Is Udawalawe a good stop between Ella and the south coast?

Yes, Udawalawe works as a perfect strategic layover between the Hill Country of Ella and the southern shoreline places like Mirissa or Tangalle.

Splitting up a long passing day with a top-level safari is one of the more popular travel routes in Sri Lanka. The ride from Ella to Udawalawe takes about two hours, and then another two hours to get to the southern beaches. Many travellers effortlessly fit in a three-hour afternoon safari during that transfer, without having to arrange a full overnight stay.