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Trincomalee Road, Karandagaswewa, Habarana 50150 Sri Lanka
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Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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About
#2 of 59 B&Bs / Inns in Habarana
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Travellers' Choice
One and only place to see wild elephants in the near vicinity during early morning, twilight or in the night with a bit of your personal luck while experiencing the Elephant Watch Hut night out in Habarana. These watch huts, or Paela, are built by the farming community and completely run by these families.
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Room & Suite (53)53
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Property amenities
Paid private parking nearby
Free breakfast
Bicycle rental
Bicycles available
Taxi service
24-hour security
BBQ facilities
24-hour check-in
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Complimentary instant cofffee
Complimentary tea
Outdoor dining area
Special diet menus
Bicycle tours
Walking tours
Baggage storage
Mosquito net
Outdoor fireplace
Outdoor furniture
First aid kit
Umbrella
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Room features
Fireplace
Housekeeping
Interconnected rooms available
Telephone
Bottled water
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Coffee / tea maker
Bath / shower
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Hidden Gem
Quaint
Languages Spoken
English, French, German
Hotel links
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124Reviews1Q+A9Room tips
Reviews
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Popular mentions
If you are looking for nature and real hospitality this is the place to go. Other than most touristic places you will find functional treehouses in a beautiful garden in the middle of the jungle. Akila and Rani make this place special. Ask also for dinner which is always prepared by a different family and will be enjoyed next to a bonfire in the garden.
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Date of stay: March 2020Trip type: Travelled solo
Helpful
The hut was perfect! The small pool was very refreshing. Rani took us for a walk along the water and two guys took us for a free nighttime drive where we saw two elephants. There was even a big campfire to enjoy while eating dinner. Food was delicious and plentiful with great attention to service. Excellent coffee too. Highly recommended if you enjoy rustic accommodations.
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Date of stay: February 2020
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Take a walk with Rani and go on the free night safari!
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Helpful
Response from Riza Badurdeen, Owner at Elephant Watch Hut
Responded 4 Mar. 2020
Dear Anthony Thank you very much for your stay with us.
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I stayed in the Elephant Watch Hut for one night and I do regret I did not stay longer. It was like a camping trip from my childhood, but exotic and exciting. I arrived late in the evening (I recommend to drive there when there is still some light - a drive through the jungle at night on a bumpy road can be a bit scary - at least for the car), and we had a simple but delicious local meal sitting around a bonfire. Then I slept in a tree house, as close to the nature as I could get. Unfortunately (from my perspective) the elephants did not come that night. But being close to nature was great. That is what I was looking for. I highly recommend this place for those, who appreciate nature. Not recommended for those, who need civilization (you need to go out and down to get to the bathroom at night). In the morning I really enjoyed local breakfast. I am definitely coming back when I can.…
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Date of stay: February 2020
3 Helpful votes
Helpful
Response from Riza Badurdeen, Owner at Elephant Watch Hut
Responded 4 Mar. 2020
Dear llona thank you very much for your stay and support hopefully stay with us next time longer. Thanks
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Arriving at the little clearing in the jungle with a few very basic buildings we thought to ourselves "What the hell have we done!!" Bearing in mind this was probably our most expensive accommodation that we booked for our stay! Well two days later and I can honestly say it was worth every last penny. To get the most out of your stay, I recommend that you immerse yourself in the culture and agree to everything that is suggested. We ate the most delicious local food prepared by two lovely ladies were from families who owned the land. We cycled through the jungle and the villages, with the guides taking us to their own homes and proudly showing off. We visited local home industries where the craftsmen and women were so eager and proud to show us their handiwork. And later had a tuk-tuk ride to a lake where the little fish give you a pedicure - out in the open - not like the commercial stick your feet in the fish tank type of thing - but in the open with the chances of an elephant strolling by. If you love nature, and love experiencing different cultures, then this is well worth the visit.…
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Date of stay: November 2019
Value
Rooms
Service
Room Tip: The delux triple room has an en-suite up in the tree house, the others are on the ground. But the...
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Response from Riza B, Concept Designer at Elephant Watch Hut
Responded 9 Jan. 2020
Dear Jenny Thank you for your honest review and we appreciate it a lot. Buddy
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+1
We recently stayed for four days, using this as our base for the ancient cities and national parks. All I can say is - amazing. Within hours of checking in we saw an elephant (in fact it woke me up by touching me with his trunk). We then saw elephants a further two times before leaving. The staff will do anything to help, one even washed my clothes for me. They are the kindest, warmest people. Food amazing, place amazing, people amazing, would 100 percent recommend.
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Date of stay: September 2019Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Helpful
Response from Riza B, Concept Designer at Elephant Watch Hut
Responded 23 Sep. 2019
Thank you very very much ! Buddy
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PRICE RANGE
USD 72 - USD 114 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
Sri LankaNorth Central ProvinceHabarana
NUMBER OF ROOMS
4
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Claim Your Listing Frequently Asked Questions about Elephant Watch Hut
Which popular attractions are close to Elephant Watch Hut?
Nearby attractions include Minneriya National Park (5.6 km), Dhilip De Alwis (4.2 km), and Hurulu Eco Park (1.3 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Elephant Watch Hut?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and baggage storage.
What food & drink options are available at Elephant Watch Hut?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and barbeque facilities during their stay.
Is parking available at Elephant Watch Hut?
Yes, paid private parking nearby is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Elephant Watch Hut?
Conveniently located restaurants include Ran rasa Seafood Restaurant, Magic Food Restaurant Habarana, and Curry & Rice Habarana.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Elephant Watch Hut?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, French, and German.
Are there any historical sites close to Elephant Watch Hut?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Ritigala Forest Monastery (14.4 km).