The Hill Country - Sri Lanka - page 425

If arriving by public transport, hop off the bus at the Elephant Transit Home and go to
the Athgira Restaurant opposite; they'll provide onward transport.
Elephant Lane GUESTHOUSE
( 071 525 8280; www.elephantlane.com.lk ;Army Camp Rd;incl breakfast, s with/without air-con Rs
5000/3500, d with/without air-con Rs 5500/4000; )
Rather ordinary rooms but it represents real value for money in these expensive parts. All
prices include breakfast.
Elephant Safari Hotel LODGE
( 047-567 8833; www.elephantsafarihotel.lk ;60 Aloka Mawatha;s/d half-board Rs 14,960/18,301)
Set in spacious gardens filled with geese, this place has a warm welcome and seven huge,
stylish cottages that feel genuinely luxurious. It's down a maze of muddy rural lanes but is
well-signed. The turn-off is a couple of kilometres west of the park gate close to the
bridge.
Grand Uda Walawe RESORT
( 047-223 2000; www.grandudawalawe.com ; 912 Thanamalwila Rd;s/d half-board US$140/180;
)
This large, resort-like place centres on an impressive pool complex; it's every tour group's
favourite place to stay. Although it doesn't blend seamlessly into the environment, it's
slickly run and offers smart business luxury for those who need it.
Getting There & Away
Buses from Embilipitiya, the launch pad for the park, cost Rs 46. Most of the cheaper ac-
commodation is in or close to the village of Uda Walawe. More upmarket places can be
found strung along the road between the park entrance and Uda Walawe village. Ask the
bus driver to either drop you off outside your hotel of choice or as close as possible - some
places are stuffed way down alternately dusty and mussy side lanes. If you're just going
straight to the park entrance ask to be dropped off there. Jeeps are available for safari from
the gates.