Overview
Discover the incredible wildlife of Sri Lanka with an exciting shore excursion from Hambantota Port to Udawalawe National Park and the Elephant Transit Home.
Designed for cruise ship passengers arriving in Hambantota, this full-day adventure combines a wildlife safari with an opportunity to observe orphaned baby elephants receiving care before their eventual return to the wild.
Begin your journey with comfortable transportation from Hambantota Port to Udawalawe National Park, one of Sri Lanka’s well-known destinations for observing wild Asian elephants in their natural habitat.
Explore the park on a jeep safari, where you may encounter elephants, water buffalo, crocodiles, monkeys, deer and numerous bird species.
Continue to the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, where orphaned elephant calves are cared for until they are ready to return to their natural environment. Depending on the facility’s schedule, you may have the opportunity to observe the baby elephants during their feeding time.
This memorable excursion combines wildlife, conservation and Sri Lanka’s natural beauty in a single day.
Itinerary
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Enjoy an exciting wildlife jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park.
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Observe wild Asian elephants in their natural habitat.
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Look out for crocodiles, water buffalo, monkeys, deer, peacocks and other wildlife.
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Visit the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home and learn about its elephant rehabilitation programme.
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Observe orphaned baby elephants during their scheduled feeding time, subject to availability.
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Enjoy lunch during your excursion.
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Travel comfortably between Hambantota Port and Udawalawe in an air-conditioned vehicle.
Meet your transport representative at the designated pickup location at Hambantota Port.
Board your comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle and begin your journey towards Udawalawe National Park.
Travel through the beautiful countryside of southern Sri Lanka as you make your way towards one of the island’s popular wildlife destinations.
Arrive at Udawalawe National Park and begin your exciting wildlife safari by jeep.
The park is particularly well known for its population of wild Asian elephants, offering visitors opportunities to observe these magnificent animals in their natural environment.
Travel through open grasslands, forests and areas surrounding water sources while looking out for elephants, crocodiles, water buffalo, monkeys, deer and a variety of birds.
Keep your camera ready as you explore the park’s diverse landscapes and enjoy memorable wildlife encounters.
Wildlife sightings depend on natural conditions and cannot be guaranteed.
Continue your journey with a visit to the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, also known as Ath Athuru Sevana.
Established in 1995, the facility cares for orphaned elephant calves until they are sufficiently independent to be released back into the wild.
During your visit, learn about the facility’s work in elephant rehabilitation and conservation.
Depending on the scheduled feeding times, you may have the opportunity to observe baby elephants receiving milk and food from their carers.
This experience offers an insight into the care and rehabilitation of orphaned elephants in Sri Lanka.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant during your excursion.
Take some time to relax and refresh before continuing your journey and preparing for the return trip to Hambantota Port.
The lunch stop will be scheduled according to the safari programme and Elephant Transit Home visiting hours.
After completing your wildlife experiences, begin your return journey to Hambantota Port.
Relax in your air-conditioned vehicle while travelling through the scenic landscapes of southern Sri Lanka.
The excursion is planned to return to Hambantota Port by approximately 5:30 PM, allowing passengers to continue their cruise journey.
Exact return arrangements will be confirmed according to the cruise ship’s schedule and port requirements.
