Hantara Udawalawa

Rat infested room Location: The hotel is located 15 minutes away from Udawalawe National Park. Be aware that the access road is unpaved, which can be challenging during bad weather. The small property has only 6 rooms. A significant drawback is the nearby club that plays loud music at night, making it difficult to enjoy the natural surroundings. Room: Basic accommodation with two twin beds, an old cupboard, table, and an open-air bathroom. Major issues include: A rat infestation - we had one actively running around our room and roof all night, making sleep impossible Frequent power outages during the day No air conditioning or Wi-Fi during blackouts, making the room uncomfortably hot in muggy weather Safari: The hotel arranges safaris for 8500 LKR (3 hours). Unfortunately, our experience was ruined by an aggressive driver who constantly pressured us for tips from pickup through the entire tour. Service: The hotel is severely understaffed with just one person handling all roles (manager, server, and housekeeper). This means you'll often have to search the property to find help, as there's rarely anyone at the front desk. Dining: While the food is tasty, portion sizes are inconsistent. During our stay, portions varied significantly from meal to meal. Some drinks, advertised as fresh juice, were clearly not fresh. Recommendation: Consider alternative accommodations if you value: Peaceful nights Reliable electricity Professional service Consistent meal portions Pest-free rooms

Great location when visiting Udawalawe National Park. Friendly owners and good traditional Sri Lankan cuisine

STAY HERE! We were so happy with this property. It is nice, fun, and clean. The perfect spot close to the park for a safari. The staff is very attentive and super nice! The food was fantastic! If you're going to be in the area you would do well to stay at this small, locally owned, experience!

Price point says alot Great location to Udawalawe National Park. Owners are very helpful and happy to organise transport and make suggestions regarding timings etc. Very quiet spot. Fairly basic. Some great design ideas, execution seems to be missing the mark. Sheets had holes, as do the mossie nets. Comfy bed and good towels. Feel fans would have been a better product to install than aircons but that’s my preference. The outdoor shower, while being a great idea, was a total flop in the second room we were given because the water flow was insufficient to get it away from the wall meaning getting wet was a challenge. Would have been better with a bucket. Food was not wow - just average.

Our stay at Hatara Udawalawe was nothing short of exceptional. Nestled close to the stunning Udawalawe National Park, this accommodation offers an ideal base for those looking to explore the natural beauty of the area. The convenience of being so near to the park allowed me to make the most of my safari experience, which was a highlight of my trip. What truly sets Hatara Udawalawe apart, however, is the dedication and hospitality of the current operator. He single-handedly ensures that every guest's needs are met with care and attention. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that his primary goal was to make sure we felt not just comfortable, but genuinely at home. Whether it was arranging early morning safaris, recommending local attractions (Elephant Transit), or fulfilling any special requests (like food wishes and arrangements for our transfer) he went above and beyond to make our stay unforgettable. The accommodation itself is a haven of tranquility. The peaceful, idyllic setting is perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure. We particularly loved the outdoor bathroom, which is beautifully designed and adds a touch of luxury to the experience. Being able to relax in such a serene environment was a real treat. In summary, Hatara Udawalawe offers an unparalleled blend of location and personal service. If you're looking for a quiet, serene retreat with easy access to Udawalawe National Park and a host who truly cares about your well-being, this is the place to sta

For the price, this is an incredible find! The bathrooms are attached to the villa room, but are in an enclosed outdoor space. Surprisingly, the bugs were not bad, but some prophylactic Deet while sitting outside at their restaurant is smart. Wi-Fi is weak, so this is a great place to disconnect and enjoy nature. We also enjoyed our personal balcony overlooking the jungle while sipping our morning tea.