Day Excursions to Udawalawe from Bentota

This full-day excursion to Udawalawe National Park offers a fantastic glimpse into Sri Lanka’s diverse wildlife, all from the comfort of air-conditioned transport. Priced at around $173.53 per person, it’s a well-rounded day that combines wildlife sightings, scenic views, and cultural insights. The tour is operated by Asni Tours & Travel, and features round-trip hotel pickup (for select hotels), a guided jeep safari, and free cancellation—giving you flexibility and peace of mind.

What immediately stands out about this experience is the opportunity to see hundreds of elephants roaming freely in their natural habitat. The chance to explore a vast 230,000-hectare protected reserve using a private jeep is a highlight for many travelers. We also appreciate the inclusion of the Udawalawe Dam visit, providing a break from wildlife viewing and a chance to appreciate Sri Lanka’s engineering feats.

One thing to consider is that lunch isn’t included, so you’ll need to plan for that either before or after the tour. For those who love wildlife, nature, and a bit of Sri Lankan culture, this tour offers a compelling day out. It’s best suited for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, families, or anyone eager to see elephants in the wild without a long trek or complicated logistics.

Key Points

Wildlife focus: See hundreds of elephants and other native animals in a large, protected reserve.
Convenience: Hotel pickup, air-conditioned transport, and guided Jeep safari make logistics easy.
Cultural insight: Visit the Udawalawe Dam, a significant irrigation and hydroelectric site.
Flexibility: Free cancellation within 24 hours adds peace of mind.
Duration: Around 12 hours, ideal for a full but manageable day trip.
Limited meals: Lunch isn’t included, so plan accordingly for food during the day.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

The Journey Begins: Convenient Pickup and Transport

Starting at 8:00 am, this tour kicks off with hotel pickup for those staying at selected locations. The air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort during the roughly 1-2 hour drive from Bentota to Udawalawe. The journey itself is often smooth, but travelers should be aware that traffic conditions can affect timing. Asni Tours & Travel emphasizes reliability and offers mobile tickets, making the process straightforward.

Once aboard, the ride gives you a chance to relax and get excited about the day ahead. The company’s commitment to support is clear—they mention 24-hour emergency assistance, which can be reassuring if anything unexpected arises.

First Stop: Udawalawe National Park

The heart of the tour is the three-hour guided safari inside Udawalawe National Park. The park’s vast 230,000 hectares are home to around 500 elephants roaming freely—making it one of the best places in Sri Lanka for wildlife viewing. A key benefit of this tour is the guided Jeep hire, which allows close-up encounters while maintaining safety and comfort.

While on safari, your guide, often experienced and knowledgeable, will point out various animals and plants. Reviews note that some guides are quite skilled at spotting elusive creatures, which can make or break the experience. You might see deer, mongoose, crocodiles, buffalo, and even amphibious life along the waterholes. One reviewer mentioned that their guide was especially good at spotting a rare butterfly, so if you’re into insects or birdwatching, this adds another layer of interest.

Many visitors comment on the massive herds of elephants, often close enough to capture great photos. As one reviewer noted, “We loved the way the elephants came so close, and the guide was very informative about their behavior and habitat.” The park’s openness and the diversity of wildlife make this safari an authentic experience—no cages, no fences—just animals in their natural setting.

The Udawalawe Dam: A Scenic Interlude

After the safari, the tour includes a quick 10-minute visit to the Udawalawe Dam. This large irrigation and hydroelectric project is impressive not just for its size—about 3.9 km long—but also for its importance to Sri Lanka’s agriculture and energy. Visitors often appreciate the chance to see a different side of Sri Lanka’s infrastructure, observing how water is managed and electricity generated.

Most reviews point out that the dam offers some great photo opportunities, especially if you’re interested in engineering or scenic views. It’s an easy stop that balances out the wildlife focus, giving a bit of local context and landscape.

Ending the Day: Return Journey

The tour concludes with a drop-off back at your hotel, typically around 8:00 pm, giving you a full 12 hours of activity. The air-conditioned vehicle ensures you’re comfortable after a day of outdoor adventure. Since lunch isn’t included, travelers often eat beforehand or plan to grab a snack or meal nearby the dam or park exit.

The Real Value of This Tour

While the price may seem steep at first glance, it covers all the essentials—park fees, Jeep hire, bottled water, transportation, and an English-speaking driver. The guided safari is a major plus, as it enhances wildlife spotting chances and adds informative commentary. For wildlife enthusiasts, this means a more enriching experience than self-guided trips.

The inclusion of hotel pickup makes logistics easier, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area. It also saves the hassle of arranging transport yourself. The free cancellation policy is a practical benefit, offering flexibility if your plans change.

However, lunch is not included, so budget-conscious travelers should bring snacks or plan to eat nearby the park or on the way back. Also, the tour duration is quite long—about 12 hours—so it’s best suited for those who enjoy full days of outdoor activity without feeling exhausted.

What We Liked

• The opportunity to see hundreds of elephants in their natural environment, which is rare in many parts of the world.
• The guided jeep safari offers informative insight and a much closer look at the wildlife than a self-driving option.
• The optional stop at Udawalawe Dam provides a scenic and cultural contrast to the wildlife viewing.
• The overall organization and support from the tour company seem reliable, with emergency assistance and a clear cancellation policy.

Possible Drawbacks

• No included lunch, which might be inconvenient for some travelers, especially if you have specific dietary needs or prefer a sit-down meal.
• The long duration could be tiring for those not used to full-day excursions.
• Depending on traffic, the transfer times might fluctuate, so flexibility is advisable.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip suits nature lovers eager to see elephants and other wildlife in a large, protected environment. It’s great for families looking for an accessible but impactful wildlife experience, as well as photographers wanting to capture iconic Sri Lankan animals in the wild. Those with limited time but a keen interest in wildlife and scenery will find this tour offers a balanced, value-packed day.

If you prefer a more relaxed experience or are not particularly keen on wildlife viewing, you might consider other options. But for those seeking an authentic, guided adventure into Sri Lanka’s wildlife, this tour hits the right notes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pickup available from my hotel?
Yes, hotel pickup is provided for selected hotels, making logistics straightforward.

How long does the entire tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 12 hours, starting at 8:00 am and returning around 8:00 pm.

What animals might I see?
You can expect to see elephants, deer, mongoose, crocodiles, buffalo, and various amphibious creatures, along with around 50 butterfly species.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, making it suitable for families, especially those with older children interested in wildlife.

Are meals included?
No, lunch isn’t included, so plan to bring snacks or eat before or after the tour.

What is the price and what does it cover?
The cost is $173.53 per person, covering park fees, bottled water, Jeep rental, an English-speaking driver, hotel pickup and drop-off, and air-conditioned transport.

Can I cancel this tour if my plans change?
Yes, there is a free cancellation policy available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

How is transportation arranged?
An air-conditioned vehicle is provided, and transfers are organized for a smooth journey.

Is the safari guided?
Yes, a guided Jeep safari is included, with knowledgeable guides enhancing the wildlife spotting experience.

Final Thoughts

This day trip to Udawalawe from Bentota offers a well-balanced mix of wildlife encounters, scenic views, and cultural insights. It’s a strong choice for anyone wanting to get up close with Sri Lanka’s elephants and enjoy the natural beauty of the region without the hassle of organizing a self-guided trip. The inclusion of the dam visit adds a touch of engineering marvel and landscape variety, rounding out the experience.

While it demands a full day and some planning around meals, the value lies in the expertly guided safari, the chance to see a significant herd of elephants, and the convenience of door-to-door transportation. For travelers who love animals and want an authentic, worry-free experience, this tour is worth considering.

If your goal is to witness Sri Lanka’s wildlife in a natural setting and you’re comfortable with a long day outdoors, this trip provides a memorable, immersive experience. Just remember to bring your camera, some snacks, and a spirit of adventure.