A stay in a “Paela” at the Elephant Watch Hut will give you the singular opportunity to mingle with the local villagers as they go about their daily lives. Built in the trees, these platforms were originally designed for farmers who needed to monitor their land at night to defend it from wild animals, specifically elephants that can rapidly cause substantial damage to crops.

The Watch Hut is nestled between the jungle and the rice fields, surrounded by the national parks Minneriya, Hurulo Eco Park and Kaudulla, all known as the playing field for Sri Lanka’s elephants.  The cabins are very simple: a teak floor and roof furnished with double beds, solar power, Wifi, hot/cold shower, a toilet and an icebox make up the room.

Meals are typically Sri Lankan, cooked from local produce and prepared by the farmers and their families. At breakfast, you will be given a choice between a Sri Lankan or Continental style meal. During your stay, you may also go fishing on the nearby lake and take the opportunity to observe the vast multitude of wild birds that inhabit the area.