From Ella :- Udawalawa Safari & Elephant Transit Home Tour

The Udawalawe Safari & Elephant Transit Home Tour, starting from the charming town of Ella in Sri Lanka, offers an exciting adventure for nature enthusiasts and animal lovers. With its thriving population of Asian elephants, Udawalawe National Park promises incredible wildlife sightings.

Travelers can enjoy the flexibility of their plans with free cancellation and the option to reserve and pay later. Led by a knowledgeable English-speaking driver, the tour includes a visit to the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, where visitors can observe and even feed orphaned baby elephants.

Good To Know

• Free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
• Jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park to observe the large elephant population
• Opportunity to feed and observe orphaned baby elephants at the Elephant Transit Home
• Transfer back to the hotel in Ella after the tour

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Details

The activity details of the Udawalawa Safari & Elephant Transit Home Tour include free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, a duration of 8 hours, and a driver with English language proficiency provided for the tour. This cancellation policy allows travelers to have flexibility in their plans and provides peace of mind.

The tour lasts for a total of 8 hours, giving participants ample time to explore and experience the beauty of Udawalawe National Park and the Elephant Transit Home.

Plus, a knowledgeable driver with proficiency in English is available to guide visitors throughout the tour, ensuring clear communication and a smooth experience.

Pickup arrangements are also included, with the driver picking up participants from their hotel 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time. This ensures convenience and a hassle-free start to the tour.

Highlights

One of the highlights of the Udawalawa Safari & Elephant Transit Home Tour is the opportunity to take a jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park, known for its large elephant population. Visitors can observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, as well as spot other exotic animals and birds in the wildlife sanctuary.

But the real treat comes at the Elephant Transit Home, where baby elephants are cared for and rehabilitated. Here, visitors can witness feeding time and even have the chance to feed the orphaned baby elephants themselves.

The Elephant Transit Home is a wildlife sanctuary managed by the Department of Wildlife Conservation, dedicated to supporting and releasing orphaned elephants back into the wild. It’s an unforgettable experience for animal lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Udawalawe Town and National Park

Located in the Ratnapura District of Sri Lanka, Udawalawe is a small town that serves as the main entry point to the renowned Udawalawe National Park. This national park is known for its high population of wild Asian elephants, making it a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

The town itself is located approximately 160 km away from Colombo and is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Uda Walawa Reservoir, which is the 3rd largest reservoir in Sri Lanka.

Udawalawe Town and National Park aren’t only a tourist attraction but also play a significant role in wildlife conservation efforts, particularly in the preservation and protection of the Asian elephant population. Visitors to the park can witness these efforts firsthand and learn more about the importance of conserving these majestic creatures.

Elephant Transit Home

You can visit the Elephant Transit Home within Udawalawe National Park to witness the efforts of the Department of Wildlife Conservation in supporting and rehabilitating orphaned elephants.

The Elephant Transit Home was established to provide care and rehabilitation to orphaned elephant calves. Currently, there are 39 orphaned elephant calves being looked after at the facility.

The primary goal of the transit home is to release the calves back into the jungle once they’re strong enough to survive in their natural habitats.

During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to feed the baby elephants for a duration of 30 minutes. This experience allows visitors to witness firsthand the dedication and commitment of the Department of Wildlife Conservation in protecting and preserving these magnificent creatures.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Tour The Sum Up

At the conclusion of the tour, visitors will be transferred back to their hotel in Ella, providing them with a convenient and comfortable journey after experiencing the Udawalawa Safari and Elephant Transit Home.

This tour not only offers an incredible wildlife experience but also has a positive impact on the local community. By visiting the Udawalawe National Park and the Elephant Transit Home, travelers contribute to the conservation efforts and the well-being of the orphaned elephants.

The best time to visit Udawalawe National Park is during the dry season, which runs from May to September, as the animals gather around the watering holes, making it easier to spot them.

Directions

Visitors to Ella can easily navigate their way to the Udawalawa Safari & Elephant Transit Home Tour with the help of detailed directions.

To reach Udawalawe National Park, travelers should head southeast from Ella towards Wellawaya on the A23 highway. After approximately 40 kilometers, they should turn left onto the B423 road and continue for another 30 kilometers until reaching the entrance of the national park.

The best time to visit Udawalawe National Park is during the dry season from May to September when the animals gather around the water sources.

To have a memorable jeep safari experience, it’s recommended to book a morning or afternoon safari to avoid the midday heat. Visitors should bring sunscreen, hats, and binoculars to fully enjoy spotting the wildlife in the park.

Common Questions

How Far in Advance Should I Book the Udawalawa Safari & Elephant Transit Home Tour?

To book the Udawalawa Safari & Elephant Transit Home Tour, it is recommended to book in advance to secure your spot. The best time to visit is during feeding time to observe young elephants.

Is Transportation Provided From Colombo to Udawalawe National Park?

Transportation options from Colombo to Udawalawe National Park include private car hires, public buses, and trains. The best time to visit is during the dry season from May to September, when wildlife sightings are more frequent.

Can I Bring My Own Food to Feed the Baby Elephants at the Elephant Transit Home?

Bringing food to feed the baby elephants at the Elephant Transit Home is not necessary as they are already provided with a specially formulated diet. It is important to follow feeding etiquette and not feed them any outside food.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participating in the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for participating in the tour. However, it is important to follow the safety guidelines provided by the tour operator to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Can I Bring a Camera to Take Photos During the Safari?

Yes, visitors are allowed to bring cameras to capture photos during the safari. However, there may be certain restrictions in place to ensure the safety of the animals. The best time for photography is usually during the early morning or late afternoon when the lighting is optimal.

The Sum Up

To sum it up, the Udawalawe Safari & Elephant Transit Home Tour offers a thrilling adventure for nature enthusiasts and animal lovers.

From the picturesque town of Ella, visitors can witness the magnificent wildlife of Udawalawe National Park, including its thriving population of Asian elephants.

The tour allows travelers to observe young elephants during feeding time and even feed orphaned baby elephants at the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home.

With its captivating wildlife and breathtaking landscapes, this tour promises an unforgettable experience in Sri Lanka.

You can check if your dates are available here: