Privet 2 Day Tour Udawalawe & Ella From Colombo

A Practical Review of the 2-Day Udawalawe & Ella from Colombo Tour

Travelers looking to explore Sri Lanka’s wildlife and scenic highlands often overlook how efficiently they can combine these experiences into a short trip. This 2-day tour from Colombo promises just that—an opportunity to see elephants in their natural habitat, enjoy spectacular train rides, and visit charming mountain villages—all in a compact itinerary.

Two features we particularly appreciate are the trip’s affordability and the ease of transportation, which makes it accessible for most travelers. The inclusion of a guaranteed elephant sighting at Udawalawe stands out as a major highlight, especially for wildlife lovers. However, one thing to consider is that this is a fairly packed schedule—expect early mornings and a lot of driving.

This tour suits travelers who want to see a mix of Sri Lanka’s natural beauty and rural culture without the hassle of planning every detail themselves. It’s especially ideal for those with limited time but a strong desire to experience the country’s wildlife and scenic railway routes.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At just $5 per person, this tour offers impressive value, especially considering the included safaris and scenic views.
• Wildlife Guarantee: Udawalawe is renowned for elephant sightings, with many visitors confirming they saw herds and calves during the safari.
• Scenic Train Ride: The Ella to Kandy train journey offers some of Sri Lanka’s most stunning landscape views, perfect for photography and relaxing travel.
• Efficient Itinerary: The tour packs in key sights—Udawalawe’s elephants, Nine Arches Bridge, and Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth—without feeling overly rushed.
• Comfort & Convenience: Transportation is in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle, with a friendly driver who often receives praise for punctuality and helpfulness.
• Authentic Experiences: Beyond the main attractions, travelers enjoy visiting the gem museum in Ratnapura and spice gardens, adding cultural depth.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: Udawalawe National Park & Ratnapura

The adventure begins early—your pickup from Colombo at 6:00 am. While that might sound brutal, it’s a smart move to maximize your day. First stop is the gem museum in Ratnapura. For travelers interested in Sri Lanka’s gem industry, this is a fascinating diversion that offers insights into the country’s precious stone trade. It’s a brief but enriching visit—think of it as a window into Sri Lanka’s economic heartbeat, rather than a tourist trap.

Next, the highlight: a three-hour safari in Udawalawe National Park. This park is uniquely famed because elephants are guaranteed to be seen during every game drive. The reviews echo this sentiment—many visitors mention herds of majestic elephants, playful calves, and a sense of being lucky in the wild. One reviewer called the safari “a great elephant safari,” emphasizing how well-organized and memorable it was.

What you can expect is a chug through open plains and forested areas in a jeep safari. With a knowledgeable guide, you’ll quickly spot herds of elephants, possibly some exotic birds, and perhaps even a leopard if luck is on your side. The landscape feels untouched, offering a real sense of Sri Lanka’s natural environment. The experience is about the wildlife rather than the scenery, but the scenery itself—vast grasslands and distant waterholes—is quite stunning.

Day 2: Ella’s Scenic Highlights & Kandy

Day two kicks off with a trip to the Nine Arches Bridge in Ella—a breathtaking feat of engineering and a popular photo spot. The bridge, spanning 91 meters and standing 24 meters high, looks like something out of a storybook, especially set against a backdrop of jungle and tea plantations. Visitors often remark on the picturesque quality of this spot, making it perfect for capturing memories.

From there, the tour shifts to one of Sri Lanka’s most famous scenic train rides—the Ella to Kandy route. You’ll board your train in Kandy after visiting the Temple of the Tooth, a principal cultural site for locals and travelers alike. While the train ride isn’t included in the admission fees, the experience is often described as “most scenic,” with lush greenery, waterfalls, and rolling hills passing by your window. Expect to relax and enjoy the slow pace of Sri Lanka’s countryside.

En route back to Colombo, the tour stops at a spice and herbal garden. This visit adds a sensory dimension—aromatic spices and medicinal herbs that have been part of Sri Lankan cuisine and medicine for centuries. Many travelers appreciate the opportunity to learn about local herbs and buy some as souvenirs.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Value for Money: At just $5, the tour offers a surprising amount of experiences—wildlife, scenic train rides, cultural sites—all in a two-day package. While the price covers only transportation and some guided elements, you get to see some of Sri Lanka’s best highlights without breaking the bank.

Reliable Logistics: The reviews consistently praise the punctual and friendly driver, making the early mornings easier to bear. The use of a modern, air-conditioned vehicle enhances comfort during long drives, which can be quite tiring in tropical heat.

Authentic Encounters: Many travelers mention the knowledgeable guides who add context and enthusiasm to the wildlife sightings and cultural visits. It’s clear that the tour isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about appreciating the environment and culture authentically.

Flexibility & Simplicity: The group size is small and exclusive, making the experience more personal. The tour’s guided nature allows you to relax, knowing someone else has organized the logistics.

Considerations & Tips

While the tour is well-received overall, a few points are worth noting. The schedule is tight, with early starts and long days, so it’s not ideal if you prefer a leisurely pace. Also, the tour is non-refundable, so if you’re averse to rigid plans, this might not suit you.

Since entrance fees and meals are not included, you’ll want to budget extra for food, entrance tickets, and optional activities like the train ride. The optional train journey, while highly recommended for its scenery, adds to the overall experience but is not part of the included package.

If you’re especially interested in wildlife or scenic train rides, this tour hits those marks well. For travelers who enjoy cultural sites and don’t mind early mornings, it’s a practical way to see some of Sri Lanka’s top attractions with minimal fuss.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is perfect for budget-conscious travelers eager to combine wildlife, scenery, and culture in a short timeframe. It’s also suited for those who prefer guided, organized trips that cut out the hassle of planning logistics. Active travelers who enjoy early mornings and long days will find this schedule rewarding.

It’s less ideal if you prefer a slow pace or have mobility concerns, as the itinerary involves a lot of moving parts and outdoor safaris. Also, if you dislike rigid cancellation policies, keep in mind that this experience is non-refundable.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?
The $5 per person fee covers transportation in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking driver, and all fees and taxes associated with the tour. Entrance fees and meals are not included.

How early do I need to wake up?
The tour starts early, with pickup at 6:00 am, so be prepared for long days and early mornings, especially if you want to maximize sightseeing.

Is the elephant safari guaranteed?
Yes, Udawalawe National Park is known for guaranteeing elephant sightings during every game drive, so you can expect reliable wildlife viewing.

Do I need to book in advance?
Most travelers book about 5 days ahead, indicating the tour’s popularity and the need to secure your spot early.

Are there options to include train rides or other activities?
While the train ride from Ella to Kandy is part of the itinerary, the cost of tickets isn’t included, and you can choose to participate or skip it based on your preferences.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable clothing, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, a camera, and some extra cash for meals, entrance fees, and souvenirs.

Final Thoughts

This 2-day tour from Colombo offers a well-rounded snapshot of Sri Lanka’s wildlife and stunning landscapes. It combines the thrill of spotting elephants in Udawalawe with the visual delight of Sri Lanka’s scenic railway rides and cultural visits. The affordability and reliability make it particularly appealing for travelers on a budget or short on time.

What really makes this experience shine are the knowledgeable guides, the beautiful natural scenery, and the authentic cultural insights like the gem museum and spice garden visits. While it’s a packed schedule, many reviewers have found it perfectly balanced for a memorable adventure.

If your goal is to combine wildlife encounters, beautiful vistas, and cultural highlights without overextending your trip, this tour will deliver a rewarding taste of Sri Lanka’s diverse charm. Just prepare for early mornings, and you’ll leave with a treasure trove of memories.

In short, this tour is an excellent choice for curious travelers eager to see elephants, enjoy breathtaking train vistas, and experience Sri Lanka’s rural charm—all in just two days.