The Countryside Udawalawe

Lovely simple stay and pool, really nice staff and safari coordination.

We have stayed for two nights. We loved the size of this hotel as it is only 6 bungalows. It’s a very comfortable room with a large bathroom and a tv, fridge and good WiFi. The pool area is lovely and the water is a refreshing temperature. Lots of birds to see flying around the tropical garden. The breakfast provided is Sri Lanken style which made me sample some different dishes. We also had an evening meal which was also Sri lanken cuisine. It was really nice to try things that I might not have otherwise ordered. Alcohol is not served at the hotel. The only things that could have been better for us would be a safe in the room and for the water to be hotter in the shower. The staff are all lovely and really helpful. Perfect location for a safari which the hotel arranged for us and walking distance to the elephant transit home. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this hotel.

We arrived around 5:30pm after a safari and were met with a refreshing welcome drink. We were informed that we were too late to order dinner at the hotel and would need to go out which was a bit disappointing as there was a thunderstorm happening. We were asked what time we were going out for dinner as they locked the gate at 9:30, which we found a bit strange. We booked a deluxe double room and had a bungalow to ourselves. It was a lovely place, lots of space, a sitting area and a lovely four poster bed with mosquito net. Good air con and a large bathroom. Bed was comfortable and had a lovely Sri Lankan breakfast. Pool looked lovely, wish we’d had a bit longer so we could use it. Our door got stuck, my husband was locked inside! But they soon came and sorted it for us. It was a short drive from the entrance of Udawalawe NP and close to restaurants, we ate at the Hungry Monkey. The Elephant Transit House was a 2 min drive. Overall would recommend and would stay here again

Had the most incredible, magical time in The Countryside! The staff were amazing and so kind. The pool was excellent and a real positive, great for cooling off after a safari! The home cooked food was delicious. We even had mongoose on the grounds! Only wish we could have stayed longer... Would recommend anyone to stay here, you will not be disappointed.

We only stayed here for one night. For the price it was a very nice little place. The bungalow was spaceous and comfortable with a little balcony to sit out on. The pool had been put in fairly recently and was really big and clean. All the plants and grounds were well maintained and attracted lots of tropical birds. We did the safari through the hotel which was organised well. It is about 10-15min drive from the entrance of the park. We ate dinner on the first night and breakfast after the safari, which was all good. They are in the process of building a restaurant so that they can offer a better range of food. The staff were so friendly and helpful, they organised our transfer to and from Udawalawe which all went smoothly. Chatting with one of the staff in the evening, he seemed really proud of what they had built and keen to expand the business and offer guests a good experience. I would definitly recomend for a budget, no frills stay. Great value for the price!

Would definitely recommend this hotel. We stayed for one night & did a 6 hours morning safari which the hotel organised for us. The room was lovely and clean with a fridge, kettle and aircon and a spacious bathroom. The pool area is stunning. The staff are so friendly and couldn’t do enough for us. They are currently building a restaurant which we can’t wait to return and try!