Yala Elephant Cottage

Hotels
No. 78 Wewa para , Yoda Kandiya , Tissamaharama , lk

listing image 1
Show all photos
Free
Children allowed

Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Free Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Swimming pool
24-hour front desk
Restaurant
Room service
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Friendly, helpful and accommodating staff
Beautiful location with lake views
Quiet, private and cozy cottages
Clean grounds and pool
Good value / affordable
Convenient for safari and near airport
On-site pool, bar and restaurant
Parking available and staff assistance (tuk‑tuk, early breakfast packs)
Cons:
Bathroom issues: drain flies, unpleasant smell and outdated sanitary installations
Power outages causing cold showers
Some insects noted
One report of pushy staff trying to upsell safaris/dinners
Occasional dry food item (chicken kottu)

Categories

Cleanliness
1
Guests repeatedly praise very clean cottages, pool and grounds; minor bathroom issues (drain flies / occasional smell) are mentioned but overall spaces described as tidy.
Service
1
Staff are frequently described as very friendly, helpful and accommodating (assisted with hospital visit, arranged early breakfast packs, quick tuk‑tuk), though one report of overly pushy staff exists.
Location
1
Strong positives: beautiful lake views, quiet setting, strategic for safari and close to the airport; noted as slightly off the main road in one comment but otherwise convenient.
Room Quality
1
Cottages are described as cozy and comfortable, but recurring issues about bathrooms (drain flies, unpleasant odor, cold showers when power went out, and sanitary installations needing updates) significantly lower this score.
Amenities
1
On-site amenities (pool, bar/restaurant, parking) are appreciated, but bathroom/ plumbing problems and insect presence detract from the amenities experience.
Value for Money
1
Multiple comments praise the price/value (affordable, good Preis/Leistung) and would recommend the property for its cost.
Food and Beverage
1
Food generally described as good/very tasty, with one mention of a slightly dry chicken kottu; overall modestly positive.
Overall Experience
1
Overall stays are described as pleasant, relaxing and recommended by many guests due to staff, location and atmosphere, but repeated bathroom/plumbing issues, some outages and an instance of pushy service temper the overall impression.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-03-26 01:27

Property Description

Luxurious Outdoor Amenities
Yala Elephant Cottage, located in Tissamaharama, offers a tranquil escape with its outdoor swimming pool, sun terrace, and garden, perfect for relaxation and unwinding amidst nature.

Culinary Delights
Indulge in a variety of dining options at our hotel, from an à la carte or Full English/Irish breakfast to savory Chinese cuisine at the on-site restaurant. Special dietary requests such as vegetarian and kosher meals can be accommodated with prior notice.

Family-Friendly Activities
With a children's playground on-site and opportunities for bike and car hire, Yala Elephant Cottage ensures a fun-filled stay for families. Explore the nearby Bundala Bird Sanctuary or enjoy fishing in the surrounding area during your visit.

Book your stay at Yala Elephant Cottage now and experience a perfect blend of comfort and adventure!

Important information:

A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:30 AM

Location

Guest Reviews

Cleanliness: 1
Service: 1
Location: 1
Room Quality: 1
Amenities: 1
Value for Money: 1
Food and Beverage: 1
Overall Experience: 1
N
Nancy • family_with_children • nl
10
Absolute aanrader!!!
Pros:

De super vriendelijke ontvangst en de fijne comfortabele en ruime chalets. Het ontbijt was lekker en de door de accomodatie geregelde safari naar Yala was top. Er werd duidelijk zorg besteed aan de accomodatie om het netjes te houden. Absolute aanrader!

2026-08-19 • via Nuitee
J
jerome • family_with_children • fr
10
2026-08-17 • via Nuitee
L
Lotte • solo_traveller • nl
10
2026-08-15 • via Nuitee
W
Wouter • family_with_children • nl
8
Rustig relaxed eenvoudige maar goede accommodatie
Pros:

Het is kleinschalig met leuk uitzicht over het meer en dicht bij het national park. Het is een eenvoudige accommodatie met een leuke sfeer en zwembad. Verder is er niet veel in de omgeving.

Cons:

De airco is wat lastig af te stellen.

2026-08-14 • via Nuitee
B
Bonneau • couple • fr
9
Équipe au top
Pros:

La gentille du personnel, le restaurant très bon avec des produits frais, les chambres spacieuses et le jardin, l’emplacement proche du parc national de Yala

2026-08-11 • via Nuitee
J
julia almarza • solo_traveller • es
7
Pros:

La ubicación, con vistas al lago y se puede salir a dar un paseo por los campos y la orilla del lago.
Los cottage son espaciosos.

Cons:

A diferencia de nuestros otros alojamientos en Sri Lanka, este no es un negocio familiar y eso se nota en el servicio. Acordamos que nos prepararían un desayuno para llevar al Safari y lo olvidaron (nos dieron de desayunar a la vuelta).
Las instalaciones no están bien cuidadas: mosquitera agujereada, silla de la terraza rota.
Queda lejos del pueblo, en una zona sin servicios, así que si quieres cenar fuera, necesitarás un tuk tuk tanto a la ida como a la vuelta.

2026-08-09 • via Nuitee
C
castan • extended_group • es
8
2026-08-04 • via Nuitee
D
Damien • couple • fr
10
Pros:

Super séjour au Yala Elephant Cottage ! Nous avons été extrêmement bien accueillis et servis tout au long de notre séjour. Nous recommandons cet établissement les yeux fermés !

2026-08-04 • via Nuitee
R
r • family_with_children • nl
9
Heerlijk
Pros:

Klein paradijsplekje aan het meer met 6 huisjes en lekker zwembadje. Rustig zitten op je eigen veranda. Zonsondergang zien bij het meer, de beheerder liet ons door het hek, in de tuin lopen ook nog leguanen rond. Aardig personeel dat ook helpt bij het regelen van een safari en vervoer. Reageert snel op berichten. Avonds ter plekke lekker gegeten. Ontbijtpakket geregeld voor tijdens de safari en we mochten nog iets langer blijven na de safari (de gids deed moeite om ons een luipaard te laten zien). Het ligt wat afgelegen en dus geen winkels in de buurt maar dat weet je van te voren en hadden we ook niet nodig.

2026-08-03 • via Nuitee
S
Saika • couple • ca
9
Highly recommended for anyone visiting Yala.
Pros:

We had a wonderful stay at Yala Elephant Cottage during our honeymoon. The property is peaceful, surrounded by nature, and very close to Yala National Park, making it a perfect base for a safari. The room was spacious, clean, and comfortable.

The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming, always smiling and ready to help. They made us feel at home from the moment we arrived. The food was delicious, and the breakfast was a great way to start the day.

The swimming pool and garden area were beautiful and relaxing after our safari. We truly enjoyed the calm atmosphere.
We would happily stay here again! 🌿🐘❤️

2026-08-02 • via Nuitee
S
Stam • couple • nl
10
Top.
Pros:

Een lekkere kamer. Fijn personeel en een heerlijk zwembad. We hebben via hun een safari geboekt voor een betere prijs dan bij andere Safari bedrijven. De gids was van het hotel. Hij was super aardig en wist super veel over het nationaal park en alle dieren. Een echte professional

2026-07-25 • via Nuitee
S
Senne • couple • be
8
2026-07-24 • via Nuitee
B
Batuhan • extended_group • tr
6
Fiyat performans oteli.
Pros:

Çalışanlar çok yardımsever.

Cons:

Termosifon çalışmıyordu. Restaurantı yok resepsiyon önündeki masada yemeğinizi yiyiyorsunuz. Fiyat performans oteli

2026-07-19 • via Nuitee
D
Domingo • couple • es
9
Tranquilidad y naturaleza
Pros:

Tranquilidad!

2026-07-18 • via Nuitee
L
Lecia Clark • extended_group • au
9
Beautifully manicured gardens
Pros:

Cute cottages. Lovely staff. Clean rooms.

2026-06-17 • via Nuitee
M
Manon • couple • fr
8
Cadre sympa
Pros:

Très mignon, le personnel au petit soin, la chambre était dans l’esprit du cottage. Belle vue sur le lac et le safari super!!!

Cons:

Équipement vieillissant type robinetterie

2026-06-06 • via Nuitee
P
Pierre • couple • fr
9
Parfait
Pros:

L’emplacement est idyllique
Le personnel est aux petits soins

Cons:

RAS

2026-05-10 • via Nuitee
L
Lois • couple • gb
8
2026-04-27 • via Nuitee
S
Schuh • family_with_children • at
10
Pros:

It's perfect if you do the yalla national park half day, because checkout is timed after you return

2026-04-07 • via Nuitee
K
Kjellaug • couple • no
9
2026-04-01 • via Nuitee