Welcome to the “Ella to Yala” blog post. This guide will talk about everything you should know when traveling the charming town of Ella to the stunning Yala National Park in Sri Lanka. We’ll cover all the travel options, routes, and tips to make your journey smooth and your safari adventure unforgettable. Whether you’re a nature lover or an adventure seeker, join us on this exciting trip through Sri Lanka’s remarkable wilderness.
How to get to Yala national park from Ella
Best Two Routes to get Ella to Yala by car
Ella to Kataragama via Buttala-Kataragama Road:
- Ella to yala Distance via Buttala Kataragama road: 88km
- Ella to yala drive Time via Buttala Kataragama road: 2 Hour
This route provides a direct and relatively quicker path to Yala national Park if you intend to enter the national park from Katagamuwa or Galge near Kataragama. As you travel on the Buttala-Kataragama Road, you may have the exciting opportunity to encounter the majestic wild elephants that call this region their home. This road also crosses through the buffer zone of Yala National Park in Buttala, offering glimpses of the diverse wildlife and untamed beauty of the park’s surroundings. The landscape along this route is charming and picturesque, showcasing the captivating countryside of Sri Lanka.
This route is often considered the best choice to get Yala National Park from Ella, particularly if your plan involves an overnight stay in Kataragama or Interested in watching wild elephants in Buttala Kataragama Road
Ella to Tissamaharama via Wellawaya-Thanamalwila Road:
- Ella to yala Distance via Wellawaya Thanamalwila road: 110km
- Ella to yala drive Time via Wellawaya Thanamalwila road: 2 Hour 30 Minutes
For those seeking a more leisurely and scenic journey, the Wellawaya-Thanamalwila Road is a wonderful alternative as you passing Lunugam Vehera reservior and the Mountain Range near Mattala. One of the highlights of this path is the opportunity to visit the Buduruwagala Temple, an ancient site renowned for its remarkable rock carvings.
This route is often considered the best choice, particularly if your plan involves an overnight stay in Tissamaharama or planning safari from Palatupana entrance, ensuring an immersive and delightful journey before your arrival at Yala National Park.
Transportation Options to reach Yala National Park from Ella
- Rent a Tuk Tuk or Scooter: If you intend to return Ella again or Passing Ella, Travelers can easily rent a tuk-tuk or scooter within Ella town do a day trip to Yala and return the Scooter back in Ella. It’s a flexible and adventurous way to explore the journey. However, when opting for this mode of transport, it’s advisable to avoid the Buttala-Kataragama Road, as there have been occasional reports of elephant encounters along this route.
- Take the Red Colour Bus (Route No 10/ Kandy – Kataragama): The red-colored public buses are a budget-friendly option, but they can get quite crowded, especially during peak travel times. It’s worth noting that carrying baggage on these buses can be a bit challenging due to the limited space.
- Catch Bandarawela to Wellawaya bus from Ella bus stop – These buses arrive every 20 minutes.
- From the Wellawaya bus stand, transfer to a Monaragala to Matara bus. These buses are often crowded but run frequently (roughly every 20 minutes). Get off at Weerawila.
- From Weerawila, you can board a Matara to Tissamaharama bus that takes you closer to the Palatupana entrance of Yala, which is about 6 km away.
If you’re looking for a more direct journey, there are a few Limited long-distance buses that run daily from places like
- Bandarawela to Kataragama via Tissamaharama
- Haputale to Kataragama via Tissamaharama
- Kandy to Kataragama via Tissamaharama.
These direct routes can be more convenient if they align with your travel schedule, saving you a few transfers along the way.
Take a ella to yala national park taxi
To ensure a comfortable and hassle-free journey, travelers can find local taxi services through their hotel or by searching online. Uber is not as widely used in Ella area, so traditional taxis are a more reliable choice for your transportation needs.
Where to find a Ella to Yala Taxi
You can take a Ella to Yala Taxi from near the Ella train station or there are so many online platforms who provide taxi service with better rates and better service.
How much it takes to get to Yala From Ella
Ella to yala Taxi cost you about average 40 USD to 45 USD (13000LKR to 15000LKR) depending with Service provider.
To Book a reliable taxi you can simply contact Us –Ceylon Hunt, We have taxies running with Locally found Drivers
Take the Train from Ella to Yala national park
If you are looking for a Taxi for your Transfer from Ella to Yala National Park, We have Best Taxi Rates.
We have an Islandwide taxi service which covers all major Tourists Attractions in Sri Lanka.
To Check out our Taxi Rates or to Book a Taxi in Advance Click Here!
Attractions to see during your journey from Ella to Yala National Park
Ravana Fall
Ravana Falls is a stunning Sri Lankan attraction you shouldn’t miss on your way from Ella to Yala, no matter which road you take. It’s a beautiful waterfall with a touch of legend from the Ramayana. Whether you go through Buttala-Kataragama Road or Wellawaya-Thanamalwila Road, a visit to Ravana Falls promises natural beauty and memorable moments.
Buduruwagala Temple
Buduruwagala Temple is a unique cultural site you can visit during your journey from Ella to Yala. To get there, take a 3 km detour from the Wellawaya-Thanamalvila Road. This temple boasts impressive rock carvings, including large Buddha statues, showcasing ancient artistry and history. It’s a serene and less crowded stop, allowing you to connect with Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage as you travel from Ella to Yala National Park.
Upper Diyaluma fall
Upper Diyaluma Waterfall is a must-see detour during your journey from Ella to Yala. Located 12km (about 7.46 mi) off the Wellawaya road, it’s Sri Lanka’s second-highest waterfall. A 45-minute trek takes you to its summit, and it’s advisable to hire a local guide for safety and a richer experience. The trek not only reveals the region’s natural beauty but also immerses you in local culture, making it an essential stop for adventurous travelers.
Ellawala Fall
Ellawala Ella is situated 25.8 kilometers away from Ella in the Monaragala District. Accessible via the Ella-Wellawaya Road, approximately 5 kilometers from Wellawaya Town, this hidden gem is nestled within a dense forest, making it a bit challenging to reach. The natural pool at the waterfall’s base offers a refreshing spot for a swim. To reach the waterfall itself, a trek of a few hundred meters through the jungle is necessary, navigating a track and climbing among boulders. It’s crucial to exercise caution while swimming, as there have been reported incidents of drownings.
Wild Elephants in Buttala Kataragama Road
On the Buttala-Kataragama Road, part of the Ella to Yala route, you might encounter majestic wild elephants, including one known as Buttala Raja. It’s important to keep a safe distance and avoid feeding or getting too close to them, as it’s both illegal and potentially dangerous. Respecting their wild nature ensures your safety and their well-being, making your journey more enjoyable while preserving their natural habitat.
Our car window was smashed by this Elephant on Buttala Kataragama Road