How to Plan Your Udawalawa Park Safari, Day Tour from Colombo

If you are a wildlife enthusiast and have limited time in Sri Lanka, then this private day trip to Udawalawe National Park from Colombo is the perfect fit for you. With the help of this guide, you can easily plan your trip to this wildlife reserve, where you can spot wild elephants, deer, monitors, crocs, and more. In this blog post, we will provide you with all the necessary information on how to plan this tour, the highlights, and what’s included.

Highlights

• Explore Udawalawe National Park on a private day trip from Colombo.
• Ideal for time-pressed travelers: view Sri Lanka’s native wildlife in a day.
• Ride a private 4WD to see wild elephants, crocs, deer, and other species.
• Seamless: door-to-door transfers, lunch, park entry, and 4WD safari included.

Itinerary

Your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Colombo early in the morning (around 7 am) in a private air-conditioned car. From Colombo, it takes about four hours to reach Udawalawe National Park. Once you reach the park, your driver will take you on a private 4WD safari to explore this vast wildlife reserve.

During your safari, keep your eyes peeled for the magnificent wild elephants, crocs, and other rare species. If you’re lucky, you may even spot some leopards. Your knowledgeable guide will help you spot the animals and provide you with fascinating facts about their behavior and lifestyle.

After exploring the park, you can enjoy a delicious Sri Lankan lunch, which is included in the tour price. After lunch, you will return to Colombo and be dropped off at your hotel.

What’s Included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from any hotel in Colombo (minimum 2 travelers)
• Transportation in a private, air-conditioned vehicle
• Private 4WD safari in Udawalawe National Park
• Lunch
• Entrance fees to the national park

How to Book

Booking your Udawalawa Park safari day tour from Colombo is easy. You can book directly through Viator, where you can see the availability and choose a date. It’s recommended to book in advance to secure your spot, as this tour is in high demand.

Conclusion

A trip to Udawalawa National Park is a must for anyone visiting Sri Lanka. This tour is an excellent opportunity to see the country’s native wildlife without having to spend weeks exploring. With easy and convenient transportation, a private safari, and a delicious lunch included, there’s no reason not to book this all-inclusive day tour today.

An Insider’s Guide to Colombo, Sri Lanka

Colombo, the largest city and commercial capital of Sri Lanka, is a bustling metropolis that offers a blend of old and new. As a tourist, you will be awed by the city’s rich cultural heritage, gleaming skyscrapers, ancient temples, and vibrant nightlife. In this insider’s guide, we will explore the top attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions to make the most of your visit.

Top Attractions

There is no dearth of tourist attractions in Colombo. Some of the top-rated ones include:

The National Museum of Colombo – This museum houses a fascinating collection of cultural artifacts, including ancient art and coins, sculptures, and royal regalia.

Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple – One of the most important temples in Colombo, it has several Buddha statues, a museum with antique artifacts, and a library with Buddhist texts.

Galle Face Green – Located in the heart of the city, this seafront promenade offers scenic views of the ocean and is a popular spot for a picnic or a stroll.

Independence Memorial Hall – Built to commemorate Sri Lanka’s independence from British rule, this memorial hall is an impressive architectural wonder with beautiful gardens and an informative museum.

Dining Spots

Colombo has a vibrant food scene that offers a wide range of options to suit all tastes and budgets. Some of the popular dining spots include:

Nuga Gama at Cinnamon Grand Hotel – This open-air restaurant serves traditional Sri Lankan cuisine in a village-style ambiance.

The Lagoon at Cinnamon Grand Hotel – Specializing in seafood, this fine dining restaurant offers a panoramic view of the sea.

The Curry Leaf at Hilton Colombo – This restaurant serves a range of Indian and Sri Lankan dishes in a modern, elegant setting.

Cultural Experiences

Colombo has a rich cultural heritage with influences from various civilizations. Here are some interesting cultural experiences you shouldn’t miss:

Colombo Street Food Tour – Take a guided tour of the city streets to taste a variety of local snacks, ranging from savory to sweet.

Barefoot Gallery – This gallery showcases the works of local artisans and designers and has an attached café that serves healthy and delicious food.

Traditional Kandyan Dance Show – This dance show at the Kandyan Arts Association features colorful costumes, acrobatics, and drumming.

Local History

Colombo has a fascinating history that spans several centuries, and there are several museums and landmarks that document this. Here are some noteworthy ones:

The Dutch Hospital Precinct – This restored complex of buildings dates back to the Dutch colonial era and houses several shops and cafes.

Colombo Dutch Museum – Housed in an old Dutch mansion, this museum showcases the Dutch influence on the city’s architecture and culture.

Old Parliament Building – This imposing building, designed by British architect Sir Henry Ward, was the seat of Sri Lanka’s parliament until 1983.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

If you’re looking for something unique and not found in most tourist guides, here are some off-the-beaten-path suggestions:

Good Market – This weekly market features eco-friendly and sustainable products made by local artisans, farmers, and entrepreneurs.

Mount Lavinia Beach – This beach town, located 12km south of Colombo, has a historic colonial hotel and a picturesque beach.

Pettah Market – This bustling market offers a unique shopping experience with its narrow streets, crowded lanes, and a variety of goods for sale.

In conclusion, Colombo has many attractions, culinary experiences, cultural shows, and historical landmarks that will keep you occupied during your visit. Don’t forget to take some time to explore its lesser-known sites, too, for a unique and authentic Sri Lankan experience.