Udawalawe Safari & Elephant Transit Home Visit with Lunch from Hambantota Harbor

Hambantota , Sri Lanka

Udawalawe Safari & Elephant Transit Home Visit with Lunch from Hambantota Harbor

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10h

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

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

If you are looking for an ultimate safari experience, this is the ideal tour where you can witness the untamed beauty and mismatchable splendor in Udawalawe National Park. Observe Sri Lanka’s natural wilderness; wildlife and different habitats of animals during your safari with Beyond Escapes Safari Team. Udawalawe is the best place in Sri Lanka to see playful giants interact with each other. After the safari you will visit elephant Transit Home which is the Asia’s first rehabilitation center for elephants. This shore excursions will leave you wonderful memories with wild elephants in Sri Lanka!

Available options

Udawalawe Safari & Elephant Transit Home Visit with Lunch from Hambantota Harbor

Pickup included

What's included

Light Refreshments & Bottled water

Lunch in an outside restaurant

Pickup and drop-off in by an Air-conditioned vehicle in Hambantota harbour

Cost of Safari jeep

All government taxes on date

Entrance tickets to the National park and elephant transit home

Detailed itinerary

08:30 am - You will be picked-up from the passenger pier at Hambantota harbor and then moved to Udawalawe.

10:00 am - Arrive to the starting point. You will proceed to visit Elephant transit home.

Elephant Transit Home - ‘Ath Athuru Sevana’ is a government managed Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe, Sri Lanka. The baby elephants reside here were found abandoned, orphaned, sick or wounded in the jungle. They are kept and treated at this Elephant Transit Home and looked after till they are ultimately fit enough to be released back to the wild.

12:00 pm - Witness the feeding time which is the most interesting sight.

12:30 pm - Afterwards, you will be taken to the restaurant for lunch.

Stop 2

14:00 hrs - When finished lunch, you will proceed to start your game drive at Udawalawe National Park.

This National Park was created to provide a sanctuary for wild animals displaced by the construction of the Udawalawe Reservoir. It lies on the boundary of Sri Lanka's wet and dry zones. Udawalawe is famous for Sri Lankan Elephants, which are relatively hard to see in its open habitats. Many Elephants are attracted to the park because of the reservoir. Other than the Elephants, the park is home to water Buffalo, water Monitor Lizards, Sambar Deer, Monkeys and the occasional Leopard, as well as it is an exciting location for Bird enthusiasts.

17:00 - Leave Udawalawe national park and transfer to Hambantota harbor.

18:00 hrs - Arrive back to the passenger pier in Hambantota harbor concluding your shore excursion!

What's not included

Expenses of personal nature

Gratuities (Recommended)

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

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1★

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

You should wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes.

If you are pregnant, you should not take part.

If you have back problems; heart complaints or other serious medical conditions, you should carefully consider whether to participate.

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.