Lunch options at Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home combine practical dining with wildlife viewing. Most local restaurants serve traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry, while several tour operators offer picnic-style meals during safari drives – a smart way to maximize your wildlife viewing time.
I’ve found the safari-and-lunch combo tours particularly worthwhile, especially those timed around the elephant feeding sessions at 12:00. The best packages include freshly prepared local dishes served in shaded areas with clear views of grazing elephants and water buffalo.
My favorite experience is the mid-day safari tour with a traditional lunch spread – you’ll get authentic flavors while watching elephants in their natural habitat, all without rushing through either experience.
Let’s explore the top lunch tour options at Udawalawe:
Key Points
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Visit the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, a rehabilitation center for orphaned elephants, and enjoy a locally-sourced lunch experience in their cafeteria.
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Savor authentic Sri Lankan cuisine, including rice and curry dishes, at one of the nearby restaurants that offer panoramic views of the Udawalawe National Park.
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Indulge in a packed lunch prepared by your tour guide, which showcases traditional Sri Lankan flavors and ingredients, as you explore the Udawalawe National Park.
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Explore the Udawalawe Reservoir, a popular feeding ground for elephants, and have a picnic-style lunch by the water’s edge.
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Dine at an eco-friendly lodge near the Udawalawe National Park, where the menu features locally-sourced ingredients and sustainable food practices.
From Ella: Udawalawe Private Safari & Local Lunch Adventure
For those visiting Ella, the “Udawalawe Private Safari & Local Lunch Adventure” offers an immersive experience at the renowned Udawalawe National Park. Priced from $185 per person, this 7-hour tour provides hotel pickup, a 3-4 hour safari, and a local restaurant lunch.
Guests can expect to encounter Sri Lankan elephants, birds, water buffalo, monitor lizards, Sambar deer, and even the occasional leopard. The safari takes place in customized jeeps, providing enhanced wildlife viewing opportunities.
After the safari, guests will enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. The tour includes all park entrance fees, fuel surcharges, driver charges, and taxes.
Visitors are encouraged to bring binoculars, cameras, and ID cards. While the safari experience can be unpredictable, maintaining patience and flexibility often leads to unique wildlife encounters.
Read our full review: From Ella: Udawalawe Private Safari & Local Lunch Adventure Review
Book now: Check availability
Full Day Udawalawe Safari Adventure With Lunch (Private)
This private full-day safari adventure in Udawalawe National Park offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the region’s diverse wildlife. Priced from €133.35 per person, the 10-hour tour includes hotel pick-up, entrance fees, and a packed lunch to fuel the journey.
Travelers can expect to spot Sri Lankan elephants, leopards, and a variety of other native species as they traverse the park’s lush wetland environments. The safari incorporates 7 to 8 hours of exploration, with customized jeeps enhancing the wildlife viewing experience.
While sightings can’t be guaranteed, participants may encounter water buffalo, monitor lizards, Sambar deer, and monkeys, and with some luck, even leopards. Recommended items include binoculars, cameras, and a telephoto lens, as patience and flexibility are key to a rewarding safari experience.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, this private Udawalawe adventure offers a convenient and immersive way to discover Sri Lanka’s natural wonders.
Read our full review: Full Day Udawalawe Safari Adventure With Lunch (Private) Review
Book now: Check availability
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food to the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home?
Visitors to the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home are welcome to bring their own food. Picnicking is allowed on the premises, providing an opportunity for a convenient and cost-effective lunch during the visit.
What Is the Dress Code for Visiting the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home?
The dress code for visiting the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home is casual and comfortable. Visitors should wear lightweight, breathable clothing and closed-toe shoes, as they’ll be walking around the facility. There’s no need for formal attire.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home?
There are no age restrictions for visiting the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home. Visitors of all ages are welcome to observe and learn about the elephants in their care. The transit home caters to families and individuals alike.
Can I Pet or Feed the Elephants at the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home?
Visitors can’t pet or feed the elephants at the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home. The facility has strict rules to protect the animals’ well-being. Visitors can, however, observe the elephants from a safe distance during their daily activities.
Are There Any Special Dietary Requirements for the Lunch at the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home?
The Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home doesn’t have any special dietary requirements for the lunch. Visitors can expect a typical local Sri Lankan rice and curry meal, which caters to most dietary needs. The lunch is included in the tour package.
The Sum Up
Visitors to the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home can enjoy a unique dining experience. The private safari and local lunch adventure offers an opportunity to observe elephants in their natural habitat and savor authentic Sri Lankan cuisine. This full-day excursion provides a well-rounded experience, combining the wonders of wildlife observation with the flavors of the region.