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About this property

Elegant Accommodations: The Elephant Next-Door in Udawalawe offers a recently renovated guest house with a garden, terrace, restaurant, and free WiFi. Private check-in and check-out services ensure a seamless arrival and departure. Comfortable Amenities: Guests enjoy air-conditioning, balconies with garden views, private bathrooms, and modern amenities such as mini-bars and flat-screen TVs. The property features a lounge, outdoor fireplace, and outdoor dining areas. Dining Experience: The romantic restaurant serves local cuisine with vegetarian options for lunch and dinner. Outdoor seating areas provide a relaxing setting for meals. Convenient Location: Located 33 mi from Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport and 8.7 mi from Udawalawe National Park, the guest house offers easy access to local attractions. Cycling activities are available for guests.

Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 9.8 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

Property highlights

    • Top Location: Highly rated by recent guests (9.8)

    • Free Private Parking Available On Site


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Availability

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Room Type
Number of guests
 
1 queen bed
or
2 twin beds
1 queen bed
or
2 twin beds
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Guest reviews

Categories:

Staff
Facilities
Cleanliness
Comfort
Value for money
Location
Free Wifi

Select topics to read reviews:

Guests who stayed here loved

  • Janaka
    Sri Lanka Sri Lanka
    The hospitality provided was top notch. Janaka even arranged for us a safari trip at very short notice. The place needs some improvements, but what was offered felt like a home away from home.
  • Jason
    United States United States
    The property boasts a beautiful ambiance. Upon arrival, you'll walk through a double gate as you're warmly greeted by the staff who serve you fresh coconut water. Check-in was a breeze. The room provides ample space with A/C in the sleeping area...
  • Elizabeth
    United States United States
    This small hotel is a secret oasis in the town if Udawalawa. My apartment was beautiful, from the outside sitting area and garden to the rustic bathroom. The lovely bedroom was spacious, comfortable, and well equipped with lights, fan and AC....
  • Pascal
    Australia Australia
    Room was very nice, everything was beautiful, Janaka is very caring and thoughtful. We also at diner there, the curry was excellent and very good value for money.
  • Nathaniel
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    had a great stay, host was very helpful and accommodating, thank you!
  • Sanjay
    Netherlands Netherlands
    Janaka was a very hospitable, friendly and caring host
  • Laura
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    The property was well presented and clean. The bedrooms were very clean and had everything you needed. Breakfast was very good and plenty of it .
  • Tania
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    Janaka, the host, was very attentive to our needs and went above and beyond our expectations. We all loved the watermelon juice he prepared for us on arrival, and were impressed by the design of the rooms and restaurant. We only stayed for one...
  • Justin
    Germany Germany
    Just WOW! This place is so stunning. The owner is super nice und helpful! We would recommend it to everybody! The food is also very good.
  • Jakob
    Sweden Sweden
    -Great location next close to the national park. -Solid restaurant. -Kind and helpful staff members. -Good opportunities for safari.

Hosted by The Elephant Next Door

9.8
Host Review Score
The Elephant Next Door
The Elephant Next Door is a serene boutique retreat where nature meets understated luxury. Nestled in a tranquil setting surrounded by lush greenery, our property offers an elevated escape for travelers seeking peace, authenticity, and immersive experiences in the heart of the wild. Every detail at The Elephant Next Door has been thoughtfully curated to offer comfort with a touch of elegance. Whether you are here to explore the wilderness or simply unwind, our warm hospitality and personalized services promise an unforgettable stay. Indulge in a refined dining experience at our signature café and restaurant, Eats & More by The Elephant Next Door. From freshly prepared local dishes to international favorites, every meal is crafted with care, using the finest ingredients. Enjoy relaxed breakfasts, leisurely lunches, or elegant dinners in a setting that blends rustic charm with sophistication. For those seeking adventure, we offer private safari services, designed to bring you closer to nature while ensuring your comfort and safety. Witness the majesty of elephants, leopards, and other wildlife, guided by seasoned experts who know the land intimately. Enhancing your journey further, our chauffeured taxi service ensures seamless transport—whether you’re arriving from afar or exploring nearby attractions. Comfort, convenience, and style are always guaranteed. And coming soon—our exclusive swimming pool, a peaceful oasis crafted for relaxation and luxury. Surrounded by nature and designed with elegance, it will be the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploration.
Hi! 👋 We're so happy you're considering a stay at The Elephant Next Door. Hosting guests from around the world is something we truly enjoy. It brings us so much joy to share the beauty, wildlife, and culture of Udawalawe with travelers like you. One of our favorite things is seeing guests light up when they visit the Elephant Transit Home—just steps away from your stay! We’re passionate about nature, wildlife conservation, and local history. Whether it’s giving tips on the best time for a safari or recommending a hidden spot near the lake for a peaceful sunset, we’re here to make your stay as comfortable and memorable as possible. We also love connecting with people, hearing your travel stories, and sharing a bit of our Sri Lankan hospitality with you. 😊 Looking forward to welcoming you soon and helping you make the most of your adventure in Udawalawe!
Staying at The Elephant Next Door puts you right in the heart of Udawalawe’s best attractions. Located just 250 meters from the city center, our place offers easy access to shops, local eateries, and transport. Nature and wildlife lovers are in for a treat: Just 50 meters away is the famous Elephant Transit Home, where you can watch rescued baby elephants being fed and cared for. Udawalawe National Park is only 5 km from the property—perfect for thrilling safaris and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Take in the natural beauty of Udawalawe Lake, just a short drive away, ideal for scenic walks and birdwatching. You’ll also find cultural and relaxing spots nearby: Sankapala Temple – A peaceful, historic temple set among rocky hills. Maduwanwella Walauwa – A colonial-era mansion with rich heritage. Limestone Caves – A hidden gem for adventurous travelers. Hot Water Springs – Natural springs perfect for a calming soak. Whether you're here for a safari adventure, cultural exploration, or just to unwind in nature, The Elephant Next Door offers a convenient and memorable stay in a truly unique neighborhood.
Language spoken: English

Area info

Restaurants

1 Restaurant On Site
  • The Restaurant By END
    • Cuisine
      Local
    • Open for
      Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
    • Ambience
      Romantic
    • Dietary options
      Vegetarian

House rules

The Elephant Next-Door takes special requests – add in the next step!
Check-in
From 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Check-out
From 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Cancellation/ prepayment
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Enter your stay dates and check the conditions of your selected option.
Refundable damage deposit
A damage deposit of $5 is required on arrival. This will be collected as a cash payment. You should be reimbursed on check-out. Your deposit will be refunded in full, in cash, subject to an inspection of the property.
Children & Beds

Child policies

Children over 6 are welcome.

To see correct prices and occupancy info, add the number and ages of children in your group to your search.

Crib and extra bed policies

Cribs and extra beds aren't available at this property.

No age restriction
There's no age requirement for check-in
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Accepted payment methods
American ExpressVisaMastercardDiners ClubJCBMaestroDiscoverUnionPay credit cardCash
Smoking
Smoking is not allowed.

The fine print

Must-know information for guests at this property

A damage deposit of $5 is required on arrival. This will be collected as a cash payment. You should be reimbursed on check-out. Your deposit will be refunded in full, in cash, subject to an inspection of the property.