Kalu's Hideaway Udawalawe – 5-Acre Garden Retreat Near the Elephant Transit Home

Kalu's Hideaway Udawalawe is a relaxed retreat set in 5 acres of manicured gardens in Walawegama, Udawalawe, Ratnapura District. Close to Udawalawe National Park and the Elephant Transit Home (known locally as the Elephant Orphanage), it's a good base for a wildlife trip, with an outdoor pool, a wellness center, and a restaurant on site. Compare it with other hotels in Udawalawe, including Hotel Athgira, Wild Eagle Safari Resort, Athgira River Camping and Seeing Green Udawalawa, or browse hotels across Sri Lanka on our hotel map.

Rooms

Every room has a private balcony or terrace, comfortable beds, and spacious interiors, and some rooms have a separate seating area. Rooms are air-conditioned with a flat-screen TV, an electric kettle, and a coffee and tea maker, and many have a view over the pool or gardens. Private bathrooms include a bath and shower, a bidet, a bathrobe, slippers, a hairdryer and free toiletries. Choose between twin beds and a double bed, and family rooms are available.

Facilities

The outdoor pool is open all year and welcomes all ages, with a view, a pool bar, sun loungers, and pool towels. A separate kids' pool, a children's playground, outdoor play equipment, and board games keep younger guests busy. The property also has a fitness center and a wellness center with spa facilities, a foot bath, and a relaxation lounge, and massage is available for an additional charge. Around the grounds you'll find a terrace, sun terrace, outdoor fireplace, picnic area, shared lounge with a TV area, and an in-house library. Free WiFi covers the property, and free private parking is available on site (reservation needed), including accessible parking. For more ways to unwind, see our adventure and wellness travel styles.

Dining

The restaurant serves Sri Lankan, Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisine, and the bar is open for drinks. Breakfast includes American, Asian, kosher, halal, vegan, vegetarian, full English/Irish, continental, and Sri Lankan options. Barbecue facilities are available on site for an additional charge, along with wine and champagne. Room service, packed lunches, special diet menus (on request), and a kid-friendly buffet and kid meals are also available.

Activities

Guests can go cycling, take bike tours, play billiards, table tennis, darts, or badminton, or go fishing. Walking tours and evening entertainment are available for an additional charge, and bicycle rental is offered on site. The tour desk can help arrange excursions, and you can browse our Sri Lanka tour packages or adventure travel styles for more ideas. 

Things to Do Nearby

The hotel is close to Udawalawe National Park and the Elephant Transit Home (Ath Athuru Sevana), described as within about 3 km. Pallebedda Sri Sankapala Rajah Maha Viharaya is about 10 km away, Udawalawe Bus Station is about 6 km away, and Nuwaragala Forest is roughly 3.8 km away. For a guided visit, see our wildlife and safari experiences or tours on the map.

Getting There

Kalu's Hideaway is about 44 km from Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport and 62 km from Weerawila Airport. [The description says about 40 km to Mattala, so confirm the exact figure.] An airport shuttle is available for an additional charge, and car hire is offered at the property. You can also book a private SUV or van through our transportation options.

Check-In and Policies

Check-in is from 1:30 PM to 10:30 PM, and check-out is until 11:30 AM. The 24-hour front desk offers luggage storage, currency exchange, and express or private check-in and check-out, and invoices are provided on request. Children of all ages are welcome, though those 12 and above are charged as adults. A crib is free on request for young children, and extra beds are US$12.50 per child per night for ages 7 to 11 and US$25 per person per night for ages 12 and over, subject to availability and paid separately during your stay. There's no minimum age for check-in, and the property has facilities for disabled guests. Rooms are non-smoking, and pets are not allowed.