3 Day Ella, Udawalawe and Galle Tour
Book a private 3 Day Ella, Udawalawe and Galle Tour from Ahungalla with Riu Lanka Tours. Visit Ella, Nine Arch Bridge, Ravana Falls, Udawalawe Safari and Galle Fort.
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3 Day Ella, Udawalawe and Galle Tour
Private Hill Country, Safari and South Coast Tour from Ahungalla
The 3 Day Ella, Udawalawe and Galle 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 three different Sri Lanka experiences in one short journey. You can enjoy the mountain beauty of Ella, a wildlife safari at Udawalawe National Park, and the coastal heritage charm of Galle Fort before returning to your beach hotel.
With Riu Lanka Tours (Pvt) Ltd, you can enjoy a private 2 nights / 3 days tour from Ahungalla with hotel pickup, comfortable transport, local driver-guide support, safari arrangement assistance and flexible sightseeing guidance.
Tour Overview
Hill Country Views, Elephant Safari and Coastal Heritage in 3 Days
Sri Lanka is a small island, but every region feels different. This 3 day tour is ideal for travelers who want to see more than the beach during their stay in Ahungalla.
The tour begins with a scenic journey towards Ella, one of Sri Lanka’s most loved hill country destinations. Ella is known for mountain views, waterfalls, tea scenery, Nine Arch Bridge, Little Adam’s Peak and a relaxed village atmosphere. It is a refreshing change from the coastal areas and a wonderful destination for couples, families, photographers and nature lovers.
From Ella, the route continues to Udawalawe, one of the best national parks in Sri Lanka for elephant sightings. A safari here gives travelers the chance to see elephants, birds, deer, crocodiles and open wildlife landscapes in a natural environment.
On the final day, the tour moves towards Galle, one of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful coastal heritage cities. Galle Fort is famous for Dutch colonial streets, ocean views, a lighthouse, cafes, boutique shops and relaxed walking paths.
This tour is a strong short round tour from Ahungalla because it gives you hill country, safari and coastal culture in one smooth route.
Tour Highlights
What You Can Experience on This Tour
- Visit Ella, one of Sri Lanka’s most scenic hill country towns
- See Nine Arch Bridge
- Visit Ravana Falls
- Enjoy Little Adam’s Peak or a scenic viewpoint if timing and fitness allow
- Experience tea country and mountain scenery
- Enjoy a safari at Udawalawe National Park
- Look for elephants, birds, crocodiles, deer and other wildlife
- Stay overnight in Ella and near Udawalawe or a nearby area
- Explore Galle Fort on the return journey
- See the Galle lighthouse, fort ramparts, Dutch streets and ocean viewpoints
- Travel privately with hotel pickup and drop-off
- Enjoy a balanced 3 day route from Ahungalla
3 Day Ella, Udawalawe and Galle Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Ahungalla to Ella
From the Beach Coast to Sri Lanka’s Scenic Hill Country
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 journey from Ahungalla to Ella takes you away from the south-west coast and into Sri Lanka’s beautiful inland scenery. As you travel, the landscape slowly changes from coastal towns and villages to greener roads, hills, waterfalls and mountain views.
Ella is one of the most loved destinations in Sri Lanka because it feels peaceful, scenic and refreshing. The cool air, tea country scenery, waterfalls and mountain views create a completely different experience from the beach areas around Ahungalla.
Depending on your pickup time and road conditions, you can enjoy a few sightseeing stops in Ella after arrival or keep the evening relaxed at your hotel.
Main Activities
- Hotel pickup from Ahungalla or nearby area
- Scenic drive towards Ella
- Lunch or refreshment stop on the way
- Arrive in Ella
- Visit Ravana Falls if timing allows
- Optional visit to Nine Arch Bridge if arrival time is suitable
- Check in to hotel in Ella or nearby area
- Relax and enjoy the hill country atmosphere
Don’t Miss
The first view of Ella’s mountain scenery. After travelling from the coast, the cooler air and green hills make Ella feel like a refreshing new part of Sri Lanka.
Optional Add-On
If you arrive early and your group is comfortable with walking, Nine Arch Bridge can be visited on Day 1. If not, it can be moved to Day 2 morning.
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 long travel day from Ahungalla to Ella, so an early pickup is recommended.
Day 2: Ella Sightseeing and Udawalawe
Bridges, Waterfalls, Viewpoints and Wildlife Country
After breakfast, enjoy the beauty of Ella before travelling towards Udawalawe. Ella is best experienced at a relaxed pace, so the sightseeing plan can be adjusted based on your comfort and fitness level.
The day can start with Nine Arch Bridge, one of the most famous photo spots in Sri Lanka. The bridge is surrounded by greenery and tea country views, making it a favourite location for travelers. If your group enjoys light walking, Little Adam’s Peak can also be included for beautiful hill country views.
After Ella sightseeing, continue towards Udawalawe. The scenery changes again as you move from cool hill country to dry-zone wildlife landscapes. Depending on timing, you can do the safari in the afternoon on Day 2 or stay overnight and do the safari early on Day 3.
Main Activities
- Breakfast and check-out from Ella hotel
- Visit Nine Arch Bridge
- Visit Ravana Falls if not visited on Day 1
- Optional Little Adam’s Peak walk if timing and fitness allow
- Optional tea or viewpoint stop depending on route
- Drive from Ella towards Udawalawe
- Check in near Udawalawe or Tissamaharama area depending on final route
- Afternoon Udawalawe safari, if selected
- Overnight stay near Udawalawe or nearby area
Don’t Miss
Nine Arch Bridge in Ella. It is one of the most beautiful and photogenic landmarks in Sri Lanka and a highlight for many travelers visiting the hill country.
Optional Add-On
Little Adam’s Peak can be added for guests who enjoy a soft hike and scenic views. If your group prefers easier sightseeing, we can skip the walk and keep the day more relaxed.
Accommodation
Hotel can be arranged near Udawalawe or nearby area based on your preferred category and budget. You may also book your own hotel if preferred.
Meal Plan
Breakfast at hotel if included in your accommodation package. Other meals are based on the confirmed tour arrangement.
Travel Note
This day includes both sightseeing and travel. If you want a less rushed safari experience, a morning safari on Day 3 may be better.
Day 3: Udawalawe Safari, Galle Fort and Return to Ahungalla
Elephants, Wildlife and Historic South Coast Charm
Start the day with a safari at Udawalawe National Park if it was not done on Day 2. Udawalawe is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see elephants in a natural environment. The park is also home to birds, deer, crocodiles, water buffaloes and beautiful open landscapes.
After the safari, continue towards Galle. The route brings you back towards Sri Lanka’s south coast, where the scenery changes again from wildlife country to coastal towns and ocean views.
The final highlight of the tour is Galle Fort, one of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful heritage destinations. Inside the fort, you can walk along old Dutch streets, visit the lighthouse area, enjoy ocean views, explore small shops and cafes, and experience the relaxed coastal charm of this historic city.
After visiting Galle, continue back to Ahungalla or your nearby hotel area.
Main Activities
- Early morning Udawalawe safari if selected
- Breakfast and check-out from hotel
- Drive towards Galle
- Visit Galle Fort
- Walk along the fort ramparts and lighthouse area
- Explore Dutch streets, cafes, shops and ocean viewpoints
- Optional short coastal stop depending on timing
- Return to Ahungalla or nearby hotel area
Don’t Miss
The elephant safari in Udawalawe and the relaxed walk inside Galle Fort. These two experiences give the final day a strong mix of wildlife and coastal culture.
Optional Add-On
A short stop at Unawatuna, Hikkaduwa, Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery or Madu River can be added if timing allows. If you want more relaxed sightseeing, we recommend extending the tour to 4 days.
Accommodation
Not required on Day 3 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
Day 3 includes safari, Galle sightseeing and return travel, so the schedule should be planned carefully.
Suggested Route
- Ahungalla
- Ella
- Udawalawe National
- Park
- Galle Fort
- Ahungalla
Alternative route options can be arranged depending on pickup location, hotel availability, safari timing and guest preference.
Recommended Tour Plans
Four suggested Ella, Udawalawe and Galle tour plans departing from Ahungalla.
Best Time For This Tour
This tour can be arranged throughout the year, but the experience can change depending on weather and road conditions. Ella has a cooler hill country climate and may receive rain at different times of the year. Udawalawe is generally a strong safari destination, especially for elephant sightings, while Galle can be visited throughout the year.
For a 3 day tour from Ahungalla, early pickup on Day 1 is recommended. This gives more time to reach Ella comfortably and enjoy the route.
If you want to include Little Adam’s Peak, morning or cooler hours are usually better. If weather is rainy or trails are slippery, we may suggest easier sightseeing instead.
What to Wear and Bring
This tour includes hill country sightseeing, safari, waterfalls and walking inside Galle Fort, 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
- Light raincoat if travelling during rainy weather
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
Ella, Udawalawe and Galle are very different destinations, but all should be enjoyed with respect.
During Ella sightseeing:
- Use marked paths where required
- Be careful around waterfalls and viewpoints
- Respect railway safety rules near Nine Arch Bridge
- Do not litter
- Respect local communities and private areas
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 Galle Fort sightseeing:
- Respect heritage buildings
- Avoid entering private properties
- Take photos respectfully
- Support local shops and cafes politely
Riu Lanka Tours encourages guests to enjoy Sri Lanka’s nature, wildlife and heritage in a responsible and safe way.
Accommodation Note
For this 3 day tour, accommodation is usually arranged as:
- 1 night in Ella or nearby area
- 1 night near Udawalawe or nearby area
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 preferred hotels, you can book them 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?
Private 3 Day Tour
Comfort, flexibility & privacy for your group
Private3 Different Experiences
Ella, Udawalawe & Galle in one route
HighlightsBetter Than a Day Trip
More rest, better timing & relaxed flow
ComfortableLocal Route Planning
Pickup time, overnight stops & safari timing
PlannedFlexible Sightseeing
Nine Arch Bridge, Ravana Falls or hiking
FlexibleEasy Hotel Pickup
Ahungalla, Galle & nearby beach hotels
PickupHonest Travel Advice
We suggest better routes if yours feels rushed
TrustedSri 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 3 Day Ella, Udawalawe and Galle Tour suitable from Ahungalla?
Yes. This tour is suitable from Ahungalla because it gives enough time to enjoy Ella, Udawalawe Safari and Galle Fort without rushing everything into one long day.
Can we visit Ella, Udawalawe and Galle in 3 days?
Yes. These destinations can be covered in 3 days with a practical route. The usual plan includes 1 night in Ella and 1 night near Udawalawe or a nearby area.
Where do we stay overnight?
The usual plan includes 1 night in Ella and 1 night near Udawalawe. We can help arrange accommodation based on your preferred hotel category, or you can book your own hotels.
Can we visit Nine Arch Bridge?
Yes. Nine Arch Bridge is one of the main highlights of Ella and can be included on Day 1 or Day 2 depending on timing.
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 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 Galle Fort on this tour?
Yes. Galle Fort is usually included on Day 3 before returning to Ahungalla.
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 adjust the safari timing.
Are safari jeep fees and entrance tickets included?
Safari jeep fees and entrance tickets are not included unless clearly mentioned in the confirmed package. We will explain all inclusions before confirming your booking.
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 3 Day Ella, Udawalawe and Galle 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.
Explore Ella, Udawalawe and Galle with Riu Lanka Tours
From Ella’s mountain views and waterfalls to Udawalawe’s elephant safari and Galle Fort’s coastal heritage, this 3 day tour is a beautiful private journey for travelers staying near Ahungalla.