Elephant Watch Hut

I spent 2 fantastic and fabulous nights, an incredible return to nature, a brilliant concept, well-designed and comfortable rooms. We are facing the elements: birds, elephants and many others. In the evening, a starry night, fireflies, insects that I have never seen in the Paris region, enough to amaze you.
Owner and team member available, pleasant and unreservedly kind. The owner explains his idea and life in the community to you.
We were able to go on a magical safari. Discover Sri Lankan life, as well as the delicious food.

In the heart of elephants.
Elephant Watch Hut is an incredible place. As much by its location as by the personality of its owner, Riza.
Riza is an exceptional guide (he was awarded the title of best guide in Sri Lanka a few years ago). He will tell you about the genesis of his project which consisted of placing himself at the center of the elephant migration routes while allowing the inhabitants of the village to benefit as much as possible from the tourist benefits. The local community is involved and you can witness it through the bike tour (which I highly recommend) which crosses rice fields, fields, jungle and village.
Riza will talk to you about elephants and their sometimes conflicting relationships with neighbors or fireflies with the same passion and the same encyclopedic knowledge.
The site will transport you to Kenya and you can sleep in one of the luxurious perched huts where comfort rhymes with taste. Of course, you may be woken up at three in the morning by the trumpeting of a female elephant who is putting her offspring back on the right path, but that's precisely why we come to Riza's.
Many national parks surround the site and you can get there in less than an hour by car. You will see elephants by the dozens there but it is also a paradise for bird watchers.
The staff is very professional and engaging. Discreet, he will respond to your requests. You will eat fresh, beautifully cooked local products there and I would be surprised if you could finish your plate.
As a wildlife guide in Finnish Lapland, I can guarantee that meeting Riza in her paradise is a unique experience. A totally essential stopover during a trip to Sri Lanka.

We wanted an accomodation with a difference and we surely got it at the elephant watch hut. Buddy and his team are amazing and they make you feel at home.

The food is prepared by local families and it's some of the best we've tasted in Sri Lanka.

Lastly, the foundation of this project is to have locals working together to provide an amazing experience for tourists and a way of living for themselves. It is based on the ideology of paying it forward in the form of a cycle.

Prosit Buddy ta' din l-inizjattiva! Progett bi hsieb u b'intenzjoni li jghin lil min ghandu bzonn imbuttatura biex jimxi 'l quddiem.

Nawgurawlkom aktar success!

We wanted to see elephants.we did - but there was so much more. Buddy set up a really interesting project. Europeans probably won't get any closer to Sri Lanka. After arriving at midday we were shown our home for one night, which was watching. We simply didn't miss anything here. There is everything you need. If it doesn't exist, you don't need it.

The really exciting part, however, is Buddie's team.everyone was super attentive and happy to work with us with a lot of pride. First we went on a bike tour through the village and the surrounding area. There's plenty of time for photos of plants and animals.
Dinner - Buddy personally grilled the prawns - there were also 9 different curries from families in the area - who are part of the project and for whom an income is generated.
Afterwards a short visit to a family, we baked and ate cookies. Then we set off in the jeep into the darkness.before our eyes had adjusted, we were able to admire the first elephants.and it didn't stop there.

Totally exhausted, we fell into bed and slept really well.always keeping an ear out for the jungle and the elephants.

The next morning, we had breakfast with Buddy and Akila.briefly explained how to eat curry with your fingers.you really can't get more Sri Lanka.

After breakfast we went to the dance school with Akila.we danced with the teacher and a student.

The best moment was being invited to Akila's house for tea on the way back. We met his wife and sons here again, whom we had met the evening before. Thanks!

Buddy - a great guy with a great idea! Good luck and we hope to see you again soon!

The place is wild and resplendent, we feel cut off from the world for a few days with rustic comfort but more than enough to be able to appreciate the nature that surrounds us.
The meals are excellent and plentiful.
The various staff members were very pleasant and helpful.
In the evening we spent pleasant moments around the fire watching the stars which are very beautiful from this place.
I absolutely recommend this establishment where I had a wonderful stay!

An incredible stay!
It is the ideal place for nature lovers. You can observe many species of birds there. Peacocks regularly come to stroll in the garden.

The place offers cycling tours and fishing. We were also able to visit Sigiriya which is not very far away and a safari where we were able to observe a family of elephants, monkeys and many other animals.

It was an unforgettable stay in a truly unique place.
The staff took great care. The rooms are very beautiful with a great view of the savannah.
I recommend a thousand times!

We had a unique time at the Elephant Watch Hut and even saw several elephants in the area and even at the camp itself. In addition, watched the starry sky in the small, cozy pool.
Thank you Buddy and your team for the time!

Thank you Rice!
The experience offered at Elephant Watch Hut is unique and unforgettable. Our room was very comfortable and offered a magnificent view of nature and wild animals. We slept with the curtains open and woke up to the rhythm of the jungle, it was a magical experience!
We ate the best Curry of our time in Sri Lanka, with many vegetarian choices and meat grilled on the fire in front of us.
Many thanks again to Riza and all the staff for this fantastic concept

Elephant Watch Hut truly is a gem in Sri Lanka. Located next to a rice field and right in the middle of Elephant territory, you're very likely to see one of those majestic animals, maybe even very close from your house on stilts. The owners idea (Riza or "Buddy") is to make an authentic community-based tourism project that allows you to get in touch with the local community yet leaving you a lot of space for your individual comfort. You even have private plunge pools on your huts and a yoga deck for yourself if you feel like streching your muscles in the morning.

All three houses are on stilts with en-suite bathrooms and comfy mattresses including mosquito nets, a chilly bin, solar-powered electricity and magnificent views.
There is a nice hint of luxury while keeping everything basic and built by the locals themselves. Don't expect perfection as in a 5* hotel, but rather perfect calamity, nice barbecues and a super friendly vibe.
A place for nature lovers that love comfort as well.
Thanks to Riza (owner), Akila and Lakmal as well as the others

Definitely see you next time
Big hug
Manu and Rieke ️

Dear Elephant Watch Hut Team: I would like to express my thanks and appreciation for the service and care I received. Special thanks to Mr. Riza and Dude Lakmal

It's a peaceful and unique place which offers an experience of a lifetime. The concept is ecofriendly with various options to interact with the local community. The owner will go an extra mile to make his clients happy and comfortable and to offer them a memorable stay. The staff is also very friendly and helpful. It's a worthwhile experience.

This is an excellent way to experience Sri Lanka. Everyone working here is kind and working to make a great experience for their guests. The homemade food is delicious. Each meal item is explained to the guest what it is and where is comes from. Some ingredients come from the garden on the property. Highly recommend.