Udawalawe Safari from Mirissa | Travel Guide in 2025
If you’re staying in Mirissa and looking to do something different from the beach, a safari at Udawalawe National Park is a great idea. It’s one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see wild elephants in their natural home. You can easily plan a day trip or even stay overnight for a more relaxed experience.
The drive from Mirissa to Udawalawe takes about 02 to 03 hours, and the journey is full of beautiful views of the countryside. Many visitors add a safari to their beach holiday because it’s a chance to see real wildlife up close, like elephants, Leopards, buffalo, crocodiles, and many birds.
In this post, we’ll guide you on how to get from Mirissa to Udawalawe, the safari options you can choose from, and what you need to know to plan the perfect trip.
Why Visit Udawalawe from Mirissa?
Mirissa is famous for its beaches, surfing, and whale watching. But if you want a break from the sea and sand, Udawalawe is the perfect spot for a wild adventure. The park is home to hundreds of elephants, and you can see them up close during a jeep safari. It’s one of the best wildlife parks in Sri Lanka, especially if your goal is to see elephants in the wild.
Travelling from Mirissa to Udawalawe gives you the chance to see a different side of Sri Lanka. You’ll pass small towns, green fields, and local life along the way. Whether you’re a nature lover, wildlife photographer, or just someone looking for something unique, a safari from Mirissa is well worth it.
Many travellers say the Udawalawe safari is one of the highlights of their Sri Lanka trip. And it’s easy to fit into your holiday, even if you only have a short time.
How to Get from Mirissa to Udawalawe
Private Taxi (Most Comfortable Option)
The easiest and fastest way to get to Udawalawe from Mirissa is by private taxi. The drive takes around 02 to 03 hours, and you can leave at a time that suits you. This is a great option if you’re doing a morning safari and need to reach Udawalawe early.
We recommend using our trusted taxi partner, known for safe, friendly service and fair prices. You can book in advance via WhatsApp for peace of mind.
- Estimated Cost: LKR 17,000 – 35,000 per car
- Travel Time: About 2.5 hours
- Best For: Families, groups, or anyone who values comfort and flexibility.
Public Transport (Budget Friendly Option)
If you’re travelling on a tight budget, public buses are available, though the journey will take longer and require a few changes.
Step by step
- Mirissa to Matara: Take a local bus or tuk-tuk (about 30 minutes).
- Matara to Embilipitiya: Get on a bus from the Matara main bus stand heading towards Embilipitiya.
- Embilipitiya to Udawalawe: From there, catch a local bus no 493/5 (Udawalawe-Embilipitiya) or tuk tuk to reach the park or your hotel.
- Estimated Total Cost: LKR 1500 – 2000
- Total Travel Time: 3.5 to hours
- Best For: Budget travellers and backpackers
If you’re planning a morning safari, public transport may not be the best choice unless you stay overnight in Udawalawe the day before.
Read this for important details on how to get to Udawalawe. It includes the bus timetable and fares from Mirissa to Udawalawe.
Best Time to Do a Safari in Udawalawe
Safaris in Udawalawe are done twice a day, early morning and late afternoon. Both times are good, but each offers a slightly different experience.
Morning Safari (Starts at 6:00 AM)
This is the most popular choice. Animals are more active in the morning, especially elephants, birds, and other wildlife. The weather is cooler, and the light is better for taking photos.
Best For: Seeing more animals, better lighting, and cooler temperatures.
Afternoon Safari (Starts at 3:00 PM)
If you arrive in Udawalawe around midday, you can still enjoy a great safari in the afternoon. It might be a bit warmer, but animals often come out again before sunset to drink water.
Best For: Visitors arriving from Mirissa the same day.
What’s the Best Time of Year?
You can do safaris at Udawalawe all year round. But the dry season (December to April) is usually the best for wildlife watching. During this time, animals come to the waterholes more often, so it’s easier to spot them.
For more information about the updated ticket prices for Udawalawe National Park in 2025, please refer to the details provided.
Safari Options and Prices
When you visit Udawalawe, you can choose between different safari options. Some travellers prefer just booking a jeep, while others go for a full safari or Half day safari packages that include everything.
Jeep Only Safari
If you have already bought your park tickets or want to handle the entrance yourself, you can book just the jeep and driver.
Jeep Rental (Private Jeep):
- Half-day safari (04 hours): LKR 12,000 – 16,000 per jeep
- Full-day safari: LKR 15,000 – 20,000 per jeep
Note: Each jeep can fit up to 6 people.
Full Safari Package ( 06 Hour Safari )
Includes jeep, park entrance fees, Breakfast inside the park, lunch, all taxes and other fees and a guide. Good for those who want everything arranged in advance.
Typical Price for
- 01 Person: USD 120 – 150
- 02 Persons: USD 200 – 220
- 02 Persons with Child: USD 230 – 270
- 02 Persons with 02 Children: USD 260 – 300
Half Safari Package ( 04 Hour Safari )
Includes jeep, park entrance fees, Breakfast inside the park, all taxes and other fees and a guide. Good for those who want everything arranged in advance.
Typical Price for
- 01 Person: USD 120 – 140
- 02 Persons: USD 180 – 200
- 02 Persons with Child: USD 220 – 240
- 02 Persons with 02 Children: USD 250 – 280
You can also check our New Udawalawe Safari Cost Breakdown here
Where to Stay if You’re Staying Overnight
If you don’t want to rush your trip, staying one night in Udawalawe is a smart choice, especially if you’re planning a morning safari. There are plenty of places to stay near the park, from simple guesthouses to comfortable lodges.
Budget Options (LKR 9,000 – 15,000 per night)
Great for solo travellers or backpackers.
- Most include free Wi-Fi and breakfast.
- Often run by friendly local families.
Mid-Range Stays (LKR 8,000 – 15,000 per night)
Comfortable rooms with AC, hot water, and scenic views.
- Many offer safari bookings and meals on-site.
- Good for couples or families.
Tip: Book in advance if you’re coming during weekends or holidays—places can fill up fast, especially in the dry season (December to April).
Can I Do a Day Trip from Mirissa?
Yes, it’s possible! If you leave very early in the morning (around 3:30 – 4:00 AM), you can reach Udawalawe in time for the morning safari. After the safari, you can return to Mirissa by evening. But for a more relaxed experience, staying overnight is highly recommended.
What You’ll See in Udawalawe National Park
Udawalawe is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see wild elephants, but that’s not all. The park is home to many other amazing animals and birds, all living in a natural and open space.
Elephants
The star of the park! Udawalawe has over 400 wild elephants. You’ll often see them in groups, sometimes with cute baby elephants walking alongside their mothers. They come close to the jeeps and are easy to spot near waterholes.
Water Buffaloes
You’ll find them relaxing in the mud or standing in the lakes to cool off.
Crocodiles
Look closely near the water, crocodiles love to sunbathe on riverbanks or float just below the surface.
Monkeys
Both grey langurs and toque macaques are found in the park. They swing from trees and sometimes come quite close.
Birds
Udawalawe is also a birdwatcher’s dream. From eagles and peacocks to kingfishers and storks, the park is full of colourful birds, especially in the morning.
Even if you’re not a wildlife expert, it’s exciting to spot animals in their natural homes. Each safari is different, and that’s part of the adventure!
For more information about Udawalawe safari times, please read our article on Udawalawe Safari Times here.
Final Tips for Your Safari Trip from Mirissa
Before you head off on your adventure, here are a few simple tips to help you get the most out of your safari:
Start Early
If you’re doing a day trip, leave Mirissa around 3:30 – 4:00 AM to make it for the morning safari. For a more relaxed trip, consider staying one night in Udawalawe.
What to Bring
- Hat or cap (it gets sunny)
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Camera or phone with zoom
- Binoculars (optional but fun for birdwatching)
- Light jacket or hoodie (mornings can be chilly)
What Not to Do
- Don’t feed the animals.
- Don’t make loud noises during the safari.
- Stay inside the jeep at all times for safety.
Respect Wildlife
This is their home. Enjoy the beauty of the park while keeping a safe and respectful distance from the animals.
Conclusion
A safari trip from Mirissa to Udawalawe is a perfect way to add a wild touch to your beach holiday. Whether you go by taxi or bus, the journey is worth it for a close up look at Sri Lanka’s amazing wildlife, especially the elephants. With a bit of planning, you can enjoy a smooth trip and an unforgettable safari experience.
Don’t forget to bring your camera, stay quiet during the ride, and enjoy the beauty of nature!
FAQ About Udawalawe Safari from Mirissa
How far is Udawalawe National Park from Mirissa?
Udawalawe National Park is about 02 to 03 hours by car from Mirissa. The distance is approximately 110 kilometres (65 miles), depending on the route.
What’s the best way to get from Mirissa to Udawalawe?
The best way to get from Mirissa to Udawalawe is by private taxi, which takes around 02 to 03 hours. For a budget option, you can use public transport via a bus from Mirissa to Matara, then catch another bus to Udawalawe.
What time is the best for a safari in Udawalawe?
The best time for a safari in Udawalawe is either early morning (6:00 AM) or late afternoon (3:00 PM). Animals are more active in the cooler parts of the day.
How much does a safari in Udawalawe cost?
The entry fee for foreign adults is $25, while children (6-12 years) pay $15. Jeep rentals start at LKR 12,000 for a half day safari. For a full safari package, expect to pay around USD 200 – 220 for two people.
Can I do a day trip to Udawalawe from Mirissa?
Yes, it’s possible to do a day trip from Mirissa to Udawalawe. However, to enjoy a morning safari, you’ll need to leave Mirissa early in the morning (around 3:30 – 4:00 AM).
