Eliyanth Udawalawe

Tucked away down a rough and muddy road you turn into a nondescript driveway that hides the relative luxury of Eliyanth. It was raining on our arrival and we were greeted wih large umbrellas and staff who whisked away our bags. After refreshing welcome drinks we checked into a very large king-bed room with several additional beds for guests in the loft. Immediate room appeal hits you as does its outstanding cleanliness. Other reviewers have mentioned the facilities, food, staff and grounds - with views of wildlife across a flowing river - which are first class, so I won't repeat them. There is an area-wide wi-fi/data reception issue that has nothing to do with the Eliyanth, as you may discover when you also take a safari, which we did and was arranged seamlessly by Eliyanth. Be prepared to pay with cash if cards don't upload. We tried for at least 3 minutes before success! Eliyanth had the nicest linens, softest towels and best pillows we experienced during our trip to Sri Lanka, and was complemented by a large and modern bathroom. Fans and airconditioning made for an exceptionally good night's sleep, which was important to us as we needed to be ready for a 5.30AM start to our safari the next day. Eliyanth is one place you can confidently book and expect a level of facilities and services that make holidays abroad a bit more special given it affordability. By the way, our safari from Eliyanth was brilliant.

Eliyanth Udawalawa is a fantastic boutique hotel. Elegant property, very clean rooms and linen, pool facility, good food, friendly staff. About 5km away from Udawalawa National Park. I had a pleasant stay. Recommend without hesitation!

It’s very nice and beautiful place, and good service with safari facilities. Hope to visit next vacation 🙏🥂 Rooms were large and clean, simple but nice. Bathroom was great with indoor/outdoor showers. The hotel has a swimming pool which is amazing to swim in and the temperature of a warm bath, bliss! Although the hotel doesn't serve alcohol we could order some in and so we arranged for some Lion beer to be available (very cheap, Sri Lankan beer which is actually great). We ate breakfast, lunch and evening meal at the hotel, all of which were tasty and served with much pride. A great Experience

The rooms are really big and clean. There's a large table with cupboards. The river view is amazing. The restaurant is great with the river view. The staff is friendly, and I totally recommend this place. It's like a hidden gem. Highly recommend this place.

What a great little place! We travelled out to Udawalawe to go on safari and spent one night at this hotel. Fantastic location with rooms that have balconies overlooking a river where some amazing birds can be spotted. Rooms were large and clean, simple but nice. Bathroom was great with indoor/outdoor showers. The hotel has a swimming pool which is amazing to swim in and the temperature of a warm bath, bliss! Although the hotel doesn't serve alcohol we could order some in and so we arranged for some Lion beer to be available (very cheap, Sri Lankan beer which is actually great). We ate breakfast, lunch and evening meal at the hotel, all of which were tasty and served with much pride. A great little stop over and fantastic value for money. Well worth a visit for a couple of days!

Eliyanth is down a side road, and quietly stated. It is smallish at about 8 rooms, but the lovelier for it. Our room was sparingly furnished, but very pleasant and airy. A good balcony looked out on the river. A nice feature is the al fresco bathroom with its verdant vegetation. You get a kettle and tea making, a/c and fan, and good hot water. You must ask for the room to be serviced. The swimming pool is a good size for a small property. Dining was a pleasure. There's a stock list of mostly western food, but go for the curries if they are on offer. Breakfast is good; you can go 'English' or Sri Lankan. The restaurant is open and simple but looks out over the river - where there are plenty of birds to amuse (if that's your thing). The staff are lovely, and would do anything to help. There's quite a homely feel to the place. The hotel organises trips into Udawalawe Park and is flexible with making arrangements. ...The park is price-y ($35 pp) and you get a bumpy ride on tracks that are too busy at times. There's not much etiquette at a sighting although the elephants seem remarkably calm about it. The hotel also organised (and were very conscientious about) a trip down to Bundalla NP which is about an hour(plus) away - good for birds (and we saw turtles). Other transport arrangements are willingly dealt with - onward, or to get there. We would definitely recommend this hotel. It is not grand and glorious, but it is lovely, quiet, clean and friendly - and you are not paying grand and glorious prices.