Dambulla to Trincomalee Shuttle & Safari Drive

Everyday at 2 PM (6 hours)

Hi Folks, We’re Tourist board approved & Certified as “Safe & Secure” Establishment! (Reg No: SLTDA / SQA / PRO / TA / 0036)

Key Attractions

Minneriya and Kaudulla National Park

Tour Details

Dambulla to Trincomalee Shuttle & Safari Drive

Itinerary

02:00 PM

Meeting Point

We offer pickup from Dambulla, Sigiriya, Habarana & suburbs

03:00 PM

Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park Safari

Embark on a guided 4×4 safari through either Kaudulla or Minneriya, chosen by your trekker for the best wildlife visibility of the day. Spot elephants, peacocks, water buffalo, and vibrant birdlife during this unforgettable wilderness experience.

05:30 PM

Transfer to Trincomalee

Continue the journey to Trincomalee, passing through rural villages, lakes, and open fields

08:00 PM

Trincomalee

Reach Trincomalee, Nilaveli & suburbs

What to Expect

Set out on a scenic journey from Dambulla to Trincomalee where the serenity of the cultural triangle meets the wild rhythm of Sri Lanka’s dry plains. This Dambulla to Trincomalee shuttle isn’t just a transfer — it’s a short but immersive passage through nature and tradition. Midway, you’ll venture into Kaudulla or Minneriya National Park, renowned for its open landscapes and magnificent large herds of elephants grazing along glimmering lakes.

Depart Dambulla in the afternoon and leave the cultural heartland behind as the countryside slowly opens into the vast wilderness of the North Central Province. Soon, your 4×4 safari begins — either at Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park, chosen depending on the day’s best wildlife activity. Watch as elephants emerge in groups to feed, bathe, and interact in the cooling light of dusk. This is a sight photographers and wildlife lovers will cherish. Alongside the majestic elephants, look out for playful macaques, flocks of painted storks, and shy deer wandering between the trees. The gentle safari pace allows you to truly soak in the natural rhythm of these parks before continuing north toward the coastal breeze.

After the safari, enjoy a comfortable and peaceful transfer to Trincomalee as golden light fades into the evening. Your chauffeur ensures smooth travel with bottled water and evening snacks, helping you unwind after your wildlife adventure. With professional guidance, a well-maintained vehicle, and a route that ties together Sri Lanka’s wilderness and coastline, this Dambulla to Trincomalee transfer is more than just convenience — it’s a well-curated journey of discovery in motion.

Our Packages

Shared Tour

$ 70

/Head

☀️ 02:00 PM

Hotel Pickup and Drop by Shared Shuttle

Safari Drive with Experienced Trekker

Evening Snacks

Bottled Water

National Park Entrance Fees (Refer FAQ)

Book Now

Private Tour

$ 80

/Head

☀️ 02:00 PM

Hotel Pickup and Drop by Private Shuttle

Safari Drive with Experienced Trekker

Evening Snacks

Bottled Water

National Park Entrance Fees (Refer FAQ)

Book Now

Our Fleet

our fleet van

our fleet car

our fleet interior

our fleet van 2

our fleet van front

f.a.q

What makes the Dambulla to Trincomalee Shuttle & Safari Drive special?

It transforms your Dambulla to Trincomalee journey into more than just a return trip — offering a seamless blend of comfort, exploration, and wildlife encounters. En route, you’ll embark on a guided Kaudulla or Minneriya safari, witnessing elephants and other animals in their natural habitat.

What is the Dambulla to Trincomalee distance?

The Dambulla to Trincomalee distance is approximately 110 km, taking about 6 hours with the safari stop included in our transfer service.

Is there a Dambulla to Trincomalee bus?

Yes, there are buses available, but this private shuttle offers a more personalized and comfortable option with a safari experience midway.

Which park will we visit?

Your trekker will choose Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park depending on current wildlife movements for the best experience.

How much is the Minneriya and Kaudulla National Park entry fee?

Both Minneriya National Park and Kaudulla National Park charge $25–$35 per adult. And the entrance fees are not included in the transfer experience and must be paid directly at the park entrance.

What wildlife can I expect to see?

Expect to see herds of elephants, deer, peacocks, monkeys, water buffalo, and a variety of migratory birds depending on the season.

What’s the best time to see elephants?

From July to October, when ‘The Gathering’ takes place and hundreds of elephants gather by the lakeside.

What is the Minneriya and Kaudulla National Park best time to visit during the day?

The best time to visit Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks is during the afternoon safaris, especially between 2:30 PM and 6:00 PM, when elephants gather near the lakes to drink and bathe. Early mornings are also great for birdwatching and peaceful park exploration.

Are snacks and water provided?

Yes, evening snacks and bottled water are included to keep you refreshed throughout the transfer.

Is this tour suitable for families?

Yes, the tour is family-friendly and ideal for couples or solo travelers seeking both relaxation and exploration.

What should I bring?

Bring sunscreen, a hat, and a camera to capture the wildlife and scenic landscapes along the way.

Are restroom breaks available during the transfer?

Yes, restroom breaks are available before and after the safari, and along your Dambulla to Trincomalee transfer route.

BOOKING CONFIRMATION

Your reservation will be instantly confirmed and in the meantime, the booking confirmation will be delivered to your email.

CREDIT / DEBIT CARD PAYMENTS

We do accept Visa, MasterCard & Amex credit / debit card payment via Stripe. The payment process will be a fully secured SSL checkout and safety is guaranteed. No any transaction fee applicable from our end while your bank may charge a transaction fee according to their policy.

OTHER PAYMENT OPTIONS

We do accept SEPA (EUR), Bank wire (USD), Bank deposit (LKR) & Wise payments. A booking invoice will be issued via email to confirm the tentative reservation and once we received the payment confirmation, we’ll lock the dates and do the arrangements.

CANCELLATIONS / AMENDMENTS

Confirmed reservations are eligible for a 48-hour grace period, during which they can be cancelled for a full refund. This grace period applies only to reservations made at least 7 days in advance of the participation date. Reservations made within 7 days of the participation date are non-refundable.

For booking amendments, we require at least 48 hours’ notice before the start time. We will do our best to accommodate amendments, subject to availability and other practical constraints.

BEFORE TRAVEL

You will receive pickup instructions within 24 to 48 hours prior to start time of the experience or transfer. If you need any clarifications, we are always available to assist you via email or WhatsApp on: 24/7 365 Days.

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About Us

Tuktukdude Leisure Pvt Ltd

Operates in 16+ destinations

50+ Accomodation Units

100+ Day Tours & Experiences

20+ Scheduled Routes

Trusted Excellence

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 205 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   king_of_muffins 
 
 
 
 Verified Perfect way to get from Kandy to Trinco with an amazing safari to see wild elephants!
Tour was excellent from start to finish. I had been looking for transport from Kandy to Trinco and came across this tour advertised in a few places. Had a couple questions, so reached out directly to the operator. They were brilliant; responsive, answered questions and so booked directly. Breaking up the long drive from Kandy to Trinco with a safari helps you ensure that you are making the most out of the day. Driver was on time, friendly, nice vehicle. Swapped to jeep with a guide midway, who took us to Minneriya National Park. They flex between a couple national parks depending on where the elephants are gathering. August being an excellent time to visit, given it is the largest known gathering of Asian elephants in the world, also means the parks can be busy… the safari guide had planned ahead an bought tickets in advance, so we didn’t have to wait to enter. We had the most amazing experience, with lots of elephants migrating and very close up to our jeep. A fruit snack stop on the way back to our shuttle vehicle and then smooth remainder of the journey on to Trinco. Highly recommend this shuttle and safari option for crossing Sri Lanka between Kandy and Trinco. Thank you.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Bryan E 
 
 
 
 Verified Snorkeling off season
The driver and guide were first class. Pleasebe aware that snorkeling out of season can be a challenge with strong currents and coral reefs that can cut you. Despite this we saw turtles, including a very large one. Worth the experience for 1 hour30 minutes in the water.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   高砂 
 
 
 
 Verified Safari tour
The driver was very kind and flexible in accommodating our requests, which made our trip very enjoyable. We were also happy to see so many animals during the safari. It was an amazing experience!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Lukies21 
 
 
 
 Verified Made our travels Trincomalee-Arugam Bay-Negombo simple and safe.
We used this transport company twice during our trip to Sri Lanka, and both experiences were fantastic. Our drivers were friendly, courteous, and drove with great care. They were more than happy to stop whenever we needed a bathroom break or wanted to stretch our legs, which made the journeys so much more comfortable. Sri Lanka’s roads can be quite an adventure, so it was incredibly reassuring to know we were travelling with such safe and experienced drivers. The company was wonderful to deal with from start to finish. Communication was prompt and efficient, booking and payment were simple, and we received quick confirmation along with all our driver’s details. Everything was organised so professionally. We highly recommend this company to anyone travelling in Sri Lanka and would happily use them again. Thank you for making our travels so easy and enjoyable!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Corinne S 
 
 
 
 Verified A memorable trip I would do again !
It was such a great experience from beginning to end. Nice life saving boat to bring us to the awesome catamaran, smooth departure, lots of dolphins, a few fin whales - we were lucky to see some ! - , delicious food, Captain and staff so well-meaning, happy workers, caring, fun swimming, snorkeling and diving from the boat deck, enjoyable peaceful sailing moment. I’ll definitely tell about it to my friends and family ! Also met some nice people enjoying the trip too, was a nice surprise !
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Franziska 
 
 
 
 Verified Toller Start in den Tag mit vielen Delfinen 🐬
Unsere Tourguides haben sehr auf die Gesundheit der Delfine geachtet und nicht jedem Delfin hinterhergejagt wie man andere Boote die an dem Tag unterwegs waren. Wir wurden mit Snacks und Trinken gut versorgt und die Abholung fand direkt vor unserem Hotel statt. Sehr schöner Morgen 🐬
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Wiktor H 
 
 
 
 Verified Trivelig og komfortabel båttur på utkikk etter hval
Til tross for at vi ikke fikk sett hval, ble dette en fin opplevelse. Vi fikk noen fine opplevelser med delfiner, og turen ble arrangert selv om det bare var vår gruppe på 4 personer som deltok. Det ble derfor mer å betegne som en eksklusiv privat 8 timers cruisetur for vår del. Mannskapet var svært hyggelige og frokost og lunsj som var en del av pakken var svært velsmakende. Bestillingsprosessen med oppfølging fram til oppmøte var svært bra. Vi er veldig glade for at vi bestilte tur der det var satt av tid til snorkling etter båtturen. Området for snorkling/ vannaktiviteter var langs klippene syd i Dutch Bay. Det kan selvsagt ikke sammenlignes med et korallrev, men mye spennende fisk og relativt klart vann. Turen anbefales på det varmeste. Båten (katamaranen) var glimrende til formålet og sikkerhet føltes godt ivaretatt. Noen tips til forbederinger: Det var mye vind og derfor litt sjø den dagen. Kanskje burde det vært opplyst om at dette var dårlige forhold, slik at turen kanskje kunne utsettes. Ut fra vår kunnskap skjønte vi selv at det var liten sannsynlighet for å få se hval under disse forholdene. Men vi fikk båten for oss selv og hadde det utmerket. Kanskje kunne mannskapet også vært mer guider; fortalt hvilke delfiner vi så, hvilke hvaler som pleier å være der, fortalt litt mer om omgivelsene, etc. Alt i alt; veldig bra.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Anto Bourdain 
 
 
 
 Verified Great experience from Colombo to Trinco!
Excellent tour from Colombo to Trinco. Delicious traditional meal with very friendly locals. Amazing safari experience with loads of elephants. Cool boat tour. Friendly driver who was very patient and flexible with pickup and drop off.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Family F 
 
 
 
 Verified Good safari
Great expérience! Good guide and good car !
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Rinee N 
 
 
 
 Verified Good experience
They were very responsive on whatsapp and very helpful helped us arrange everything on a short notice. Driver came to pick us up on time but the car seats were very dirty and it smelled. We changed to a safari car 4x4 near the gate. Our guide was very informative and friendly his driver was also very good. We enjoyed our breakfast in the reserve. We saw a lot of wild animals but unfortunately didnt see a leopard. A very good experience on the way to mirissa either way. We changed cars again and was dropped off to the hotel.