The Elephant Stables
Cultural TriangleBuilt in an ancient colonial bungalow, The Elephant Stables is an exquisite property overlooking the lush greenery of Sri Lanka. The former home of Sir Cudah Ratwatte, the patriarch of the island’s leading aristocratic family, today it welcomes guests with its grand façade, inviting interiors, and spectacular forest setting.
Located on a private road, The Elephant Stables is a haven of serenity atop a hill with magnificent views of the mountains. The peaceful hotel features seven rooms and suites that combine the rich textures and traditions of colonial living with colourful designer elements, creating some of the most spectacular interior designs in Sri Lanka. Hardwood floors, comfortable sitting areas, and romantic four-poster beds provide relaxing environments to call home. There’s also an 85 square metre tented suite, the largest permanent tented structure in the country.
Guests enjoy the best of all worlds, with peace and tranquility at The Stables, and the historic city centre of Kandy a mere 10-minutes drive. Sip an iced tea on a sun lounger, looking out over the jungle to the mountains in the distance.
The restaurant serves Sri Lanka curries, and Western and Thai dishes. For children, there’s a good selection of comfort food.
There's also a large infinity pool with sweeping views across the hillsides, and a small library lined with prints of British seaside resorts from the 1930s.
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Library
- Outdoor pool
- Afternoon tea on the lawn
- 100 classic movies in the Living Room
- Elephant visits
- Explore Kandy
- Ceylon Tea Museum
- Buddhist temples
- Botanical gardens
“The Elephant Stables used to be a colonial bungalow in Sri Lanka owned by Sir Cudah Ratwatte, the patriarch of one of the top aristocratic families in Kandy. Many elephants were once housed in the gardens of his old plantation, hence the name ‘The Elephant Stables’. The infinity edged swimming pool lies in the garden surrounded by trees and looks over the surrounding hills and town of Kandy. The property also has a collection of vintage British cars - if you’re a lover of classic cars, the Fords, Austins and the Mini Moke will be a treat for your eyes!”
Lightfoot Travel is a fully licensed global tour operator with a 24/7 support line for our guests, giving you peace of mind on your holiday . We have three core values that underpin our commitment to creating meaningful holidays for our guests.
AUTHENTICTravel your way with Lightfoot. We’ll take you into the heart of each destination and introduce you to the people and places that reveal the true essence of a country. With our trusted local connections, we create holidays that immerse you in culture, history, and everyday life. Far from the crowds, always deeply authentic.
EXPERT Travel with confidence, guided by experts. Our team boasts decades of first-hand knowledge and we are passionate about creating meaningful experiences for our guests. We specialise in unveiling the world’s most extraordinary and lesser-known destinations.
PERSONAL Your journey is as unique as you are. We take the time to understand what inspires and excites you, creating 100% tailormade itineraries that reflect your personality, interests, and holiday aspirations. Our bespoke holidays are designed to elevate every moment of your travel experience.
