2 Day Udawalawe and Ella Tour
Book a private 2 Day Udawalawe and Ella Tour from Ahungalla with Riu Lanka Tours. Enjoy an elephant safari, waterfalls, Nine Arch Bridge, Little Adam’s Peak and hill country views.
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2 Day Udawalawe and Ella Tour
Private Safari and Hill Country Overnight Tour from Ahungalla
The 2 Day Udawalawe and Ella Tour is a beautiful private overnight tour for travelers staying in Ahungalla, near the RIU Sri Lanka area, Balapitiya, Kosgoda, Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Galle and nearby beach hotels.
This tour combines two very different Sri Lanka experiences in one short journey. On the first day, you can enjoy a wildlife safari at Udawalawe National Park, one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see elephants. Then continue to Ella, a peaceful hill country village known for waterfalls, mountain views, tea scenery, Nine Arch Bridge and a relaxed travel atmosphere.
With Riu Lanka Tours (Pvt) Ltd, you can enjoy a private 1 night / 2 days tour from Ahungalla with hotel pickup, comfortable transport, local driver-guide support and flexible sightseeing guidance.
Tour Overview
Wildlife Safari, Waterfalls and Scenic Hill Country in 2 Days
Sri Lanka is a small island, but each region feels completely different. This tour is perfect for travelers who want to move beyond the beach and enjoy both wildlife and mountain scenery within a short time.
The tour starts from Ahungalla or nearby hotel areas and travels inland to Udawalawe National Park. Udawalawe is one of Sri Lanka’s best safari parks for elephant sightings, open landscapes, birdlife and dry-zone scenery. It is a strong choice for families, couples, photographers and nature lovers.
After the safari, the journey continues towards Ella, one of Sri Lanka’s most loved hill country destinations. Ella is famous for Nine Arch Bridge, Little Adam’s Peak, Ravana Falls, tea estates and mountain views. The cool climate and peaceful village feeling make Ella a memorable contrast to the coastal areas.
Because Udawalawe and Ella are far from Ahungalla, this overnight tour gives you a better experience than trying to rush everything as a day trip.
Tour Highlights
What You Can Experience on This Tour
- Enjoy a private 2 day tour from Ahungalla
- Visit Udawalawe National Park for a wildlife safari
- Look for elephants, birds, crocodiles, deer and other wildlife
- Stay overnight in Ella or nearby hill country area
- Visit Nine Arch Bridge
- See Ravana Falls
- Enjoy Little Adam’s Peak or a scenic viewpoint if timing allows
- Experience a beautiful change from beach to mountains
- Travel privately with hotel pickup and drop-off
- Get flexible planning support from Riu Lanka Tours
2 Day Udawalawe and Ella Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Ahungalla to Udawalawe Safari and Ella
From the South-West Coast to Elephants and Mountain Scenery
Your tour begins with pickup from your hotel in Ahungalla or a nearby area. We can also arrange pickup from Balapitiya, Kosgoda, Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Galle or nearby villas and beach hotels depending on your location.
The first part of the journey takes you away from the beach and into Sri Lanka’s inland landscapes. As you travel towards Udawalawe, the scenery slowly changes from coastal towns to local villages, open countryside and dry-zone nature.
Udawalawe is one of the best national parks in Sri Lanka for elephant sightings. The park’s open landscapes make it a rewarding safari destination, especially for travelers who want a real wildlife experience during a short Sri Lanka tour.
After the safari, continue towards Ella. The road begins to change again as you move closer to the hill country. Ella welcomes travelers with cooler air, mountain views, waterfalls and a calm village atmosphere.
Main Activities
- Hotel pickup from Ahungalla or nearby area
- Scenic drive to Udawalawe
- Udawalawe National Park safari by jeep
- Look for elephants, birds and other wildlife
- Optional visit to Elephant Transit Home if timing allows
- Continue the journey to Ella
- Check in to hotel in Ella or nearby area
- Relax and enjoy the hill country evening
Don’t Miss
The elephant safari at Udawalawe National Park. For many travelers, seeing elephants in a natural environment becomes one of the most memorable moments of the tour.
Optional Add-On
Elephant Transit Home near Udawalawe can be added if timing and public viewing availability allow. This is a good option for families and guests interested in elephant conservation.
Accommodation
Hotel can be arranged in Ella or nearby area based on your preferred category and budget. You may also book your own hotel if preferred.
Meal Plan
Meals are based on the confirmed package. Breakfast is usually included when hotel accommodation is arranged, but this depends on the final hotel booking.
Travel Note
This is a full travel and safari day, so an early start from Ahungalla is recommended.
Day 2: Ella Sightseeing and Return to Ahungalla
Waterfalls, Viewpoints and Hill Country Beauty
After breakfast, enjoy the beauty of Ella, one of Sri Lanka’s most scenic hill country destinations. Ella is loved by travelers for its mountain views, tea country feeling, waterfalls, railway scenery and relaxed village charm.
This day can be planned based on your comfort and fitness level. If you enjoy light walking, Little Adam’s Peak is a beautiful soft hike with rewarding views. If you prefer an easier plan, the tour can focus on Nine Arch Bridge, Ravana Falls and scenic viewpoints.
Ella is very different from Ahungalla. The cool air, green hills and peaceful scenery give you a refreshing break before returning to the coast.
After sightseeing, begin the return journey to Ahungalla or your nearby hotel area. The drive is long, so the sightseeing plan should be practical and not overloaded.
Main Activities
- Breakfast and check-out from hotel
- Visit Nine Arch Bridge
- Visit Ravana Falls
- Optional Little Adam’s Peak walk if timing and fitness allow
- Optional tea or viewpoint stop depending on route
- Lunch or refreshment stop
- Return drive to Ahungalla or nearby hotel area
Don’t Miss
Nine Arch Bridge, one of Ella’s most famous and photogenic landmarks. It is a beautiful place to enjoy the hill country atmosphere and take memorable photos.
Optional Add-On
Little Adam’s Peak can be added for guests who enjoy walking and scenic views. If you prefer a softer day, we can skip the walk and keep the sightseeing easier.
Accommodation
Not required on Day 2 unless extending the tour.
Meal Plan
Breakfast at hotel if included in your accommodation package. Other meals are based on the confirmed tour arrangement.
Travel Note
The return from Ella to Ahungalla is a long drive. We recommend keeping Day 2 sightseeing balanced and comfortable.
Suggested Route
- Ahungalla
- Udawalawe National
- Park
- Ella
- Nine Arch Bridge
- Ravana Falls
- Ahungalla
Alternative route options can be arranged depending on pickup location, hotel availability, guest fitness level and sightseeing timing.
Recommended Tour Plans
Four suggested Udawalawe and Ella tour plans departing from Ahungalla.
Best Time For This Tour
This tour can be arranged throughout the year, but weather and road conditions can affect the experience. Udawalawe is generally a good safari destination for elephant sightings, while Ella has a cooler hill country climate and can receive rain at different times of the year.
For this 2 day tour, early pickup from Ahungalla is recommended. This gives you enough time for the safari and the onward drive to Ella.
If you want to include Little Adam’s Peak, morning or cooler hours are usually better for walking. If weather is rainy or trails are slippery, we may suggest an easier sightseeing plan.
What to Wear and Bring
This tour includes safari, hill country sightseeing and possible walking, so comfortable clothing is important.
We suggest bringing:
- Comfortable clothing
- Walking shoes or comfortable sandals
- Light jacket for Ella
- Hat or cap
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Camera or phone
- Power bank if needed
- Small amount of cash for entrance fees, jeep fees, meals and tips
- Overnight bag
- Personal medicines if required
For safari, neutral or soft-coloured clothing is useful but not compulsory. For Ella, bring a light jacket because the weather can be cooler than the coast.
Responsible Travel Note
Udawalawe and Ella are natural destinations, so responsible travel is important.
During the safari:
- Do not feed animals
- Do not throw plastic or rubbish
- Do not make loud noises near wildlife
- Follow safari driver and park instructions
- Stay inside the jeep unless allowed in safe areas
- Do not disturb animals for photos
- During Ella sightseeing:
- Use marked paths where required
- Do not litter
- Respect local communities and railway safety rules
- Be careful around waterfalls, wet rocks and viewpoints
At Riu Lanka Tours, we encourage guests to enjoy wildlife and nature in a respectful and safe way.
Accommodation Note
For this 2 day tour, accommodation is usually arranged in Ella or nearby area. This gives you more time to enjoy Ella sightseeing on Day 2 before returning to Ahungalla.
Hotel options can be selected based on your preferred style:
- Budget-friendly hotels
- Comfort-level hotels
- Boutique-style stays
- Family-friendly properties
- Higher-category hotels on request
If you already have a preferred hotel, you can book it directly and we can arrange the transport and tour route around your booking.
What May Not Be Included
- Hotel accommodation unless included in the confirmed package
- Udawalawe National Park entrance tickets
- Safari jeep fee
- Elephant Transit Home entrance fee if added
- Meals and drinks unless mentioned
- Cultural show tickets if added
- Tips
- Optional activities
- Camera or video permits where required
What Can Be Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle from Ahungalla
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- English-speaking driver guide support
- Fuel and driver-related transport costs depending on package
- Route planning support
- Flexible tour timing based on the selected plan
- Basic local guidance during the trip
- Safari jeep arrangement assistance
- Accommodation arrangement assistance if required
- Flexible sightseeing flow based on the selected route
Why Book This Tour with Riu Lanka Tours?
Why choose us — Udawalawe and Ella 2 day private overnight tour features
Private Overnight Tour from Ahungalla
Arranged privately for your own group with better comfort & flexibility
Private TourSafari and Hill Country in One Tour
Wildlife safari at Udawalawe & scenic hill country in Ella — in just 2 days
2 ExperiencesBetter Than a Rushed Day Trip
Overnight route gives more time & a better travel flow to reach Ella
2 Day TourLocal Route Planning
We plan pickup time, safari timing, overnight stay & sightseeing order
Well PlannedFlexible Sightseeing Options
Simple Ella sightseeing or add Little Adam's Peak if your group can walk
Your ChoiceEasy Hotel Pickup
Ahungalla, Bentota, Kosgoda, Hikkaduwa, Galle & nearby beach hotels
Door-to-DoorHonest Travel Advice
We suggest a better route if your selected plan feels too rushed to enjoy
Trusted AdviceSri Lanka Through the Lens
Lion Rock
Fortress
The ancient sky citadel rising 180m above the jungle plains — a UNESCO World Heritage masterpiece carved in stone and cloud.
Nine Arch
Bridge
The crown jewel of colonial-era railway engineering — watch the turquoise train curve through emerald tea country.
Endless Tea
Terraces
Rolling hills carpeted in vivid green — Ceylon tea gardens that stretch from the cool misty highlands to the horizon.
Sacred
Kandy City
The last royal capital of Sri Lanka — where ancient temples glow at dusk above the serene Kandy Lake.
Indian Ocean
Shores
Powder-white sands and warm cerulean waters — the southern coastline where the world slows to the rhythm of the tide.
Wild Elephant
Gathering
Witness the greatest wildlife spectacle on earth — hundreds of wild Asian elephants gathering at the Minneriya reservoir at dusk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2 Day Udawalawe and Ella Tour suitable from Ahungalla?
Yes. This tour is suitable from Ahungalla because it gives enough time to enjoy Udawalawe Safari and Ella without trying to rush everything in one day.
Can we visit Udawalawe and Ella in 2 days?
Yes. Udawalawe and Ella can be covered in 2 days with a practical route. Day 1 usually includes the Udawalawe safari and overnight stay in Ella. Day 2 includes Ella sightseeing and return.
Where do we stay overnight?
The overnight stay is usually in Ella or a nearby area. We can help arrange accommodation based on your preferred hotel category, or you can book your own hotel.
Is Udawalawe good for elephant sightings?
Udawalawe is one of the best national parks in Sri Lanka for elephant sightings. However, wildlife is natural, so exact sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Can we visit Elephant Transit Home?
Yes. Elephant Transit Home can be added if timing and public viewing availability allow. We will guide you before confirming the tour.
Can we visit Nine Arch Bridge on this tour?
Yes. Nine Arch Bridge is one of the main highlights in Ella and can be included on Day 2.
Can we hike Little Adam’s Peak?
Yes. Little Adam’s Peak can be included if your group is comfortable with walking and if timing allows. If you prefer an easier plan, we can skip it.
Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes. This tour can be suitable for families. For young children or elderly guests, we can make the Ella sightseeing plan easier and avoid difficult walking.
Do you provide pickup from near RIU Sri Lanka Ahungalla?
Yes. We can arrange pickup from the RIU Sri Lanka Ahungalla area and nearby hotels. Riu Lanka Tours is a local tour company and should not be presented as an official hotel service unless there is a formal partnership.
How do I book the 2 Day Udawalawe and Ella Tour?
You can contact Riu Lanka Tours by WhatsApp on +94 77 461 8755 or email riulankatours@gmail.com. Please send your travel date, number of travelers, hotel name and accommodation preference.
Enjoy Safari and Hill Country with Riu Lanka Tours
From Udawalawe’s elephant safari to Ella’s waterfalls, bridges and mountain views, this 2 day tour is a beautiful private journey for travelers staying near Ahungalla.