The property is in the village, but it’s so well hidden you basically feel like you are staying in the rainforest. After months of backpacking I was looking for a place to just chill and stay in bed all day if I want to, and it was perfect for that. However, there are also activities you can take part in offered by the owner, of which I chose the safari and it was great. The decoration is amazing, the garden lights up at night and with candles and fairy lights, and the natural bathroom looks like from my dreams. The breakfast is big, and the staff is hospitable. I think most people spend here just 1 day to do the safari, but I spent 5 and relaxed deeply.

Stayed in April 2025

We highly enjoyed our stay at Hasthi Safari Cottage. The rooms were amazing little bungalows with great outdoor showers. It was very clean and comfortable and had air conditioning. The dining area was a cute little hut that felt like you were right in the middle of a safari. We were able to get washing done and a delicious Sri Lankan dinner and breakfast organised through the accomodation. Dasun was a very friendly and accomodating host. We also organised a safari through Hasthi’s and I would highly recommend them for one. Their driver was very experienced and attended to a tense moment in the safari extremely well and confidently. He also had a very good eye for wildlife and took us away from any crowds. We were very pleased to have him as our driver.

Stayed in March 2025

This was our fist location after reaching Sri Lanka , we drove from Colombo for 4 hours to reach here , the place was beautiful but the locality it is located in is much like a market , everything closes there at 9 and there is nothing much to eat around the place. The property was beautiful specially their bathrooms, quiet place with birds chirping , almost hidden from the busy street. Breakfast was average. Could have been done better. The owner of the place arranged us a Safari , which was again average. try getting rates from outside sources and compare to the rate the owner gives.its much cheeper outside , we did see elephants and other animal but the way the jeeps crowd the elephants it feels really sad. Also tuk tun are available, they are cheeper than the property owner provides you. Overlall a good place but many improvements can be made.

Stayed in March 2025

Very nice cottage with the most lovely host!

Stayed in March 2025

There was nothing we did not like.

We liked our stay very much. Accomodation exceeded our expectations. Due to price and photos it looks very basic, but it was completly everything you might need. Garden is so beautiful, outside shower is really nice touch. You are in the middle of jungle and it really feels like in middle of jungle, but still you have all the comfort you might need. Owner of the place helped us to plan the safari trip and it was just unforgetable. Our guide was super nice and super professional. We really enjoyed our stay.

Stayed in March 2025

nothing.

A very special place. It feels like you're in a safari lodge in Africa. This accommodation is truly unique. The garden is also very special, and the dinner and breakfast are incredibly delicious. The staff was very friendly, accommodating, and helpful!

Stayed in February 2025

The open bathroom design, while aesthetically pleasing, allowed mosquitoes in during showers which was uncomfortable. The location, though generally good, required a 5-10 minute walk along the road to reach the dinner area.

The authentic safari atmosphere was exceptional, with private cottages creating a true wilderness experience. We loved the magical ambiance around the property at night, the welcoming papaya juice upon arrival, and the convenient packed breakfast for our early safari departure. The owner's safari tour offer (around 17,000 LKR per person) seemed reasonable compared to what we eventually paid elsewhere.

Stayed in March 2025

I loved every minute of my stay at Hasthi’s safari cottage! The room was beautiful, the outdoor bathroom is so peaceful and Mum’s cooking was amazing!!!! I felt really well looked after, the staff always checking to make sure I was happy and even a delicious aloe Vera drink on arrival. My host even gave me directions to get to Ella on the bus and came to make sure I found the bus stop ok- this was so lovely! My safari trip was organised for me and they thoughtfully gave me snacks to take with for the early start. I really recommend booking your stay here! Thank you Hasthi, Family and staff!

Stayed in March 2025

Alles was better than expected

Fantastic atmosphere, great location. The small safari cottages had a lovely clean finish. All mod cons available. A very nice trip was organized to the game park.

Stayed in February 2025

Had a lovely couple of nights at Hasthi Safari Cottage. It was a beautiful setting, with well maintained garden and cottages. Loved the outdoor bathroom! Felt like we were deep in the jungle, but within a couple of minutes walk you were in the town centre. We ate in one evening and had the most amazing meal, freshly cooked by Dasun's wife and mother . We booked a safari and had a wonderful time all arranged by Dasun. Thank you so much for a memorable stay .

Stayed in March 2025

Nothing

We had a fantastic stay at Hasthi Cottage! Dasun, his family, and the entire staff made us feel like part of their family with their warm hospitality and ever-smiling faces. The food was delicious, especially the chicken curry made from Dasun’s wife’s special recipe. Dasun also helped us arrange taxis at the same rates as the PickMe app, making transportation hassle-free. We booked the elephant safari through them as well and had a wonderful experience—our guide, Ishank, was incredibly humble and knowledgeable. Overall, the service here was among the best we’ve experienced in Sri Lanka. Highly recommended for anyone visiting the area!

Stayed in February 2025

Hot or even warm water is not easy to get in the shower, but it's ok because it is very hot outside

The Cottage is situated in a quite location but is still very close to the center. The shower was beautiful and also the garden area very nice. Food was great and also the host was very friendly and helpful with safari and daytrip bookings.

Stayed in February 2025

Nothing

Great location near to Udawalene National park, the facilities were amazing, very authentic with a real feel of staying in a luxerious safari type cottages and which were very comfortable. The charming hosts, made us feel at instant ease after long journey, with welcoming drinks, out of this world home cooked Sri Lanka Curry, with a fine breakfast and they even organised the Safari/Guide and Jeep for us. I would highly recommend this wonderful place to stay if thinking of visiting Udawalene and fantastic sights you will experience, up close to two huge male elephants

Stayed in February 2025

Everyhing was great

We had a great experience here!! We ate dinner and breakfast as well and it was delicious! Such a good experience we would repeat it without any doubt. Ee highly recommend this place!

Stayed in February 2025

Bedding

Thatched Chalets

Stayed in January 2025

The Cottage was really amazing, dinner was delicious, and the safari with breakfast was an unforgettable experiance. I highly recommend it

Stayed in February 2025

Food expectations were high as a result of such a good dinner and so we were left a little disappointed by breakfast which was only plain hoppers, jam, watermelon and a muffin.

Location is perfect for safari trips, 15 min drive to entrance of national park. The room was decent, good interior space but there wasn’t anywhere to sit outside the room, only a couple of logs so not massively comfortable. The other rooms have better looking set ups with nice looking porch areas. The dinner is absolutely delicious and so much of it! Don’t worry about going anywhere else for dinner. Good price too.

Stayed in January 2025

It rained a:lot:)

The staff were very helpful and helped me to organise a safari on the same day I arrived and also onward travel. The room was comfortable and the outdoor bathroom was a nice feature.

Stayed in January 2025

The room was clean, rustic, with an outdoor bathroom. We really enjoyed it and highly recommend it, especially given the very reasonable price. The host was also very helpful, arranging a safari tour for us and even securing a personal driver at the same price as shown in the PickMe app.

Stayed in January 2025

N/a

Dasun & family were great hosts. He helped us book our safari with a driver who was considerate of us having very young children which we were grateful for. He even took us to the elephant transit home and to see fruit bats which the children loved. He really went above and beyond. The garden area is lovely for kids to play and the beds and pillows were comfortable.

Stayed in January 2025

The host was extremely caring, he helped to organize safari tour and our transportation to the next stop. It was good dialog and our needs were met. Thank you!

Stayed in December 2024

We recomand private safari tour from the hotel, it is amayzing. The location is nice and the staff is very friendly.

Stayed in December 2024

Not applicable.

Everything was perfect, Dasun and his wife are great hosts. I definitely want to come back. Dasun took me to see the baby elefants and also the bats and the safari with them was great.

Stayed in December 2024

This place is AMAZING! Host and his wife are making everyone feel like at home. They are super friendly and helpful. They helped me organize a safari trip. Also food there is very tasty! I fully recommend this place. There is no better place to stay in!

Stayed in December 2024