Udawalawe National Park Safari from Balapitiya
Active
8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Enter the Land of Elephants as you go on a 3-hour Udawalawe National Park Safari! Search for sightings of the giants of the animal world in the plains and grasslands of this Sri Lankan National Park. Get your birdwatching binoculars ready to catch sight of a number of endemic and migratory birds.
Available options
Transport with Tickets
Transport with Tickets<br/>Pickup included
Transport with No Tickets
Transport with No Tickets<br/>Pickup included
What's included
1-Litre water bottle (per-person).
Transport in an air-conditioned vehicle.
Hotel pickup and drop off from Balapitiya.
Service of an English-speaking safari driver. (also your tracker)
Safari jeep for the 3-hour safari.
Detailed itinerary
1
Balapitiya, a coastal town in Sri Lanka, captivates with its pristine beaches, lush mangrove forests, and vibrant culture. Nestled between Bentota and Hikkaduwa, it offers a serene retreat for beach lovers and nature enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the enchanting Maduganga River by boat, observe exotic bird species, and embark on thrilling water sports adventures. With its tranquil ambiance and scenic beauty, Balapitiya beckons travelers to immerse themselves in the charm of Sri Lanka's southern coast.
2
Enjoy a three-hour safari which would give you a chance to explore the amazing Udawalawe National Park. Travel through the marshes, forests, and grasslands of the park that was created as a sanctuary for wildlife in the 1970s. See the water birds and Sri Lankan elephants for which the park is famed. Catch glimpses of the other mammals and birds, as well as the reptiles, amphibians, and butterflies.
About the Park:
The Udawalawe National Park lies on the boundary of the Sabaragamuwa and Uva Provinces of Sri Lanka. As such, it majorly consists of plains, grasslands, forests, and marshes. The annual rainfall in the Udawalawe National Park is around 1500 millimeters, and the average temperature stays at a comfortable 27° - 28° Centigrade (81°-82°F). The park has over 94 species of plants, 21 species of fish, 12 species of amphibians, over 30 species of reptiles, over 180 species of birds (33 of which are migratory), 43 species of mammals, and 135 species of butterflies.
3
Balapitiya, a coastal town in Sri Lanka, captivates with its pristine beaches, lush mangrove forests, and vibrant culture. Nestled between Bentota and Hikkaduwa, it offers a serene retreat for beach lovers and nature enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the enchanting Maduganga River by boat, observe exotic bird species, and embark on thrilling water sports adventures. With its tranquil ambiance and scenic beauty, Balapitiya beckons travelers to immerse themselves in the charm of Sri Lanka's southern coast.
What's not included
Food and drinks.
Expenses of personal nature.
Entrance tickets to Udawalawe National Park.
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
About Kalutara
Kalutara is a picturesque coastal city in Sri Lanka known for its beautiful beaches, historic sites, and lush greenery. It offers a blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty, making it a popular destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and exploration.
Top Attractions
Richmond Castle
A historic mansion built in the early 20th century, showcasing colonial architecture and lush gardens.
Historical
1-2 hours
Moderate
Kalutara Bodhiya
A sacred Bo tree believed to be a sapling from the original Bodhi tree in India where Buddha attained enlightenment.
Religious
30 minutes to 1 hour
Free
Kalutara Beach
A beautiful beach with golden sand, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
Beach
Half-day to full day
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Kottu Roti
A popular Sri Lankan dish made with chopped roti, vegetables, and meat or seafood, cooked on a hot griddle.
Dinner
Can be made vegetarian or with meat
Hoppers
Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, often served with eggs, sambal, or curry.
Breakfast
Vegetarian
String Hoppers
Noodle-like strings made from rice flour, served with curries and sambal.
Lunch
Vegetarian
Popular Activities
Surfing
Snorkeling
Beach lounging
Spa treatments
Visiting temples
Exploring historic sites
Swimming
Boat tours
Best Time to Visit
January to April
This period offers the best weather with minimal rainfall and warm temperatures, ideal for beach activities and sightseeing.
28-32°C
82-90°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
Kalutara is generally safe for travelers, but standard precautions should be taken to avoid petty theft and scams.
Important Precautions:
- • Use reputable taxi services.
- • Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help.
- • Keep valuables secure.
Getting there
By air
- Bandaranayake International Airport • 60 km
By train
Kalutara Railway Station
By bus
Kalutara Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the most common and affordable way to get around Kalutara. They connect major attractions and neighborhoods.
Taxis
Available • Apps: PickMe
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Kalutara Town
Beach Road
Day trips
Aluthgama
15 km • Half day
A nearby town known for its historic sites and beautiful landscapes.
Beruwala
20 km • Full day
A coastal town with beautiful beaches and water sports activities.
Festivals
Kalutara Bodhiya Festival • February
Pro tips
- Visit Richmond Castle early in the morning to avoid crowds.
- Try local street food for an authentic culinary experience.
- Use local buses for an affordable and scenic way to get around.
- Carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste.
- Learn a few basic phrases in Sinhala or Tamil to enhance your interaction with locals.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
