Affordable day trips from Unawatuna: where to go and how much do tours cost?

The one-day Ultra Ella excursion is advertised for US$50, with October departures listed for the 1st, 4th, 8th, 11th, 15th, 18th, 22nd, 25th, and 29th.

The Ella plus temple day trip is listed at US$50, with departures on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

A day trip to Kandy is advertised for US$90, departing Monday and Friday.

A combined Ella and Yala National Park safari day trip is listed at US$110, with Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday departures.

The Bentota plus Galle day trip is advertised at US$50, with Sunday departures.

A day trip to Colombo is listed for US$50, departing on Monday.

One of the lowest-priced south-coast options is a river safari combined with Galle Fort for US$50, advertised for Thursdays.

An Ella day trip paired with the Udawalawe elephant sanctuary is advertised from US$55; another listing quotes US$60. Departure days vary by operator, including Monday and Friday or several departures per week.

For a safari, Ridiyagama is listed at US$70 for a Monday day trip. It is cheaper than the advertised Yala safari price of US$85.

A Yala National Park safari is advertised at US$85, with Tuesday and Saturday departures. If travelling independently, also budget for park admission: travelers report it can start at US$30, while taxis can significantly raise the total cost.

For two days, an Ella plus Sigiriya or Pidurangala itinerary is advertised at US$160 or US$130 respectively, including an overnight at Elephant Bay. It costs more than a day trip but combines the hill country with the Sigiriya area.