala Perahera • July or August (dates vary based on the lunar calendar)
Sinhala and Tamil New Year • April (dates vary based on the lunar calendar)
Pro tips
- Explore the Fort Area on foot to discover hidden gems and charming streets.
- Visit the Galle Fort at sunrise or sunset for a more peaceful and scenic experience.
- Try local street food, such as kottu roti and isles, for an authentic culinary experience.
- Use apps like PickMe for reliable and affordable taxi services.
- Learn a few basic phrases in Sinhala or Tamil to enhance your interactions with locals.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
