Elephant Stables Dambulla

This large standalone cottage is situated in the garden, overlooking the back lawn and providing a pool for the guests. The suite uniquely combines colonial flavour and ambience with chic designer elements and the bedrooms feature some of the best interior design in Sri Lanka.

This suite is an idyllic choice for those who require a substantial amount of space, luxury and privacy. The room is partitioned with a ‘cut out’ wall, enabling one area to contain a private master bedroom, including a large 4 poster bed and a second room, consisting of a living space with two separate single 4 poster beds made from Teak. This is a perfect choice for a family of 2 adults and 2 children, or those seeking a room with plenty of space whilst staying at The Elephant Stables.

Located 4 km away from the main hotel, perched on top of a ridge at Anniewatte, the Bungalow takes up the whole East wing and is one of the most important and grand bungalows in Kandy, having been used for the filming of major scenes of Sir David Lean’s epic wartime masterpiece The Bridge on The River Kwai (1957). It is widely recognised that the bungalow has the most beautiful view in the whole of Kandy. There are glorious views from the top of the Anniewatte ridge looking down over the lush Mahaweli River Valley below. The bungalow interior is also full of extremely rare and beautiful antique furniture including collections that were made especially for Queen Elizabeth’s State Visit to Ceylon in 1954.

Guests have exclusive use of this lavish 2-bedroom Suite, and a private living and dining veranda with breath-taking views. There is also a gorgeous living room and reception area in the main bungalow space that is full of beautiful Art Deco and colonial furniture, a place where guests are completely free to wander and relax in opulent luxury. Plus a private study/office room containing many interesting reference books on Sri Lanka.

There is an exclusive private Chef at the bungalow as well, providing delicious private meals for guests. As an alternative, guests are most welcome to sample the variety of cuisines on offer at the main hotel – with complimentary transport provided. The bungalow does not have a pool, however guests can be given free transport in the Elephant Stables own Mini Moke or Austin A55 vintage car, to use the swimming pool and other facilities of the main hotel.

The Saffron Deluxe Room provides a medium sized bedroom situated on the upper floor of the Colonial Wing, including a large 4 poster bed with views that look out over the pool and garden. The room is furnished with a lovely blend of colonial and modern styles. This is the middle room of the Colonial Wing, situated in-between the two Colonial Suites.

This is a perfect choice for any visitor who does not require a large suite yet would like to experience the colonial ambience of the original property. The bungalow does not have a pool, however guests can be given free transport in the Elephant Stables own Mini Moke or Austin A55 vintage car, to use the swimming pool and other facilities of the main hotel.

A full English or Continental breakfast is offered daily to the guests. You are welcome to order what you wish – breakfasts tend to be bountiful and totally filling. There are also options to order a traditional Sri Lankan ‘Hopper’ breakfast or Coconut Pancakes. At lunch Elephant Stables feature quick and light snacks such as pastas, sandwiches, toasties and salads – they aim to prepare and serve your preference to your table within 20 minutes – ideal for a speedy lunch, in the middle of a busy day’s sightseeing in Kandy.

The Elephant Stables ‘Rice and Curry’ usually consists of some 10 – 12 separate dishes, including a choice of chicken, mutton, pork, and traditional Sri Lankan vegetables. It is a pleasure for the kitchen team to cook separately for anyone wanting highly flavoured, spicy curries with a high chili content – a typical feature of a Sri Lankan diet.

Master Chef Indika has over 40 Fusion dishes in his portfolio. These include Thai Green and Red Curries. As well as especially prepared seafood dishes featuring crabs, prawns and lobsters, to roast chicken, beef and pork plus smoked salmon. Just some of Elephant Stables desserts include delicious Chocolate Lava Cakes and a selection of home-made ice creams.

Kids Meals

Kids’ meals are specially prepared, especially where spices and chilies need to be moderated. The a la carte menu includes a variety of ‘chips with everything’ dishes including burgers, fries, sausages, baked beans and some very healthy salads too.

Relax and relish at Elephant Stables Bar, where bartender, Nihal, will conjure up an amazing variety of cocktails and mock-tails for you to sip and adore. Nihal has gained a wealth of experience working in the Maldives at some of the great resort hotels of the world.

Here you can even try the very special signature cocktail – The Elephant Unstable!

The Elephant Stables are pleased to offer you day excursions from Kandy to places of attraction that are tailored to your interests. You can easily visit the Cultural Triangle and the tea estates of the Hill Country as a day trip from Kandy. The more adventurous can try White Water Rafting at Kithulgala or trekking in the Knuckles mountains.

The Living Room has a collection of classic retro board games that are a perfect way to get families interacting and having fun together – away from their I-pads and I-pods. The Games on offer include Monopoly, Scrabble and Trivial Pursuit. You can also try Carrom, the national game of the island. As well as that here is a collection of around 100 ‘All Time Movie Classics’ for you and your loved ones to consider watching.

The hotel has a collection of famous British cars from the 1950s and early 1960s including a Ford Prefect, Morris 8 and Austin A50 / Austin A55’s. There is also a mustard yellow Mini Moke – an absolute favourite with kids and great fun to ride. Local drives are possible around the Kandy Lake and Upper Lake Drive Viewpoint as well as longer excursions to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.