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About this property

Elegant Accommodation: 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 minibars 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 53 km from Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport and 14 km from Udawalawe National Park, the guest house offers easy access to local attractions. Cycling activities are available for guests.

Couples particularly 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 large double bed
or
2 single beds
1 large double bed
or
2 single beds
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Guest reviews

Categories:

Staff
Facilities
Cleanliness
Comfort
Value for money
Location
Free WiFi

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Guests who stayed here loved

  • 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.
  • Thomas
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    Janaka was a fantastic host who went above and beyond to make our stay perfect. The room and restaurant were lovely and they were happy to organise taxi transfers and a safari for us.
  • Tirion
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    Absolutely incredible. Beautiful and comfortable room. Janaka was an incredibly friendly and helpful host, arranging an amazing safari and very reasonable transfers. Would absolutely recommend. Thank you for our stay.
  • Nadine
    Spain Spain
    Very caring owner who really took care of us to make sure our trip was perfect. Spacious room with a nice bathroom, a really cozy common area. Also Janaka and the team organized a wonderful half day safari for us! Can 100% recommend
  • David
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    Janaka was a wonderful host and made us feel very welcome. He arranged two excellent safaris for us with a really nice driver that knew his stuff and was able to answer our questions about the wildlife. He also arranged transfers for us and made...
  • Michael
    Switzerland Switzerland
    The host was absolutely fantastic! Super friendly, incredibly organized! The property was really beautiful - decorated beautifully down to the smallest detail! If you’re heading to Udawalawe, stay there! It’s truly amazing!!!
  • Viktor
    Germany Germany
    Great experience with our kind host and the safari which he organised for us. Our private taxi driver Chandika was also amazing! Room was big and they provided us with everything we needed during our stay. Nice location very close to the elephant...
  • Tina
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    It was nice to have a separate living area with a door and a fridge. We had our own patio with comfortable chairs and a table. The dining area was lovely and the food was excellent, very well presented. The owner is opening his restaurant to the...

Quality rating

Booking.com rated the quality of this property as 3 out of 5 based on factors such as facilities, size, location and services provided.

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

Property surroundings

Restaurants

1 restaurant on site
  • The Restaurant By END
    • Cuisine
      Local
    • Open for
      Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
    • Ambiance
      Romantic
    • Dietary options
      Vegetarian

House rules

The Elephant Next-Door takes special requests - add in the next step!
Check-in
From 15:00 to 18:00
Check-out
From 09:00 to 12:00
Cancellation/ prepayment
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check the conditions of your required option.
Refundable damage deposit
A damage deposit of US$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 and beds

Child policies

Children older than 6 years are welcome.

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

Cot and extra bed policies

Cots and extra beds are not available at this property.

No age restriction
There is 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

Need-to-know information for guests at this property

A damage deposit of US$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.