Located in the heart of Karandagas wewa in habarana, Sri Lanka, we are committed to providing a unique and immersive experience that blends rustic luxury with nature.
By choosing to stay at the Elephant Watch Hut, you are not only enjoying a unique and unforgettable experience but also contributing to the preservation of the environment and the well being of the local community.
OUR STORY
The Origin of Elephant Watch Hut.
Kaekula found a water hole with a baby wild elephant seeking refuge.
Ponds were created to help elephants quench their thirst sustainably.
We commit to providing relief and peace of mind for wildlife & local villagers.
Promoting the Importance of sharing.
Focusing on Quality.
YOUR IMPACT
Your support helps us to manage these maintenance costs and sustain the livelihoods of the families we support.
Our social enterprise proudly supports over 15 families, ensuring that your stay directly contributes to the community.
By employing women, artisans etc. Ecotourism distributes income in a decentralized way.
The beauty of our surroundings comes with the responsibility of maintaining the area which includes repairing damage caused by wildlife, particularly elephants. These gentle giants while a majestic sight when they come inside the premises, can cause significant wear and tear on our facilities. 32 Percent last year of our budget was allocated to"Water Pipeline Breakage."
TRANSPORT
Due to the movement of wild elephants maintaining the safety of our transportation is crucial and navigating through rough terrain during rainy season must ensure that our always broken Landrover Series 111 Australian model is in running condition for guest transfers and the staff. We also offer free transport in the night for people who are in need to go to the town.
RATES
Our rates reflect the unique challenges and efforts required to maintain our property and provide a safe, comfortable, and an authentic experience for our guests and our team! Pls bring your drinks beer or other alcoholic drinks with you. Incase you forget take the tuk to town and purchase directly.
If you seek an experience that combines rustic architecture, functional facilities, and a deep connection to nature, Elephant Watch Hut is the perfect choice. This is not a hotel but pure, immersive experience that specially supports the local community from grassroots levels to become independent entrepreneurs.
WABI SABI
Although WABI SABI can be hard to define, we can translate its simplified meaning to “rustic simplicity” Enjoy rustic simplicity with our sustainable outdoor living services: furniture, BBQ, showers, & more crafted to blend in with nature & during windy days Pollen covered deck ponds create a tranquil atmosphere.
SOLAR & LPG GAS
We use solar power for lighting, supplemented with a tuk tuk battery. Due to limited power, we ask guests to charge their phones inside the watch hut, If additional charging is needed our staff can assit. Wifi is available, and hot water is provided through an LPG gas powered system. Pls inform our staff.
All meals are prepared by seven local families, our beloved "Village Chefs." who bring the rich flavors of traditional Sri Lankan cuisine directly to you. As a guest you may also join the local team to prepare the dinner. together or engage to do a cooking lesson to make the roti and dhal curry.
DINING WITH A VIEW
At 17:30, guests can enjoy fresh water grilled prawns, a delightful start for the evening. Dinner is served from 6 pm to 7 pm at our scenic Hornbill Grill. If wild elephants do appear, guests need to quickly grab their dinner in specially made wooden trays and move to their watch huts pond decks.
WATCH HUT DINING
After 19:00 Hrs dinner is served in the watch huts on the private dining area, offering a private dining experience complete with a beautiful bonfire due to the potential threat of wild elephants. These wild elephants can come in from any direction specially in the night to feed on rice fields close by.
Our service helps improve people's living conditions with financial support, house renovation, and tourism training. We help people live better and smarter!
"Don't let language barriers get in the way of communication. Our team use google translator to bridge the divide and communicate effectively with the guests. At the same time to improve their language & communication skills for their benefit.
OUR GOAL
A service dedicated to empowering local communities from grass root levels to become future co founders and suppliers for Elephant Watch Hut development, while preserving their culture & nature.
THANK YOU!
We appreciate your interest in Elephant Watch Hut. If this unique experience resonates with you, we look forward to welcoming you. Kindly fill the reservation form accordingly. If not, thank you for visiting our website. Need clarification pls contact us.
A service dedicated to empowering local communities from Grass Root Levels!
Sri Lanka has a tropical climate & experiences two sets of monsoons, the weather is a bit on the humid side.
Maximum rainfall in the months of May, October and November. During the rainy season it can be very cold in the night. Blankets are provided in the Watch Huts.
The average temperature ranges between 29 degree Celsius to 31 degree Celsius here.
NOT A ZOO
Karandagas Wewa has a a gorgeous lake surrounded by a forest where wild elephants roam. Evening horn bills can be spotted.
Wild animals like peacocks & monkey can be seeing along the way. With a bit of luck, wild elephants do visit us frequently but not everyday to feed on fresh grass or passing through.
Do not try to go alone to discover the surrounding landscape without our team members. Listen to them!.
Ran Banda - Welaya 'Elephant Specialist'Not after 6 Pm! 'Baduma Thamai'