The 4 Best Colombo National Park Tours

1.Udawalawe National Park: Elephant Safari with Expert Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 641 reviews · 4 - 10 hours · from $30Our pick

Spend four to ten hours in Udawalawe National Park with a private 4x4 and an English or Sinhalese-speaking guide such as Gimhana, Uditha, or Jayashan. Expect open grasslands, wetlands, elephants, crocodiles, birds, and a good chance of water buffalo and deer. Early starts help you beat the heat and busy trails.

“Gayan, our driver and guide, was very considerate of our needs and wants. He drove with care and attention. We were able to see elephants, crocodiles, deer, monitor lizards, mongoose and various birds. Gayan was respectful of the animals and gave them plenty of space to roam. We loved the baby elephants and how close they came to the jeep. The whole experience was relaxed and not rushed at all. Gimhana was excellent at communicating before the tour and letting us know about the driver and other services they offer. Very professional and warm company. Highly recommend.”

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2.Private Day Trip to Sigiriya, cave and National park Safari Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 143 reviews · from $68

Travel by private air-conditioned car from Colombo, Negombo, or Kandy to Sigiriya Rock, Dambulla Cave Temple, and Minneriya National Park. Your English-speaking driver handles the route, while you set the pace. Drivers such as Wasa, Madu, Mohamed, Anaz, and Madushan have been praised for being friendly and flexible, but park fees, entrance tickets, lunch, and the safari jeep cost extra.

“Completed this tour with Anaz our driver and had an excellent time. Anaz was an amazing driver, super friendly and knew lots about all the places we went too making him an excellent guide. It’s all very well organised making it the perfect tour”

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3.Colombo/Bentota/Kalutara/Ahungalla: Yala Safari Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 50 reviews · 1 day · from $124

You’ll leave your Colombo, Bentota, Kalutara, or Ahungalla hotel for Yala National Park in an air-conditioned vehicle, then switch to a soft-top Jeep. Guides including Dilan, Sasanka, Naja, and Tikiri have helped visitors spot leopards, elephants, crocodiles, deer, birds, and butterflies. The long road day is best for wildlife fans who accept that leopards are never guaranteed.

“The safari was incredible! Our guide had over 10yrs experience so knew all the perfect spots to see all types of animals. We saw a leopard up very close. Would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Sri Lanka! Well worth it.”

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4.Private Trip to Sigiriya, Dambulla & safari from Colombo/ Negombo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 44 reviews · from $67Top rated

This private day trip takes you from Colombo or Negombo to Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Minneriya in an air-conditioned vehicle. Drivers such as Wasa and Asange have received praise for safe, polite service. Entrance fees and the 4WD safari cost extra, so budget carefully.

“The driver was very punctual and reliable. Although it was a long day (due to traffic 14 hours), he drove us well and safely back to the hotel. Finally, he even had a very personal surprise for us! Thank you, Asange, it was a perfect day with many elephant mothers and their childrenAuto-translated”

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