Two parks in two days, with a plan you can actually follow. This Double Safari (Yala & Udawalawe) package pairs an evening safari in Yala with a morning safari in Udawalawe, backed by free pickup from a long list of coastal towns and an included 3-star stay in Yala. You also get the extra bonus stop at the Elephant Transit Home, so the trip feels more complete than just jeep time.

I particularly like how much is bundled into one price: transport, safari jeep, entry fees, and meals, with bottled water included. I also love that the tour uses an English speaking driver-guide and private transportation, which makes it easier to ask questions as the day moves fast. One real consideration: the rides can be very bumpy, so if you have back problems, this may not be the best fit.

If this is your first safari in Sri Lanka, the timing is a smart way to sample both parks without adding extra hotel changes or guesswork.

Key things to know before you go

• Yala evening + Udawalawe morning: two different safari sessions in one tight 2-day rhythm
• All-inclusive meals: lunch on both days, plus breakfast and dinner while you sleep in Yala
• Elephant Transit Home stop: a focused 30-minute visit inside the Udawalawe area
• Real comfort and logistics: free pickup and drop-off from many south and coastal locations
• Road comfort matters: the jeeps and roads can be rough, especially if you are sensitive

A tight 2-day loop: Yala and Udawalawe in one trip

This is built for people who want maximum safari time with minimum hassle. You start from the Negombo area and head to Yala for the evening safari, then sleep near Yala before moving to Udawalawe the next morning. That means you get wildlife time on two different schedules, evening first and morning second.

I like the structure because it helps you avoid the usual travel-day fatigue. With an overnight hotel in Yala included, you are not trying to squeeze in a late drive and still be fresh enough for an early safari. The day 2 departure is set for 8:30am, which gives you a clear target.

Yala is described as Sri Lanka’s second largest national park and one of the most famous for locals and visitors. It is located on the south-east coast and divided into five blocks, and your Yala safari is planned for about 4 hours. That gives you a meaningful chunk of time in the park rather than a quick in-and-out.

Then Udawalawe takes over with an elephant-centered focus. The park is framed by highlands on its northern boundary and is known as one of the world’s best places to see wild elephants. Your Udawalawe morning safari runs about 3 hours, which fits the overall “two parks, one package” goal.

Pickup from Negombo and the ride quality reality check

Pickup is one of the practical strengths of this tour. You get free pick-up and drop-off from many places along the coast and nearby areas, including Negombo, Colombo, Mt Lavinia, Wadduwa, Kalutara, Beruwala, Bentota, Ahungalla, Hikkaduwa, Galle, Unawatuna, Tangalle, and several towns in between. If you are already planning to base yourself on the south coast, this reduces friction a lot.

You travel by private transportation with an English speaking driver-guide. That matters because you can get context as you go, and you are not stuck guessing what is happening next. Bottled water is also included, which is a small thing that pays off on a long road day.

Now, the caution. Some people flag that the trip is very bumpy, which is especially important if you have back problems. If you are even mildly sensitive to rough roads, I’d take that seriously. Bring your own comfort aids if you use them, and let the driver-guide know what you need for a smoother ride.

Yala evening safari: a long 4-hour wildlife window

Yala is the first big day and it is scheduled as an evening safari, with about 4 hours in the park. The park’s size is part of the reason the timing feels substantial, since it covers over 375 square miles. It is also split into five blocks, which helps explain why a safari is planned as a longer session rather than a quick loop.

Evening safari time can be a good choice because the pace shifts from day travel to focused wildlife viewing. You get the park experience when the light and temperatures are often more forgiving than midday. Of course, wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but the session length is in your favor.

Your Yala safari includes admission fees as part of the package, and you also get lunch on day 1. That combination matters because evening safaris can run longer than you expect, and you do not want to be hunting for food after a long day.

One more practical point: because you are heading into Yala for the evening, you’ll want to keep your morning and luggage simple. The pickup timing is set around 8:00am to 9:00am, so you are typically already on the road during the coolest early hours. If you like to move light, this itinerary fits that style.

The Yala hotel night: dinner and breakfast included

After the Yala evening safari, the plan is to overnight at a 3-star hotel in Yala, with dinner and breakfast included. You also get lunch on day 1, so your meals are handled on both sides of the overnight. This is one of those “you don’t notice it until you need it” inclusions.

Staying in Yala also keeps the next day realistic. The day 2 schedule leaves to Udawalawe at 8:30am, so you are not relying on an early drive from somewhere else far away. The included breakfast helps you start without scrambling.

The hotel category is listed as 3 star, and there is an option to upgrade to a higher category (4/5 star) for an extra cost. If you know you’ll feel better with a nicer room, it can be worth considering, especially after two early starts.

If you are traveling for the first time in Sri Lanka and trying to do your safari days right, this is a good setup. You’re not stacking complicated logistics with your wildlife time. You get one straightforward overnight, dinner, and a clean start for the next park.

Udawalawe morning safari: elephants, grassland, and a focused schedule

Day 2 begins with a morning departure from Yala to Udawalawe at 8:30am. The Udawalawe morning safari is about 3 hours, and admission is included. This timing lines up well with the “double safari” idea, because you get a second park experience after a proper night’s sleep.

Udawalawe National Park is described as one of the world’s best places to see wild elephants. That alone makes it valuable if you are prioritizing elephants over everything else. The park is largely grasslands and bush forest, with highlands framing it on the northern boundary. You can see why that environment supports elephant viewing in a way that feels straightforward for visitors.

A 3-hour safari session is long enough to settle in and stay patient. It’s also short enough that the day still has room for the extra cultural and conservation stops after the jeep time. That balance is part of the value of this package.

This day is also designed to keep you comfortable on logistics. You get breakfast and lunch included on day 2, and bottled water is included in the tour package. You won’t be forced to improvise your meal plan while you are trying to stay focused on viewing.

Elephant Transit Home and the Sankapala Raja Maha Viharaya temple stop

After the Udawalawe safari, you visit the Elephant Transit Home (ETH), planned for about 30 minutes. ETH is described as a facility within Udawalawe National Park, established in 1995 by the Sri Lanka Department of Wildlife Conservation. It’s clearly built around elephant transfers, so this stop adds meaning beyond sightseeing alone.

I like this inclusion because it changes the tone of the trip. A safari is about what you might see in the wild, while an elephant transit facility gives you a different angle on what happens behind the scenes. Even with just a half hour, it helps you understand the broader conservation landscape tied to the park.

Then you end with a temple visit: Sri Sankapala Raja Maha Viharaya. This stop is scheduled for about 30 minutes and is set on a rocky mountain. The description notes evidence of monks who spent time in peaceful meditation, so the stop connects you to the quiet, reflective side of Sri Lanka that many safari-only days miss.

It’s a short temple break, not a long cultural day. But that’s exactly what works here, because it keeps the overall schedule tight while still giving you a cultural moment.

Price and what you really get for $375 per person

At $375 per person, the real question is what you are buying besides the safari label. In this package, your price includes private transportation with an English speaking driver-guide, all entry fees and charges for the included activities, safari jeep access, and 3-star hotel lodging in Yala with dinner and breakfast.

It also includes food coverage that most people end up paying for separately. You get lunch on day 1 and lunch on day 2, plus breakfast and dinner where the hotel is. Bottled water is included, and the tour lists alcohol as not included, which is helpful because it keeps expectations clear.

If you’re comparing value, this matters because two-day safari travel often becomes expensive once you add fees, park entries, hotel, and meals separately. Here, those components are bundled. That’s why the all-inclusive phrasing feels practical rather than marketing fluff.

The tour also includes free pickup and drop-off from a wide set of coastal towns, so you are less likely to spend extra money on separate transfers. That can be a big deal if you are already on the south coast.

One more scheduling note that affects value: the tour is typically booked about 91 days in advance on average. If you are aiming for a popular date, planning ahead helps you lock in availability.

Comfort, room setup, and other practical considerations that matter

This tour requires a minimum of 2 adults per booking. Rooms are arranged as double and triple rooms depending on total group size, so if you are traveling with friends, you should expect the arrangement to be based on headcount.

If you have dietary requirements, the tour asks you to advise them at booking. That is worth doing early, since meals are part of what’s included. If you are picky or have restrictions, send details before departure.

Hotel comfort is listed as 3-star, with possible upgrades to 4/5 star at extra cost. If you know you will feel the difference after a bumpy couple of safari days, it can help to factor upgrade pricing into your budget rather than treating it as an afterthought.

Finally, weather matters. The experience states it requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor weather, you’re offered a different date or a full refund. That’s the kind of policy you want to be aware of when planning around a tight Sri Lanka itinerary.

Who should book this double safari, and who should skip

This package is a strong fit if you want two parks in a short time and you’re okay with a fast pace. It is especially appealing if you are doing your first safari in Sri Lanka because the schedule is straightforward: evening in Yala, overnight in Yala, morning in Udawalawe, then ETH and a temple stop.

I also think it works well if you value smooth logistics. Free pickup from many coastal towns, included meals, and a driver-guide who handles the transport are the kind of details that make the trip feel calm rather than chaotic.

However, if you have a sensitive back, I would think twice. The ride is flagged as very bumpy, and safari days are not the time to suffer through discomfort. If that’s your situation, choose a different style of travel, or at least confirm what you can do to improve comfort with the driver-guide.

If you want elephant-focused time, Udawalawe is clearly the centerpiece thanks to the park’s reputation in the tour description. If elephants are your priority, this itinerary lines up well.

Should you book this Double Safari tour with Bentota Travel Mart?

Yes, I’d consider booking if you want an efficient, all-inclusive 2-day safari plan with Yala and Udawalawe, included transport, and meals handled for you. The Elephant Transit Home stop adds weight, and the short temple visit keeps your day from feeling like only wildlife boxes checked.

I’d skip it if you cannot handle rough roads or you need a very relaxed pace with lots of downtime. The itinerary is designed to keep moving, so comfort and expectations have to match.

If you like your travel organized, your safari days planned, and your logistics taken care of, this is a solid choice for a first Sri Lanka safari.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?

The package includes private transportation with an English speaking driver-guide, safari jeep, all entry fees and charges for the listed activities, 3-star hotel accommodation in Yala with dinner and breakfast, lunch on day 1 and day 2, breakfast and lunch on day 2, bottled water, and free pick-up and drop-off from many locations.

Where do you offer free pick-up and drop-off?

Free pick-up and drop-off are listed for Negombo, Colombo, Mt Lavinia, Wadduwa, Kalutara, Beruwala, Bentota, Ahungalla, Hikkaduwa, Galle, Unawatuna, Talpe, Koggala, Ahangama, Weligama, Mirissa, Dickwella, Tangalle, Hambantota, and nearby areas.

How long are the safari sessions?

The Yala safari is scheduled for about 4 hours, and the Udawalawe safari is scheduled for about 3 hours.

Is Elephant Transit Home included?

Yes. Elephant Transit Home (ETH) is included, with a scheduled visit of about 30 minutes, and admission is included.

What meals are covered over the two days?

Lunch is included on both day 1 and day 2. The hotel stay includes dinner and breakfast, and day 2 also includes breakfast and lunch.

Does the tour include admission fees?

Yes. The tour lists all entry fees and charges for the mentioned attractions and activities as included.

What is the cancellation window for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 6 days in advance for a full refund. The tour details state that you must cancel at least 6 full days before the experience’s start time.