How to Plan Your Day Excursions to Udawalawe National Park from Negombo

If you’re eager to experience Sri Lanka’s incredible wildlife, a day trip to Udawalawe National Park is a must. Located in the southern part of the country, Udawalawe is known for its abundance of wild elephants, as well as other fascinating creatures like buffalo, crocodiles, and even leopards. To help you plan your visit, we’ve put together this guide to day excursions from Negombo to Udawalawe National Park.

Overview

This day excursion is perfect for anyone staying in Negombo who wants to see some of Sri Lanka’s most incredible wildlife up close. You’ll be picked up from your hotel early in the morning and driven directly to the park, where you’ll embark on a thrilling jeep safari through the savannah. After enjoying incredible views of the park’s diverse flora and fauna, you’ll have the opportunity to grab a bite to eat in Udawalawe before returning to Negombo.

What’s Included

When you book a day excursion to Udawalawe National Park from Negombo through viator.com, the following items are included in the package:

• Round-trip transfers from your hotel
• An English-speaking chauffeur to lead the way
• Udawalawe Park entry fees
• A jeep safari in the park
• Seasonal fruits
• Gratuity for driver and guide

Optional Activities

If you’re interested in adding even more excitement to your day excursion, there are a few optional activities you can participate in for an additional fee. These include:

• Visiting the Elephant Transit Home, a rehabilitation center for orphaned elephants
• Taking a bullock cart ride through a nearby village
• Visiting the nearby Dambarawa Temple
• Stopping at the Sambodhi Chaithya, a large Buddhist temple located near the park
• Taking a stroll through the Udawalawe Reservoir

Meeting and Pickup Details

When you book your day excursion, you’ll need to select a pickup point from a list of options provided. Your operator will then contact you to confirm your pick-up time in advance, although it will generally be between 6:00 and 6:30 in the morning. You should arrive at your hotel lobby 10 minutes before the designated pickup time to ensure a smooth departure.

What to Expect

Once you’ve been picked up from your hotel, your chauffeur will take you directly to Udawalawe National Park, located about 175 kilometers from Negombo. The drive takes approximately three and a half hours, but you’ll be comfortable and relaxed in the air-conditioned vehicle. Once you arrive at the park, you’ll hop into a 4×4 jeep and begin your safari. You’ll travel through the park’s dense forests, grasslands, and marshes, spotting all kinds of incredible animals along the way. You’ll likely see plenty of elephants, as Udawalawe is known for having one of the highest elephant densities in the world. You may also see sambar deer, wild buffalo, mugger crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.

After your safari, you’ll head to Udawalawe town for lunch. Here, you’ll have the chance to sample some of the region’s delicious cuisine before making the drive back to Negombo. The entire excursion lasts around 12 hours, so be prepared to spend a full day exploring and experiencing everything the park has to offer.

Additional Information

Before booking your day excursion, there are a few additional things you may want to keep in mind:

• You should wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for outdoor activities
• You may want to bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun
• You may want to bring a pair of binoculars to get a closer look at the wildlife
• You should always follow your guide’s instructions and stay within the designated safe areas
• You should not feed or harass any of the animals you see during your safari

Conclusion

A day excursion to Udawalawe National Park from Negombo is an incredible way to see some of Sri Lanka’s most fascinating wildlife up close. With comfortable transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and plenty of opportunities to explore the park, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience. If you’re ready to book your excursion, you can do so by clicking here.

Insider’s Guide to Negombo: Unveiling the Hidden Gems

If you’re heading to Negombo, Sri Lanka, you’re likely in search of the best that this lovely coastal town has to offer. However, if all you’re doing is following the typical tourist itinerary, you might miss out on some of the most interesting and unexpected things that Negombo has to offer.

That said, this guide will walk you through a few of the lesser-known local hotspots and cultural experiences that you can’t get anywhere else, helping you to make the most of your time in Negombo.

Discover Negombo’s Best Hidden Gems

You’ll find plenty of beautiful beaches in Negombo, but that’s not all this city has to offer. For those looking for something off the beaten path, Negombo boasts a diverse array of attractions and hidden gems that are worth discovering.

One of these gems is the St. Sebastian’s Church, located in the heart of the city. It’s an old colonial-era church with impressive architectural elements that tell a story about the city’s history. Alternatively, check out the elegant Hindu temple- Kudiramalai, that is known for its intricate bronze sculptures and a peaceful atmosphere.

Another less-known spot is the Hamilton Canal, a favorite among locals for walks and picnics along the banks. The canal dates back over 200 years and is rich in history, culture, and nature. Renting a kayak to paddle down the water is also an option that will let you get close to some fascinating bird life.

Tasting the Local Delights of Negombo

A foodie’s paradise, Negombo is a melting pot of cultures, and that’s what makes the dining scene here so fascinating.

Seafood is an essential part of the local cuisine, and you’ll find fresh seafood being sold at the Negombo fish market, which is louder and more colorful than anything out there.

For an authentic taste of Sri Lankan cuisine, make sure to try hot and spicy fish curries, kottu roti, and hoppers, all of which are readily available in the city’s eateries. If you want to add some diversity to your palette, give the delicious Chinese, Indian, and Middle Eastern dishes a go.

Embracing Culture in Negombo

Negombo is steeped in culture, and for any traveler looking to immerse themselves in it, there are plenty of options.

Try visiting the Angurukaramulla Temple, one of the most prominent Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka, and appreciate the ancient murals and carvings that adorn the walls. The temple is home to an enormous statue of Buddha, over thirty meters tall, giving visitors a sense of just how significant he is in Sri Lankan culture.

But if you want to witness the heart of Negombo’s culture, plan your visit around the famous Negombo Beach Festival, a vibrant and colorful event that takes place annually. It’s a fantastic opportunity to dance all night and mingle with locals while enjoying live music, dancers’ show, fire jugglers and superb food stalls outlining the beach.

Re-living Negombo’s Fascinating History

Wind down your day loitering through streets that tell stories of a time gone by, with quaint colonial-era houses still intact, a reminder of the city’s Portuguese occupation.

Visit the Old Dutch Fort Gate, which dates back to the 1670s, the earliest part of the Dutch Fort established by the Dutch East India Company. It has been given a fresh coat of paint but still feels old and rustic.

A few local museums, such as the Fishing museum and the Angurukaramulla Temple Museum housed in the temple, offer insights into the region’s old-time fishing methods and everyday life back then.

Off-the-beaten-path Adventures in Negombo

For the ultimate, one-of-a-kind experience in Negombo, why not try going on a fish market tour, walking through the colorful stalls and bargaining with the vendors? This could be followed by a snapper fish BBQ, which is an excellent way to unwind after a long day.

Another adventure to try is sunset canoe ride through the Muthurajawela Mangrove Swamp, with floating butterfly gardens, wildlife and a fascinating glimpse into how people have built their houses in way beyond land.

Conclusion

Negombo’s secret spots, authentic cuisine, cultural experiences, fascinating history, and adventure opportunities offer something for every kind of traveler. If you take time to venture beyond the usual sights, you might unearth some real hidden treasures. So go ahead, explore Negombo from an insider’s perspective, and make some lasting memories along the way.