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Ella and Udawalawe 2-Day Tour
from Kosgoda and Bentota

Explore Ella and enjoy a Yala wildlife safari on a private 2-day tour from Kosgoda or Bentota with a chauffeur guide and comfortable transport.

Ella and Udawalawe
2-Day Private Tour

Combine an unforgettable wildlife safari in Udawalawe National Park with the spectacular mountain scenery and iconic attractions of Ella on a private two-day tour. Starting from Kosgoda, Bentota, or a nearby beach hotel, this journey includes comfortable air-conditioned transport with a private driver or chauffeur guide. Discover wild-elephant habitats, Ravana Falls, tea-country landscapes, and the famous Nine Arch Bridge before returning to the southern coast or continuing to your next destination.

Tour Overview

The Ella and Udawalawe 2-Day Tour is suitable for travellers who want to combine wildlife and hill-country scenery during their southern beach holiday.The tour can begin with an Udawalawe safari before continuing to Ella, or the route can be reversed according to safari times, hotel availability, and the guest’s onward travel plan.Compared with travelling to Yala, Udawalawe can be a practical safari option for guests mainly interested in elephants.This remains an active two-day itinerary with road travel, sightseeing, and an early start.Guests who prefer a slower pace may extend the journey to three days.

Tour Highlights

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Kosgoda or Bentota to Udawalawe and Ella

Your private driver or chauffeur guide will collect you from your hotel, villa or guesthouse at the confirmed time.An early departure is recommended to allow sufficient time for the safari and onward journey to Ella.Travel inland from the southern coast towards Udawalawe.Suitable breakfast, refreshment and comfort stops can be arranged during the journey.

Udawalawe National Park Safari

Meet the safari-jeep driver near the confirmed park entrance and begin your wildlife safari.Udawalawe National Park is known for its open landscapes, reservoir surroundings and elephant habitats.

Wildlife that may be seen includes:

  • Elephants
  • Water buffalo
  • Spotted deer
  • Sambar deer
  • Crocodiles
  • Monkeys
  • Jackals
  • Peacocks
  • Eagles
  • Water birds
  • Other bird species

Wildlife lives freely in the national park. Elephant sightings and other specific wildlife encounters cannot be guaranteed.Safari routes are selected according to park rules, road conditions and information available to the jeep driver.

Optional Elephant Transit Home

Depending on the agreed schedule, guests may visit the Elephant Transit Home near Udawalawe.The centre cares for orphaned young elephants before their eventual return to the wild.Viewing times are controlled by the centre and may not match every itinerary.The visit is optional and subject to current operating times.

Journey to Ella

After the safari or Elephant Transit Home visit, continue towards Ella.The route passes through changing countryside and mountain scenery.

A lunch or refreshment stop can be arranged along the way.

Ravana Falls

Stop at Ravana Falls near Ella, subject to weather, daylight and available time.Guests should remain within safe viewing areas and avoid climbing on slippery rocks.

Hotel Check-In

Arrive in Ella and check in at the selected hotel.The evening is available for rest or independent exploration of Ella town.

Overnight: Ella

Meal Plan: According to the selected package

Day 2: Explore Ella and Return to Kosgoda or Bentota

After breakfast, begin sightseeing in Ella.The final itinerary can be adjusted according to the guest’s preferred walking level, hotel location and return destination.

Nine Arch Bridge

Visit the famous Nine Arch Bridge, surrounded by forest and tea-country scenery.Access normally requires some walking on uneven paths and steps.An easier viewing route may be considered for travellers with mobility concerns, although some walking may still be necessary.Train arrival times at the bridge cannot be guaranteed.

Ella Town

Spend time in Ella town for refreshments, shopping or a meal.Ella has cafés, restaurants and small shops popular with international travellers.

Optional Little Adam’s Peak

Guests who enjoy walking can visit Little Adam’s Peak.The route offers mountain and valley views but includes slopes and steps.This activity is optional and can be removed for senior travellers, families with young children or guests who prefer less walking.

Optional Tea Experience

A tea factory, plantation viewpoint or tea-tasting stop may be added where practical.The availability and exact location will depend on the return route and operating times.

Return to the Southern Coast

After completing the selected activities, travel back to Kosgoda, Bentota or another confirmed destination.Suitable meal, refreshment and comfort stops can be arranged during the return journey.

Meals: According to the selected package

Overnight: Not included unless an additional night is requested.

Optional Tour Variations

Option 1: Tour Ending in Ella

The tour can finish at a hotel in Ella instead of returning to Kosgoda or Bentota.This is suitable for travellers continuing to:

  • Nuwara Eliya
  • Kandy
  • Arugam Bay
  • Yala
  • Another hill-country destination

Option 2: Tour Ending Near Udawalawe

The tour may finish at a hotel in Udawalawe if the guest is continuing to Yala or the south coast the following day.

Option 3: Three-Day Relaxed Tour

Add an extra night to:

  • Spend more time in Ella
  • Include a longer safari
  • Reduce driving pressure
  • Add a train journey
  • Include more tea-country attractions

Option 4: Yala Instead of Udawalawe

Udawalawe can be replaced with Yala for guests who prefer a wider wildlife route and accept the longer travel time.

Chauffeur-Guide Service

Chauffeur Guide Services

A chauffeur guide can provide:

  • Private driving
  • Route assistance
  • General destination information
  • Hotel check-in support
  • Local recommendations
  • Activity coordination
  • Safari assistance
  • Practical support throughout the journey

Chauffeur-guide availability should be confirmed when requesting the quotation.A specialised wildlife or site guide can be arranged separately where required.

Private Driver Service

Private Transport Only

Guests who have booked their own hotel can request a private car or van with a driver.The driver will provide transport according to the confirmed route and schedule.

This service is suitable for travellers who:

  • Have arranged their own accommodation
  • Need transport only
  • Prefer to pay attraction fees directly
  • Want a private vehicle throughout the tour
  • Have prepared their own itinerary

What to Bring

Recommended Items to Bring

Recommended items include:

  • Comfortable clothing
  • Walking shoes
  • Hat
  • Sun protection
  • Insect repellent
  • Drinking water
  • Light rain protection
  • Camera
  • Binoculars
  • Personal medication
  • Small overnight bag
  • Passport or identification
  • Warm layer for Ella
  • Neutral-coloured clothing for the safari

Accessibility and Fitness Information

Accessibility & Travel Information

This tour includes road travel, a safari-jeep ride and optional walking activities.Possible physical requirements include:

  • Uneven paths
  • Steps
  • Sloped walking routes
  • Early departure
  • Safari-jeep movement
  • A long return drive

The itinerary can be adjusted by:

  • Removing Little Adam’s Peak
  • Selecting an easier Nine Arch Bridge viewpoint
  • Reducing optional stops
  • Choosing an accessible hotel
  • Extending the tour to three days
  • Selecting a shorter safari where available

Guests should provide information about:

  • Mobility limitations
  • Knee or back concerns
  • Wheelchair requirements
  • Walking limits
  • Other health conditions relevant to the tour

Safari-jeep travel can be uneven and may not be suitable for every guest.

Reserve Your Tour

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Tour Information

Starting Locations:
  • Kosgoda
  • Bentota
  • Ahungalla
  • Induruwa
  • Balapitiya
  • Beruwala
  • Aluthgama
  • Ambalangoda
Finishing Locations:
  • Kosgoda
  • Bentota
  • Nearby beach hotel
  • Galle
  • Mirissa
  • Ella
  • Another confirmed destination
Suggested Route: Kosgoda or Bentota → Udawalawe → Ella → Southern beach hotel

Recommended Overnight Stay:
  • Ella
Transport Options:
  • Private car with driver
  • Private van with driver
  • Chauffeur-guide service

Alternative Route

Alternative Tour Route

The tour may also operate in the following order:

Kosgoda or Bentota → Ella → Udawalawe → Southern beach hotel

This variation may be recommended when:

  • The preferred safari time is on Day 2
  • The tour finishes closer to the southern coast
  • Hotel availability is better in Ella
  • The guest has a later pickup on Day 1
  • Weather conditions favour Ella sightseeing first
  • The tour continues to another southern destination

The final route will be confirmed before booking.

Accommodation Options

Accommodation Options

Accommodation can be arranged according to the guest’s preferred category.

Possible options include:

  • Budget guesthouses
  • Three-star hotels
  • Four-star hotels
  • Boutique hotels
  • Eco-lodges
  • Mountain-view hotels
  • Family-friendly hotels

Guests may choose:

  • Accommodation included in the package
  • Transport-only service with a self-booked hotel

Final hotel selection depends on:

  • Travel dates
  • Room availability
  • Number of guests
  • Room arrangement
  • Meal plan
  • Budget
  • Hotel location

Meal-Plan Options

Meals & Dietary Requirements

Hotel accommodation may be arranged with:

  • Breakfast
  • Half board
  • Full board

Guests should provide information about:

  • Vegetarian meals
  • Vegan meals
  • Halal meals
  • Food allergies
  • Children’s meals
  • Other dietary requirements

Meals during road journeys and outside the selected hotel meal plan may be paid for directly by the guest.

Vehicle Options

Private Vehicle Options

Private air-conditioned vehicles can be selected according to the number of passengers and luggage.

Private Car

Suitable for:

  • Solo travellers
  • Couples
  • Small families with limited luggage

Mini Van

Suitable for:

  • Families
  • Small groups
  • Travellers carrying additional luggage

Larger Passenger Van

Suitable for:

  • Larger families
  • Private groups
  • Travellers with more luggage

Please provide accurate passenger and luggage information when requesting the tour.

Possible Tour Inclusions

Possible Tour Exclusions

Optional Experiences

Important Tour Conditions

Wildlife Sightings

Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Safari Availability

Safari times, jeep availability and park access should be confirmed in advance.

Weather

Rain, fog or strong weather may affect Ella sightseeing and walking activities.

Elephant Transit Home

Viewing schedules may change and cannot be guaranteed until confirmed.

Travel Times

Travel times depend on traffic, weather, road conditions and pickup location.

Attraction Access

Access to Nine Arch Bridge and outdoor viewpoints may change because of local conditions.

Hotel Availability

Hotel prices and availability may change until the booking is confirmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Private hotel pickup is available from Bentota, Kosgoda and nearby beach areas.

Yes. The route can be adjusted according to the flight arrival time.

Yes. The route can be reversed.

No. Wild animals move freely in the national park.

Udawalawe is often selected by travellers mainly interested in elephant habitats. However, no sighting can be guaranteed.

It may be included or added as an optional visit depending on the schedule and quotation.

Yes. The tour can finish at a hotel in Ella.

Yes. The final drop-off can be arranged at another suitable southern destination.

The usual access route involves uneven paths and walking. An easier viewing option may be available.

They may be included or quoted separately. The final quotation will clearly state this.

A private jeep can be arranged for your party.

Yes, but parents should consider the early start, road travel and uneven safari ride.

Yes. A transport-only package is available.

Yes. Hotel options can be provided according to the preferred category and meal plan.

Yes. A three-day tour offers a more relaxed schedule.

Reserve Your Tour

Plan your perfect Sri Lanka journey with flexible private tours, instant assistance, and trusted local travel experts.


Plan Your Ella and Udawalawe Journey

Tell us your travel date, hotel location, passenger details and accommodation preferences.We will prepare a private itinerary and personalised quotation for your two-day journey.