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Udawalawe and Yala 2-Day Safari Tour
fromKosgoda and Bentota

Experience Udawalawe and Yala National Parks on a private 2-day safari tour from Kosgoda or Bentota with transport, safari jeeps and hotel options.

Udawalawe andYala
2-Day Private Safari Tour

The Udawalawe and Yala 2-Day Tour offers the opportunity to experience two of Sri Lanka’s best-known wildlife parks during a private two-day journey from Kosgoda, Bentota or a nearby beach hotel.Explore the open landscapes, reservoir surroundings and elephant habitats of Udawalawe National Park before continuing to Yala National Park for a second safari through forests, grasslands, lagoons and dry-zone wildlife habitats.Travel in a comfortable air-conditioned private vehicle with a chauffeur guide or private driver, enjoying a flexible itinerary designed for wildlife enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable safari experience.

Tour Overview

The Udawalawe and Yala 2-Day Safari Tour is designed for travellers who want a wildlife-focused experience during their southern beach holiday.The tour combines two of Sri Lanka’s most popular national parks:

  • Udawalawe National Park, which is especially popular for its elephant habitats, open landscapes and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
  • Yala National Park, which offers diverse wildlife environments and the possibility of seeing leopards, elephants, crocodiles, sloth bears (occasionally) and a wide variety of birdlife.

The journey starts directly from your hotel, villa or guesthouse in Kosgoda, Bentota or another confirmed coastal area.

This is an active two-day itinerary featuring two safari-jeep experiences, early departures and long-distance road travel between the national parks.Travellers who prefer a more relaxed pace or wish to spend additional time enjoying the wildlife may choose to extend the journey to three days.

Tour Highlights

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Kosgoda or Bentota to Udawalawe and Yala Area

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 Udawalawe safari and onward journey to the Yala region.Travel inland through southern towns and rural landscapes towards Udawalawe.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 the first wildlife safari.Udawalawe National Park is known for its open natural landscapes, reservoir surroundings and elephant habitats.

Wildlife that may be seen includes:

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

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

Optional Elephant Transit Home

Depending on the safari time and current schedule, guests may visit the Elephant Transit Home.The centre cares for orphaned young elephants before their eventual return to the wild.Viewing times are controlled by the centre and may not suit every itinerary.

This visit is optional.

Lunch or Refreshment Stop

Stop at a suitable restaurant in or near Udawalawe.Meals are included only when stated in the confirmed package.

Journey to the Yala Area

After completing the Udawalawe experience, continue towards Tissamaharama, Kirinda or the selected hotel near Yala.The journey passes through dry-zone countryside, small towns and wildlife regions.

Hotel Check-In

Arrive at the selected accommodation and check in.The evening is available for rest before the early safari on Day 2.

Overnight: Tissamaharama, Kirinda or Yala area

Meal Plan: According to the selected package

Day 2: Yala National Park Safari and Return to the Coast

Wake early and travel to the confirmed Yala National Park entrance.Breakfast may be arranged before the safari, packed by the hotel or taken afterwards, depending on the safari time and selected package.

Yala National Park Safari

Meet the safari-jeep driver and begin the second wildlife experience.Yala National Park contains a variety of environments, including:

  • Dry forest
  • Open grassland
  • Lagoons
  • Rocky landscapes
  • Waterholes
  • Coastal areas

Wildlife that may be seen includes:

  • Leopards
  • Elephants
  • Spotted deer
  • Sambar deer
  • Crocodiles
  • Water buffalo
  • Monkeys
  • Wild boar
  • Jackals
  • Peacocks
  • Eagles
  • Other birds

Leopard sightings and all other wildlife sightings depend on natural conditions and cannot be guaranteed.The safari driver will select routes according to park rules, road conditions and recent wildlife information.

Return to the Hotel

After the safari, return to the hotel when required for breakfast, refreshments, luggage collection or check-out.

Return to Kosgoda or Bentota

Begin the journey back to the southern coast.Suitable lunch, refreshment and comfort stops can be arranged.Drop-off will be provided at your hotel in Kosgoda, Bentota or another confirmed location.

Meals: According to the selected package

Overnight: Not included unless an additional night is requested.

Vehicle Options

Private Road Vehicle Options

Private air-conditioned road vehicles can be selected according to passenger and luggage requirements.

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.

Chauffeur-Guide Service

Chauffeur Guide Services

A chauffeur guide can provide:

  • Private road transport
  • General destination information
  • Route assistance
  • Hotel check-in support
  • Safari coordination
  • Local recommendations
  • Practical travel assistance

The safari itself will normally be conducted in a separate safari jeep with a jeep driver.A specialised wildlife guide may be arranged separately when requested.

Private Driver Service

Private Transport Only

Guests who have booked their own hotel and safaris can request a private car or van with a driver.

This service is suitable for travellers who:

  • Have arranged their own accommodation
  • Need road transport only
  • Prefer to pay park and safari charges directly
  • Want private transport between the coast and wildlife areas
  • Have prepared their own itinerary

Safari Jeep Options

Safari Jeep Options

Safari jeeps are separate from the private road-transfer vehicle.Depending on availability, guests may request:

  • Standard private safari jeep
  • Jeep with front-facing seats
  • Jeep with elevated seating
  • Jeep with additional comfort features
  • Jeep with an experienced wildlife tracker

Vehicle quality and facilities vary between safari operators.

The confirmed quotation should clearly explain the selected safari-jeep arrangement.

What to Bring

Recommended Items to Bring

Recommended items include:

  • Lightweight comfortable clothing
  • Neutral-coloured safari clothing
  • Hat
  • Sun protection
  • Insect repellent
  • Drinking water
  • Camera
  • Binoculars
  • Light rain protection
  • Personal medication
  • Small overnight bag
  • Passport or identification
  • Face covering for dust, when needed
  • Warm light layer for early morning travel

Accessibility and Health Information

Accessibility & Physical Considerations

This tour includes:

  • Two safari-jeep rides
  • Uneven park roads
  • Early departures
  • Long periods of sitting
  • Road travel between destinations
  • Possible dust, heat and rain

Safari-jeep rides may not be suitable for all travellers.

Guests should provide information about:

  • Back or neck conditions
  • Pregnancy
  • Mobility limitations
  • Wheelchair requirements
  • Knee or hip concerns
  • Motion sickness
  • Other medical conditions relevant to the safari

The itinerary may be adjusted by:

  • Selecting only one safari
  • Requesting a shorter safari
  • Choosing a more comfortable jeep
  • Adding an extra night
  • Reducing road travel
  • Removing optional stops

Responsible Wildlife Viewing

Safari Rules & Responsible Wildlife Viewing

Guests should follow national park and safari rules.

Visitors should:

  • Remain inside the jeep unless instructed otherwise
  • Avoid feeding animals
  • Avoid loud noises
  • Keep a respectful distance from wildlife
  • Follow the safari driver’s instructions
  • Avoid leaving rubbish inside the park
  • Avoid pressuring drivers to chase animals
  • Respect other visitors and safari vehicles

Wildlife welfare and guest safety should take priority over photographs or close sightings.

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
  • Tangalle
  • Yala or Tissamaharama
  • Another confirmed destination

Suggested Route:

Kosgoda or Bentota → Udawalawe → Yala → Southern beach hotel

Recommended Overnight Stay:

  • Tissamaharama
  • Kirinda
  • Yala area

Transport Options:

  • Private car with driver
  • Private van with driver
  • Chauffeur-guide service

Alternative Route

Alternative Route

The tour may also operate in the following order:

Kosgoda or Bentota → Yala → Udawalawe → Southern beach hotel

This route may be recommended when:

  • Yala safari availability is better on Day 1
  • Hotel availability is better near Udawalawe
  • The final drop-off is closer to Ella
  • The guest continues towards the hill country
  • Weather or park conditions favour the reversed route
  • The guest prefers an afternoon safari at Yala

The final route will be confirmed before booking.

Accommodation Options

Accommodation Options

Accommodation can be arranged near Yala, Tissamaharama, Kirinda or another suitable location.

Possible categories include:

  • Budget guesthouses
  • Three-star hotels
  • Four-star hotels
  • Boutique hotels
  • Safari lodges
  • Eco-lodges
  • Nature resorts
  • 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
  • Availability
  • Room requirements
  • Preferred location
  • Meal plan
  • Budget

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

Early morning safaris may require a packed breakfast or a later breakfast after returning to the hotel.

Optional Tour Variations

Optional Tour Variations

Option 1: Tour Ending Near Yala

The second day can finish at a hotel in:

  • Tissamaharama
  • Kirinda
  • Kataragama
  • Yala area

This is suitable for travellers continuing to the east or south coast.

Option 2: Tour Ending in Ella

After the Udawalawe safari, the journey can continue to Ella instead of returning to Kosgoda or Bentota.This variation is better suited to a three-day itinerary.

Option 3: One Safari Only

Travellers who prefer a more relaxed journey may select only Udawalawe or Yala.The remaining time can be used for:

  • Elephant Transit Home
  • Kataragama
  • Beach sightseeing
  • Ella extension
  • Additional rest time

Option 4: Three-Day Wildlife Tour

An extra night allows:

  • Longer safari experiences
  • Reduced road travel
  • More rest time
  • Addition of Bundala National Park
  • Addition of Ella
  • Better flexibility with safari times

Option 5: Hotel Transfer after the Safari

The tour can finish in:

  • Tangalle
  • Mirissa
  • Galle
  • Ella
  • Arugam Bay
  • Another confirmed destination

Possible Tour Inclusions

Possible Tour Exclusions

Optional Experiences

Important Tour Conditions

Wildlife Sightings

No specific wildlife sighting can be guaranteed.

Leopard Sightings

Yala is known for leopard habitats, but seeing a leopard depends entirely on natural conditions.

Safari Availability

Park access, safari times and jeep availability should be confirmed in advance.

Park Closures

National park areas may close because of weather, maintenance, environmental management or official decisions.

Weather

Rain, heat and dry conditions may affect park roads and wildlife movement.

Elephant Transit Home

Viewing schedules may change.

Travel Times

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

Hotel Availability

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Private pickup can be arranged from Bentota, Kosgoda and nearby beach hotels.

Yes. The route can be adjusted depending on the arrival time.

Yes. The tour can finish at a hotel in Tissamaharama, Kirinda or the Yala area.

Yes, but a three-day itinerary may be more comfortable.

Private safari jeeps can be arranged for your party.

No. Udawalawe is known for elephant habitats, but sightings cannot be guaranteed.

No. Leopard sightings depend on natural wildlife movement.

The route can start with either Udawalawe or Yala, depending on availability and the final destination.

They may be included or quoted separately. This will be clearly stated in the quotation.

It can be included or added when the schedule permits.

Yes, but parents should consider two jeep rides, early departures and long travel periods.

It may be suitable, but safari jeeps travel over uneven roads. Mobility and health concerns should be discussed before booking.

Safari-jeep rides can be rough. Travellers should seek medical advice before participating.

Yes. A transport-only package is available.

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

Yes. The itinerary can focus on either Udawalawe or Yala.

Yes. This is recommended for a slower and more comfortable wildlife journey.

Reserve Your Tour

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Plan Your Two-Park Safari Journey

Tell us your preferred travel date, hotel location, passenger details and accommodation requirements.We will prepare a private wildlife itinerary and quotation for your Udawalawe and Yala 2-Day Safari Tour.