Hungry travelers in Ella can experience authentic Sri Lankan meals through well-organized lunch tours. The standout options combine sightseeing with local cuisine. We love the safari park picnics at Yala and Udawalawe – you’ll spot wildlife while enjoying fresh local dishes. The village tours are another winner, especially Etili Village, where families serve traditional rice and curry spreads in their homes. For a real culture, the village discovery tour lets you pick vegetables and enjoy lunch in a traditional mud house. The Diyaluma Waterfall tour pairs a moderate hike with a tasty local meal near Sri Lanka’s second-highest falls. Let’s explore the best lunch tours Ella has to offer.
Key Points
- Etili Village Tours offer a 9-hour cultural experience featuring a traditional Sri Lankan lunch as part of the itinerary.
- The All-Inclusive Village Discovery tour includes a mud house lunch, highlighting local cuisine and production.
- Diyaluma Waterfall Tour provides the opportunity to enjoy a local lunch amidst the natural beauty of the waterfall.
- Safari day trips in Ella, such as Yala and Udawalawe, include picnic lunches as part of the full-day excursions.
- Ella’s safari experiences and village tours cater to a range of budgets, with lunch options ranging from $95 to $100 per person.
Ella: Safari Day Trip to Yala & Udawalawe With Lunch
For those seeking to experience the diverse wildlife of Sri Lanka, the Ella: Safari Day Trip to Yala & Udawalawe with Lunch is an exceptional opportunity.
Priced from $95 per person, this full-day tour allows visitors to explore two of the country’s premier national parks, Yala and Udawalawe. Guests can expect to spot a range of animals, including leopards, elephants, water buffalo, and more, during the “Golden Hours” of sunrise and sunset.
The tour includes transportation, a picnic lunch, and entrance fees, ensuring a seamless and immersive wildlife experience.
While reviews praise the tour’s value and wildlife sightings, some note issues with park queues and guide management during the day.
Read our full review: Ella: Safari Day Trip to Yala & Udawalawe With Lunch Review
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From Ella : Udawalawe & YALA Safaris With Breakfast & Lunch
Travelers seeking an immersive wildlife experience in Sri Lanka can embark on the “From Ella: Udawalawe & YALA Safaris With Breakfast & Lunch” tour.
Priced from $148.56 per person, this 14.5-hour adventure includes morning and afternoon wildlife safaris in Udawalawe and Yala National Parks, as well as a visit to the Elephant Transit Home for baby elephant feeding.
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.
Pickup is available from Ella, Bandarawela, or Wellawaya, with air-conditioned transportation and rugged 4×4 safari vehicles.
The package includes breakfast, lunch, and entrance fees, making it an all-inclusive wildlife exploration.
Read our full review: From Ella : Udawalawe & YALA Safaris With Breakfast & Lunch Review
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Etili Village Tour With Sri Lankan Lunch
Visitors can enjoy the tranquil village life of Etili through this comprehensive tour. Priced at $100 per person, the 9-hour experience includes hotel pickup, a traditional Sri Lankan lunch, and a boat safari for wildlife and birdwatching.
Guests will learn about chena cultivation, plant a tree, and enjoy herbal tea and sunset views. The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, those with mobility issues, or unaccompanied minors.
Participants should bring comfortable attire, insect repellent, and be prepared to remove shoes in temples. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this Etili Village Tour offers an authentic cultural encounter in Ella.
Read our full review: Etili Village Tour With Sri Lankan Lunch Review
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All-Inclusive Etili Village Discovery With Traditional Lunch
An immersive cultural odyssey awaits guests who embark on the All-Inclusive Etili Village Discovery with Traditional Lunch. Priced from $100 per person, this full-day excursion whisks travelers from Wellawaya, Haputale, and Bandarawela hotels to experience authentic rural life.
The itinerary is packed with highlights, from a traditional welcome drink to plucking fresh produce, a boat safari, and a Sri Lankan lunch in a mud house.
Environmental conservation is also woven in, with guests planting a tree.
With roundtrip transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and all taxes covered, this experience offers a well-rounded taste of village culture and natural beauty.
Read our full review: All-Inclusive Etili Village Discovery With Traditional Lunch Review
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Ella: Safari Day Trip to Yala & Udawalawe W/ Picnic Lunch
One of the best ways to take in Sri Lanka’s diverse wildlife is through the Ella: Safari Day Trip to Yala & Udawalawe W/ Picnic Lunch.
This private guided full-day jeep safari costs €101.75 per person and lasts 1 day, with flexible booking and free cancellation. Guests can explore Yala National Park at sunrise and Udawalawe National Park in the afternoon, spotting leopards, elephants, and other animals.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, a picnic lunch, and entrance fees.
Based on 2 reviews, the tour receives a 5/5 rating, praised for its wildlife sightings and the professionalism of the drivers.
Read our full review: Ella: Safari Day Trip to Yala & Udawalawe W/ Picnic Lunch Review
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From Ella: Diyaluma Waterfall & Natural Pool Bath With Lunch
Offering a refreshing alternative to the Ella: Safari Day Trip to Yala & Udawalawe, the From Ella: Diyaluma Waterfall & Natural Pool Bath With Lunch tour provides an opportunity to take in Sri Lanka’s stunning natural beauty.
Priced at €54.96 per person, the 7-hour excursion features a guided exploration of the Diyaluma Falls, the country’s second-highest waterfall, and a chance to swim in its natural pools.
Travelers can also enjoy a local lunch and an optional visit to the nearby Ravana Falls.
Led by experienced guides, the tour highlights the region’s diverse flora and fauna, delivering a memorable experience for nature enthusiasts.
Read our full review: From Ella: Diyaluma Waterfall & Natural Pool Bath With Lunch Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Dress Code for the Lunch Experiences?
There’s generally no strict dress code for most lunch experiences. Casual, comfortable attire is usually appropriate, though some upscale restaurants may have slightly more formal guidelines. It’s best to check with the specific hotel before your visit.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
Generally, it’s not recommended to bring your own food and drinks to lunch experiences, as the establishments typically don’t allow outside items. The policy is in place to ensure the quality and consistency of the dining experience.
Are the Lunch Venues Wheelchair Accessible?
The lunch venues in Ella, Sri Lanka are generally wheelchair accessible. Many of the local restaurants and cafes have ramps, wide doorways, and spacious seating areas to accommodate guests with mobility needs. However, it’s best to check accessibility details before visiting.
Do I Need to Make a Reservation for the Lunch?
It’s generally recommended to make a reservation for lunch, as the popular spots can get quite busy. This ensures you’ll have a table and won’t be turned away. Some establishments may accept walk-ins, but a reservation is the safest bet.
Can I Substitute the Lunch Menu Items?
Most restaurants allow guests to substitute or customize menu items during lunch. However, it’s best to check with the restaurant in advance, as some may have restrictions on substitutions or have set menu options for certain meal periods.
The Sum Up
Ella, Sri Lanka offers a variety of lunch experiences for visitors. From safari day trips to Yala and Udawalawe with packed lunches, to traditional village tours with local cuisine, there’s something to suit every taste. Whether you’re seeking an adventure-filled day or a culture, Ella’s lunch options provide a delicious way to enhance your Sri Lankan experience.