Nilaveli Beach is another popular and beautiful coastal area in Sri Lanka. It is situated in Nilaveli village in the Trincomalee District of Eastern Province. The distance from Tricomalee to Nilaveli is 16km. It takes around 25 minutes to reach there. The distance from Colombo to Nilaveli Beach is 280km.

Trincomalee is a major city in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. It is very popular due to its natural harbour. The majority of the people in this area are Tamil. You need to turn your vehicle on to Pulmoddai road in Tincomalee to reach the Nilaveli beach. Google Maps will direct you to the final location.

Nilaveli is a beach with white sands and moderate waves. It is much wider than other beaches in Sri Lanka. A suitable place for surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, boat tours, and sunbathing. That has attracted many local and international tourists to the place. But it is less crowded than the other beaches in the south of Sri Lanka.

From the beach, you can see an island around 2 kilometers away. It is called Pigeon Island National Park” and is a rich place for bio-diversity. It is further considered as one of the two marine national parks in the region. A boat safari to Pigeon Island is another awesome activity that you can experience in Nilaveli. You can see many species of plants, different fish types, and corals around the island.

October–February is the rainy season in the Eastern Province. Average annual rainfall is around 1250mm–1500mm, and the average annual temperature is around 27°C–34°C. Wind speeds are much higher in the June and December months.

There are a few vendors, hotels, and restaurants around Nilaveli Beach. A hot and humid climate is ideal for enjoying a fresh coconut. So, don’t forget to visit this beach if you love to travel in eastern Sri Lanka.

Read More:

Beautiful Beaches of Sri Lanka

(Cover Image Credit: Vithurshan Photography from Facebook)

Sembuwatta Lake is one of the must-visit travel destinations in the Matale District of Sri Lanka. It is situated near Elkaduwa, a small town in the Ukuwela divisional secteriant area. The distance from Kandy to Sembuwatta is 31 km, and from Matale it is 22 km. The place has become widely popular among local and international travelers in the last decade.

There are two major routes to reach Sembuwatta. first route from Kandy via Wattegama. The next route is from Matale via Ukuwela. You can easily find the location with Google Maps. Since its opening in 2005, the area has been managed by Elkaduwa Plantation Company. You should buy a ticket to enter the location.

Sembuwatta Lake and its surroundings are absolutely beautiful and nice to see. The cold breeze will bring amazing feelings to anyone. There is a forest near the lake, and it’s called “Campbell Lane Forest.” The majority of the forest is pine trees. You can also see tea estates in the area. The elevation of the area is 1072m. So, you will feel the cold weather. The average annual temperature is around 20C and the average annual rainfall in the area is around 2000 mm.

Sembuwatta Lake was built in 1949. It was a polo ground in the British Era of Sri Lanka. Later, it became a lake to generate essential electricity for the tea factory. The lake has been made up with natural water streams. It is 9–12 m deep and not allowed for bathing. Anyhow, it is open for many water activities. There is another small pool near the main lake for bathing activities. So, you can bathe there.

Summer huts are available for those who would like to spend the night in Sembuwatta. are also available for those who don’t like to stay in them. But you need to get permission to do that. So, we request that you visit this place if you love to travel in central Sri Lanka.

Read More:

Hakgala Botanical Garden

(Sembuwatta Lake Image Source: @diskdimuth from Instagram)

Did you know that this small island called Sri Lanka is full of great natural treasures? Even though it is a very small country, it is filled with numerous mountains, plains, waterfalls, rivers, and exciting nature adventures. With a tropical weather in most part of the island, it is easy to adapt to the weather and enjoy the tour. This tour is designed to accompany you with a guide to Horton Plains. You will be provided with a proficient guide who is fluent in English and thorough with local knowledge. We ensure that the guides are informative and supportive. Language specific guides can be arranged upon request too. The tour is carefully constructed to give you the best experience of Horton Plains.

 

Horton Plains: The beautiful heritage

Horton Plains National Park is located in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. It is protected by the Department of Wildlife Conservation because the wildlife is very condensing in the area. The original name of the place is “Maha Eliya Thenna” which means “Great Open Plain.” Later the Plains were renamed after a British Governor. Sri Lanka has a lot of non-recorded history and people have come up with many folk stories regarding this place. Horton Plains are blessed with opulent flora and fauna and hikers and trekkers find this place quite amusing.

 

A must in the travel itinerary: Trekking at the Horton Plains

Are you up to seeing one of the most stunning places in Sri Lanka on a higher altitude? This is for you.

Wander across the cloud forests, green pastures and scattered pools while listening to nothing but the sounds of nature!

Your ears will be filled with the sound of birds chirping, water gushing, and fresh breeze sweeping across your face. For those for you who love trekking, why not inhale all the fresh experience that is in store for you!

The main attraction of the place is a drop called “The World’s End” from where you can see the farthest of Sri Lanka. You can see the most beautiful waterfall from top of the plains called The Baker’s Fall which runs from the very top of stony mountains down to the greeny valleys. The whole trekking experience will give you an adventurous thrill while soothing your tired self with cold breeze and perfect peace offered by nature. There is nothing more tranquil than receiving every ounce of nature’s fresh air and breeze from the trees while listening to buzzing bees.

 

Best of the Bests

This is the place for all candid photographers to capture as many memories as you want. The higher you climb, the better the view, the fresher the breeze, and more beautiful the feeling. Trekking at the Horton Plains has thus far become one of the favorite spots of backpackers, trekker, and globetrotters who love adventures. Our guides will guide you through this miraculous hike explaining the endemic species of trees and animals the place is blessed with. Come and see for yourself!

So, you can plan a horton plains trekking with us. Here are the details of the tour;

 

Horton Plains Trekking with Mahaweli Tours & Holidays

Possible Starting / Pick-up Locations :
Nuwaraeliya, Haputhale, Bandarawela, Ella, Ohiya, Kandy, Hatton  (You can let us know your exact location for us to check and confirm the possibility)

Duration : It will take around 4 – 6 hours to complete the tour depending on the weather condition and the desire of the travelers.

Tour Type : A private tour. Vehicle and the Guide / Chauffer guide are dedicated to you / your group. Safari tour will be done by an off road vehicle and traveling to the starting point and back will be done by Comfortable Car / Van / Mini coach

 

Read more about our other tours:

Hanthana Trekking

Ella City Tour

(Cover Image Credit: Evic Kushan)

Nine Arch Bridge in Demodara is one of the most famous travel destinations in Sri Lanka. Most of the travelers who come to the Ella region will not forget to visit this place. It’s an old bridge that was built in the British Era in Sri Lanka. The bridge is also called the “Bridge in the Sky.

The Nine Arch Bridge is 300m in length and 80ft in height. There you can see nine spans. The width of the bridge is 25 ft and the elevation of the place is 3100 ft from sea level. This is located halfway between Ella and the Demodara Railway Station.to the Nine Arch Bridge from Demodara Railway Station is 9km and from Ella it is 4km. If you are starting from Ella town, you can easily hire a tuk tuk to reach this place. But you have to walk a few meters to meet the bridge.

The bridge connects two mountains and the Badulla–Colombo Railway. It was opened in 1921. This construction demonstrates the excellence of the architecture and engineering of the early 20th century. During the construction of this project, the First World War happened. It has affected the import of steel from abroad. The British rulers then decided to finish the project without using any steel or metal.The only materials used were stones, bricks, and cement.

P.K. Appuhami and D.J. Wimalasurendra are two Ceylonese who vastly helped to succeed in this project. Then they finished the work and opened the Nine Arch Bridge in 1921. Laterally, they finished the Colombo–Badulla Railway in 1924.

The Nine Arch Bridge in Demodara is normally crowded during holidays. The best time to go is between 9 and 11 a.m. in the morning.It’s an ideal place to take some beautiful photos. A few of the cafes are available in the area for visitors. The train journey between Colombo and Ella is considered one of the most beautiful train rides in the world. So, you should not miss it.

Read More: Ella City Tour with Mahaweli Tours & Holidays

(Cover Image Credit:@choineczkaa from Instagram) 

Possible Starting / Pick-up Locations :
Wasgamuwa, Polonnaruwa,Sigiriya, Dambulla, Mathale, Kandy, Mahiyanganaya, Pasikudah  (You can let us know your exact location for us to check and confirm the possibility)

Duration : Safari Tour will take around 3 ½ on average.

Tour Type : A private tour. Vehicle and the Guide / Chauffer guide are dedicated to you / your group. Safari tour will be done by an off road vehicle and traveling to the starting point and back will be done by Comfortable Car / Van / Mini coach.

This is a tour particularly designed for adventurous trekkers who come from all over the world. We will provide a guide for you who will communicate with you in English. If you require language specific guides, that can be arranged upon special request. We will provide our excellent guides who provide you with sufficient knowledge about the local area and give you instructions about the hike. They will be with you throughout, to help you go through the trails without missing out. This should be a must in your itinerary as it will show you the opulent nature of the country.

 

Knuckles Mountain Range: Location, weather, hike!

Dumbara Mountain range is another name for Knuckles mountain range. The range is located off Kandy and is surrounded by Mahaweli River on the South and East. The range has gotten the name ‘Knuckles Mountain Range’ is because it looks like knuckles of a clenched fist if looked at, from different parts of the city.

The range comprises of grasslands, lush greeny forests, and steeps that cover in waterfalls and streams. It is indeed a paradise for trekkers. The range is a conservation of World Heritage and there are still many places yet to explore. It is full of biodiversity and nature. Enthusiasts take up even a three to four day trek with the help of a guide to explore the beauty of this range.

There is a number of species of animals that are endemic to Sri Lanka. It is home to many mammals such as wild boar, deer, monkey and giant squirrel. 20 percent of the entire forest cover of Knuckles is endemic to Sri Lanka. It has gotten dry and wet pathana, savana, and evergreen forests. Because of the vast territory and forests, you will be provided a guide who will be with you the entire hike.

Knuckles is considered as one of UNESCO’s heritage sites and a beloved spot for trekkers. It is tried by locals and foreigners alike, mainly to explore the vegetation and animal kingdom.

What a wonderful experience as a hiker, to experience one of the largest ranges in Sri Lanka!

The beautiful waterfalls that you meet on the way are a quick refreshment of energy. There is also a mini ‘World’s End’ on one of the summits. There are more than 34 trails and each of them is different to the other. You will come across breathtaking views from if you take the trail from the south.

One of the best trails to take is Duwili Ella trail where this beautiful fall is hidden behind lush forests. The special feature of this is that it hides a cave behind it and allows travelers to get behind the waterfall to enter the cave. This is one of the most interesting things to do at Knuckles. For all of you, who are coming in anticipation and energy, save it all for this and you will not be disappointed.

 

There are many interesting things about Sri Lanka. Tourism and Sri Lanka are connected in a huge way to country’s sustenance. The main reason this country has become a famous tourist spot is its immense natural beauty. Sri Lanka is full of nature in every corner of the island. Even in the most cosmopolitan areas, the country still has natural beauties to behold. One of the most interesting tourist activities is trekking and hiking. Sri Lanka has a lot of mountains and plains that have attracted trekkers in a huge manner.

This tour is specifically designed to take you to one of the mountain ranges that is situated in the central part of the island called Hanthana. This range is naturally a very opulent mountain range with amazing views. We will provide you with a guide who is fluent in English as well as local knowledge. If you need language specific guides, they can be arranged upon special request too.

 

The scenic beauty of Hanthana

Since the beginning of time, Hanthana Mountain range has been popular for its picturesque sceneries from the top. A lot of Sri Lankan songs are also written based on the breathtaking view from Hanthana. This is one of the main reasons why local and international trekkers have taken interest in this mountain range. It is consisted of seven peaks and gives a beautiful view of nature at its best.

Hanthana is protected by Wildlife Conservation because it is full of birds, wild boards, leopards, foxes, and monkeys. One of the most interesting things to do while hiking this range is to visit Hanthana Viharaya which dates back to Kingdom of Kandy. It has become popular amongst trekkers because it is easier to explore compared to other places. Just below the slopes of the range lies one of the biggest universities in Sri Lanka, Peradeniya University. Because of this, the mountain is equally loved and visited by foreigners and locals.

 

Hanthana Trekking 

With our guides, you will be taken to Hanthana via Kandy and you will go through breathtaking tea plantation estates and roads full of mist. Because of the weather in the city, Hanthana is considered to be one of the most loved mountains. It even has a peak called ‘mountain of love’ which is covered by mist. The scenery is utterly breathtaking. You will meet local villagers on the way to the mountain who can guide you and give you more information regarding the local markets and the hills.

 

The magnificent peaks in Kandy

If you visit Kandy in Sri Lanka, Hanthana Trekking/Hiking should be on top of your to-do list because of its breathtaking view from the top. November to April is the best season to hike the range. From the beautiful tea plantations to the friendly villagers, you will get an unforgettable experience in hiking.

 

Image Gallery

 

 

(Hanthana Mountain Range Cover Image Source: Destination & More )

Dambulla Cave Temple, or something called Dambulu Temple,” is a sacred pilgrimage site in Sri Lanka. This is situated in the Dambulla area of the Matale District. It is considered the best preserved and largest cave temple complex in the country. The site was declared as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1991.

Dambulla is a historical and economically valuable city in the country. The distance to Dambulla from Colombo is 148km and from Kandy is 72km. You will pass through this city once you travel to Anuradhapura or Seegiriya. Both places are not far from here.

Cave Temple and History

Dambulla Cave Temple consists of five major caves. But the fifth cave has no historical value and was built in the last century. The other four caves are called

Cave Number 1: Deva Raja Viharaya

Cave Number 2: Maha Raja Viharaya

Cave Number 3: Maha Alut Viharaya

Cave Number 4: Paschima Viharaya

The largest cave among those is the “Maharaja Vihara Lena”. Many strata can be seen in those caves. These strata represent Lord Buddha, the Gods in Hinduism, and the ancient Kings of the country. Apart from the stratues, you can see around 150 ancient paintings in these caves. These paintings have covered 2100 square meters. Ancient Brahmi characters can be seen just below the drip-legde of the central cave. This evidence shows that Dambulla Cave Temple has a long history.

King Walagamba was a great king in Sri Lankan history. He escaped here when the South Indians attacked the Anurahapura Kingdom in the 1st century BC. He later developed this cave temple, and you can still see a stratue of King Walagamba here today. Ibbbankatuwa is a nearby place to Dambulla, which was an important place in the pre-historical period of Sri Lanka. Evidence has found that people lived in the surrounded areas in the 7th century BC.

Dambulla Golden Temple is a modern architectural temple that is situated near the ancient Cave Temple. You can come to both while you are traveling in central Sri Lanka. We should say it is a best place that you should not miss as a traveler.

Are you searching for the best package for Ella City Tour? If yes, you are at the correct place. We are Mahaweli Tours & Holidays, who offer the best day tours for travelers who are coming to explore beautiful Sri Lanka. Our Ella tour package covers the most beautiful and famous places of the city, comprised of hiking, trekking, adventurous, and sightseeing activities.

With many natural treasures and beauties, Sri Lanka is considered one of the most beautiful islands in the world. For all kinds of tourists, there are things to see and do. This tour is specially designed to entertain nature lovers and tourists who love to explore.

This tour includes a guide with excellent knowledge of the city and local aspirations. With its opulent nature, Ella is filled with many sightseeing spots. It is named as one of the most beautiful cities in the country.

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Why Book Your Ella City Tour with Mahaweli?

Our Ella Tour brings you the best of Ella City’s natural beauty and cultural landmarks in a private, personalized experience. Here, with Mahaweli Tours & Holidays, you’ll definitely enjoy:

  • Expert Guides: Our professional local and national guides are well knowledgeable about the area’s history, culture, life, and hidden spots.
  • Flexible Pick-Up Locations: You can start your Ella day tour from anywhere in Ella, Badulla, Bandarawela, Haputhale, or a nearby area.
  • Comfortable Private Transportation: You will travel in a comfortable vehicle, allowing you to fully enjoy the Ella City Tour in comfort and unforgettability.

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Before moving into further details about our Ella tour, let us have a brief about Ella City:

Visit Ella-Sri Lanka!

Ella is a small town located in the Uva Province of Sri Lanka and is rich in diversity. It belongs to the Badulla District, and it is 225 km away from Colombo. Ella is a major railway station between Colombo and Badulla on the train route. The Kandy to Ella train ride is a nice experience that you must have in Sri Lanka. It is well renowned as one of the best train rides in the world. It is believed that January to March is the perfect time to visit Ella.

Our guides will take you through the Ella City Tour, providing you with valuable and informative knowledge of the city and of the country. They are proficient and fluent in English, and upon special request from you, language-specific guides can be arranged too.

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Highlights of our Ella City Tour

Once you are in Ella, there are things that come under “absolute-must-see,” and let us see what places you can visit and enjoy. Here are some of those top attractions that we cover through this day tour:

 

– Little Adam’s Peak

Your Ella city tour starts with trekking to Little Adams Peak. It is an opportunity to see the valleys down below with fresh air. Ella is considered one of the places that contains the highest concentration of oxygen. It takes around 45 minutes to reach the top of the peak. During the climb to the Little Adams Peak, you will come across breathtaking views of tea plantations and local villages.

 

– Nine Arch Bridge

This is a world-renowned architectural piece that is hidden among the lush green plantations in Ella. It is located just outside the town, and for all who go on the city tour, this is a must. It is a beautifully constructed bridge that stands mightily among the greenery of the island. Nine arch is a must-visit place on your Ella day tour.

 

– Diyaluma Falls

Diyaluma Waterfall is the second highest waterfall in Sri Lanka. It is a miracle of nature to see, especially if you are seeing it from the top. It has scattered ponds and pools on the way down, and you can even have a swim in one of them. The waterfall is situated just outside of the city.

 

Ella Spice Garden

Are you a foodie? Do you like experimenting with spices? This is the place for you to experience authentic Sri Lankan food and learn about the secret ingredients that make food smell so good and yummy.

 

Ravana Falls

Ravana Waterfall has become a popular stop for all tourists, both locals and foreigners. A quick dip in it can rejuvenate you for the rest of the adventurous tour. The waterfall will meet you when you travel to Wellawaya from Ella. Ravana Falls is one of the places that combine with the epic tale of Ramayana.

 

Ella Rock

If you are up to hiking, Ella Rock will just do the job right. It is approximately a two-hour hike, and you will experience the majestic beauty of the entire city from the top.

 

Flying Ravana Adventure Park:

Here is an ideal place for adventure lovers. You can participate in many adventure activities.

 

For all of you who love nature, this tour will satisfy your travel desires. It is a complete meal for all nature lovers. Starting from the little Adam’s Peak, Ella gives you a treat that is matchless. Come and enjoy the spectacular flora and fauna of the city with the informative knowledge provided by our guides. Make sure to breathe in as much fresh air as you can and take as many pictures as you can. Do not pass up this one-of-a-kind city of beauty!

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Additional Details about our Ella City Tour:

Possible starting/pick-up locations include Ella, Badulla, Bandarawela, Haputhale, and Nuwaraeliya (please let us know your exact location so that we can check and confirm the possibility).

Duration of 3–4 hours on average.

Tour Type: Our Ella City tour is a private tour. The vehicle and the guide/chauffeur guide are dedicated to you/your group. The safari tour will be done by an off-road vehicle and traveling to the starting point and back will be done by a comfortable car, van, or minibus.

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FAQs for Your Ella City Tour

1. When is the best time to plan an Ella Tour?

The months from January to March are ideal for clear skies and optimal hiking conditions. Months from October to December are considered the rainy season in the area, while May to September are considered the dry season in the area. In those times, there is less crowd in Ella.

2. What should I bring on visiting Ella?

Comfortable clothing, sturdy footwear, sunscreen, a camera, and water are essential to fully enjoying your Ella tour.

3. Can I request a language-specific guide for the Ella City Tour with Mahaweli?

Yes! Simply let us know, and we will arrange a guide in your preferred language. We are normally provided English-speaking guides.

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Ella City Tour Price?

To know the exact package cost, we need to know your requirements. So, contact us to know the exact cost.

So, if you are happy with our Ella city tour package, then don’t hesitate twice to contact us. For more information, please contact +94777 111 553 or info@mahaweli.lk.

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Ella City Tour Photos:

(Feautured Image Credit: 𝐋𝐢𝐮𝐛𝐨𝐯 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐡𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐚 from Instagram)

Lakshapana Waterfall is one of the top 10 highest waterfalls in Sri Lanka. It is the 8th highest waterfall in the country, with a height of 126m. This is further considered the 625th tallest waterfall in the world. Norton-Bridge is the nearest town to the place, which belongs to the Nuwara Eliya district.

The Lakshapana Waterfall is fed by the Maskeliya Oya, which is a tributary of the Kelani River. Both Maskeliya Oya and Kehelgamuwa Oya join together in the latter parts to form the famous Kelani River. If you need to visit Lakshapana Ella via Colombo, you will need to drive about 117km. Kiriwan Oya is the village where you should stay, and the location can be easily found with Google Maps. Most people visit this place during their trip to Sri Pada.

The waterfall is absolutely beautiful to watch. You can go either to the top or the bottom of the waterfall. But you should view it from the bottom to see its actual beauty. You can take enough photographs from different angles. Don’t try to bathe in the front pool; it’s extremely dangerous. As well, you must be careful when you are trying to go on top of the fall.

The elevation of the place is 660m above sea level, and the surrounding areas receive around 5000mm of annual rainfall. The May–September period is heavy in rainfall, and the November–February time period is the dry season for the entire area. Seven Virgin Mountain is another popular place that is not far from here.

People believe Lord Buddha visited Lakshapana Waterfall during his visit to Sri Pada Mountain (Adams Peak). Budhdha has mended his saffron robe here. There are some folks and tales around the name of Lakshapana.

You can visit to see this beautiful waterfall during your tour of Adam’s Peak.

Read more;

Aberdeen Waterfall

(Cover Image Source: Priyadarshani Kumari from Facebook)

Sri Lanka is blessed with so many natural resources. It is also home for so many animals. This visit is for you to experience one of the major steps taken by Wildlife Conservation in considering the wellbeing of orphaned baby elephants. This establishment is called “Ath Athuru Sevana” or Elephant Transit Home and is situated in Udawalawa.

 

Ath Athuru Sevana – the home for the orphaned elephants

This great step was taken in 1995 at the Udawalawe National Park since a lot of big herds of elephants are gathered in the area. The birth of this establishment had many hindrances as many assumed this would be a failure, considering the feasibility of the objective. But a brave and determined officer Dr. Nandana Atapaththu worked tirelessly with minimum resources to bring “Ath Athuru Sevana” to life. The Elephant Transit Home’s objective is to care for baby elephants until they are big and independent enough to be released to the wilderness. The home does not have boundaries and baby elephants get to freely wander about. In a short span of time, it succeeded so much and now it is considered as of the best wild animal rehabilitation centers in the entire world.

 

The first member of The Elephant Transit Home

An orphaned baby elephant was found in a forest in Anuradhapura district. It was one year old females and was brought and registered as the first resident. This baby elephant was given the name “komali” and was reintroduced to the wilderness at the age of five. Till date, more than 250 orphaned elephants have been under the care of the Home.

 

A memorable visit to Ath Athuru Sevana

What an amazing place is this rehabilitation center! It takes a lot of patience and courage to maintain the place. The regular milk feedings, taking care of the sick ones, post-illness treatments, etc. takes a lot of time and endurance. That is why it is considered as one of the most admired places in Sri Lanka. With baby elephants, it is never a dull place.

All nature lovers and animal lovers from all across the globe pay a visit to Elephant Transit Home when they come to Udawalawa. They never miss out on the chance of seeing young elephants being rehabilitated. With our subject specific guides, you can enjoy a nostalgic visit by spending time seeing baby elephants being taken care.

It is one of the most admirable services rendered to the wildlife and mammals in general, thus making it a top-notch establishment. Come with us to experience a refreshing happiness by seeing this conservation done at a large scale. Assuredly, this will be in red letters in your journey.

 

Visit Udawalawa with Mahaweli Tours & Holidays

You will be given a guide throughout the visitation who is capable in communicating with you in English as well as share a lot of local knowledge. We will make sure your visit is worthwhile as it is considered one of the major establishments in the department of Wildlife Conservation.

Possible Starting / Pick-up Locations :
Ella, Udawalawa, Thissamarama, Rathnapura, Haputhale, Bandarawela, Katharagama, Yala (You can let us know your exact location for us to check and confirm the possibility)

Tour Type : A private tour. Vehicle and the Guide / Chauffer guide are dedicated to you / your group. Safari tour will be done by an off road vehicle and traveling to the starting point and back will be done by Comfortable Car / Van / Mini coach.

 

(Cover Image Source and Credit Goes to: @natalinipon from Instagram