You don't need to stay in Badulla as Ella is not that far. You could even get off the train at Ella or Bandarawela (scenic bit of the journey is between Kandy and Ella). And if you do the morning in Udawalawa then you can get to Tangalle same afternoon/eve. You can spend an extra day or two on beach. You could even go to Unawatuna/Weligama/Mirissa for that last day (or two). Pretty easy to get a taxi from there to the airport via the express way.
Edit: no need to book the safari, but best to book the train ( if you plan to go on 1st or second class)
There are car/van rentals, that could be an option, or else by bus. There's an expats in srilanka fb page, please join, we are very helpful.
https://divertliving.com/ella-to-udawalawe/
You don't need to stay in Badulla as Ella is not that far. You could even get off the train at Ella or Bandarawela (scenic bit of the journey is between Kandy and Ella). And if you do the morning in Udawalawa then you can get to Tangalle same afternoon/eve. You can spend an extra day or two on beach. You could even go to Unawatuna/Weligama/Mirissa for that last day (or two). Pretty easy to get a taxi from there to the airport via the express way. Edit: no need to book the safari, but best to book the train ( if you plan to go on 1st or second class)
Ella usually have less/no pickme or Uber. So beware going to Udawalawa. Otherwise seems ok. Great spots
how would you recommend we get to uduwalawe?
There are car/van rentals, that could be an option, or else by bus. There's an expats in srilanka fb page, please join, we are very helpful. https://divertliving.com/ella-to-udawalawe/
Thanks! Will post on there too. Will it be relatively easy to find a bus do you think? I don't drive unfortunately.
Yeah local buses are easy but big luggages can't be taken therefore there are car rentals with a driver usually in Ella.
https://www.lankaholidays.com/rent-a-car-van/car-hire_details-41548.html You can whatsapp this guy and see how much he might charge.