at a Glance.
Star Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Type
Lakeside tranquillity, tropical gardens, safari-gateway location
Location
Avudangawa/Kimbissa, Habarana region, North Central Province, Sri Lanka
Hotel Category
Flex
Ideal For
Double
Style
Jardin-lodge with contemporary comfort in a forest-edge setting
Price / Night
From approx. USD 120–180 per night (season and room type dependent)
Why Stay Here
A serene yet accessible base in the Cultural Triangle, with refined comfort and natural charm
Bathed in soft morning light beside a tranquil lake, Oak Ray Elephant Lake is an elegant retreat in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. Here, the song of jungle birds drifts across glassy water, and the rustle of leaves whispers ancient stories of forest and fortress. With a poised blend of natural calm, warm hospitality and refined comfort, this property invites couples, families and experience-seekers to discover a different rhythm of luxury — one where safari, heritage and relaxation merge seamlessly.
About the Property
Nestled amid tropical greenery and edged by a calm ornamental lake, Oak Ray Elephant Lake offers more than accommodation: it offers a mood. The architecture is low-rise and horizontal, allowing the landscape to breathe. Rooms open to balconies or patios that look out across water and jungle – a quiet palette of green, gold and reflection. By day, the gardens hum with bird calls and the distant rumble of safari vehicles. By evening, lanterns glow softly, the pool shimmers under stars, and the scent of cinnamon and frangipani drifts gently across the lawn.
“Here the lake becomes a mirror to both the sky and the jungle — stay still long enough and you see both sunrise and elephant shadows reflected in perfect calm.”
Sithiyam Insider: Guests at Oak Ray Elephant Lake often pair this stay with a safari in Minneriya or a sunrise climb of Sigiriya — perfect for a “city plus countryside” twin-stay with your Colombo leg.
The ambience is relaxed yet polished. While many in the region lean rustic, Oak Ray delivers contemporary amenities with crisp linens, air-conditioning, WiFi and a pool, all while preserving a sense of escape from the bustle of everyday life. It positions itself quietly between nature lodge and refined resort — the sweet spot for couples looking for romance, families seeking ease, and travellers craving authentic Sri Lanka.
Why Stay Here
- Lakeside tranquillity in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, offering a refined alternative to jungle-camp rustic stays.
- Access to world-renowned heritage sites (Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa) and wildlife safaris (Minneriya, Hurulu) from one base.
- Comfortable, well-appointed rooms with garden or lake views for both couples and families.
- Large, inviting swimming pool and lush gardens make for fresh-air relaxation after game drives or heritage tours.
- Friendly, attentive service with a blend of deluxe comfort and nature-immersive surroundings.
Sithiyam Insider: For a truly memorable stay, extend into a night-safari at Minneriya followed by an alfresco dinner near the lake at Oak Ray — perfect for honeymooners and families wanting distinct experiences without changing base.
Accommodation & Rooms
Rooms at Oak Ray Elephant Lake are designed for comfort within a natural frame. Interiors favour neutral tones punctuated by local wood and leafy views. Each category allows guests to connect with the outside — via balcony, terrace or garden outlook.
Room Categories:
- Standard Room: Entry-level comfort with lake or garden view, ideal for Flex travellers looking for value. oakrayhotels.com+1
- Deluxe Room: Slightly larger with balcony, enhanced view, great for couples or smaller families after Luxe comfort.
- Superior Deluxe Room: More space, perhaps a terrace or upgraded amenities, suited for families (Group segment) or guests staying longer.
Each room offers: air-conditioning, flat-screen TV, minibar, personal safe, and WiFi. The en-suite bathroom has free toiletries and hairdryer. Booking.com+1
Editor’s Note: For couples seeking a romantic stay, request a Deluxe room overlooking the lake at dusk — the golden hour light and still water make for memorable morning coffees.
Sustainability & Design Ethos
While not marketed as a flagship eco-resort, Oak Ray Elephant Lake maintains thoughtful design with respect to its natural setting. Rooms are low-rise, gardens are preserved, and building materials favour local timber and stone. The property merges gently into its surroundings rather than dominating them.
Community engagement and regional sourcing are part of the ethos: food is often locally grown, staff drawn from the nearby villages, and experiences linked to the natural environment rather than imported. The resort’s lakeside position reminds guests of their connection to water, wildlife and landscape — and in Sri Lanka’s dry zone, that awareness is part of luxury.
Photo by UGA Chena Huts
Photo by UGA Chena Huts
Dining & Culinary Experience
Under the leafy canopy of the resort, dining at Oak Ray Elephant Lake is a relaxed yet thoughtful affair. At the heart is the main restaurant, Al Elephant Lake, where international dishes share the menu with local Sri Lankan fare. oakrayhotels.com Buffets and à-la-carte options are available for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and special diet needs (vegetarian/vegan) are met with care.
Meal time becomes part of the experience: the dining room opens onto the garden, soft natural light filters through, and the gentle lake breeze drifts in. The bar serves sundowners with a view of the pool and palms. Families, couples and groups will all find something to enjoy.
Pro Tip: For a more intimate meal, ask to dine on the terrace overlooking the lake — request fort building across the water at dusk, for a subtle Sri Lankan experience.
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Spa & Wellness
While Oak Ray doesn’t position itself as a luxury spa resort, its wellness offering complements the setting beautifully. The large outdoor pool beckons for early swims in the soft morning light, and the gardens are perfect for stretching or meditation.
The resort partners with local therapists for massage treatments in-room or in outdoor pavilions. Given its proximity to jungle and lake, a gentle lakeside yoga session at sunrise is feasible. The ambience lends itself to deep relaxation — the clean air, balanced temperatures and a soundtrack of nature create a restorative environment.
“Under the frangipani tree we felt the pulse of the region slow — boatmen, birds, breeze all syncing around your breath.”
Similar & Recommended Hotels
- Aliya Resort & Spa — Stylish boutique resort tucked into jungle with private safari access; ideal upgrade for Luxe-only stays.
- Jetwing Vil Uyana — Design-led luxury nestled among rice-paddies and wetlands; perfect for honeymooners seeking nature-chic.
- Habarana Village by Cinnamon — Family-friendly resort with ample kids’ activities and safari synergy; slightly more accessible budget than high-end lodges.
Nearby Attractions
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress (10–15 min): An UNESCO-listed citadel rising out of the jungle; capturing dawn at the summit is a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
- Minneriya National Park (approx. 15 min): Home to Sri Lanka’s famed elephant gatherings; safari drives at dusk yield dramatic wildlife scenes.
- Hurulu Forest Reserve (approx. 20 min): Dry-zone forest sanctuary for elephants and endemic birds. Wikipedia
- Dambulla Cave Temple (approx. 18 km): A sublime series of rock-cave temples and frescoes – a cultural counterpoint to the wild. Booking.com
- Habarana Lake & Village (5 min): A peaceful rural escape ideal for early-morning boat rides and local encounters.
Experiences & Facilities
Beyond comfortable rooms and dining, Oak Ray Elephant Lake offers a host of experiences:
- Large outdoor swimming pool surrounded by tropical gardens — ideal for families and relaxation. Tripadvisor+1
- Free WiFi in public areas & rooms, parking and 24-hour front desk. oakrayhotels.com+1
- Guided safari options into Minneriya and Hurulu Forest; elephant sightings are frequent in nearby reserves. Wikipedia+1
- Nature walks, bird-watching and lake-side strolling at dawn or dusk.
- Laundry, car-rental and transfer services arranged by hotel. Booking.com
Pro Tip: Combine an early morning boat ride on the lake and then depart for the safari in Minneriya — this two-tier nature experience is ideal for families and nature-enthusiasts.
Insider Tips for Guests
Pro Tip: Book a morning safari in Minneriya around 6 a.m. — then return for poolside relaxation at Oak Ray before lunch.
Editor’s Note: Rooms on the lake-facing side often capture dawn-light reflections and early-morning birdlife. Early risers will be rewarded.
Sithiyam Insider: Ask the travel planner to arrange a secluded lakeside dinner under lanterns as a surprise for couples — a beautiful moment in the Cultural Triangle.
Guest Reviews & Testimonials
Guests consistently commend the resort’s hospitality, lush gardens, and spacious pool. Comments such as “friendly staff who went out of their way to make the stay enjoyable” and “lovely room and pool… the surrounding was so calming” recur across review platforms. Tripadvisor+1 The flexible space works well for families seeking value as well as couples wanting nature-inflected luxury.
Location & Accessibility
Situated in Avudangawa/Kimbissa (near the town of Habarana), Oak Ray Elephant Lake is superbly placed for both relaxation and exploration.
- Approx. 10 km from the Sigiriya Rock Fortress — a 15-minute drive. Booking.com+1
- Approx. 14-15 km from Minneriya National Park — famed for wild-elephant gatherings. MakeMyTrip+1
- Road access from Colombo is comfortable; guests typically transfer via Sithiyam Travel’s private chauffeur service.
CTA: Make your arrival seamless — book a private transfer with Sithiyam Travel, picking you up from airport or whichever leg of your Sri Lankan journey you’re on — [Plan with Sithiyam →]
Photo by UGA Chena Huts
Photo by UGA Chena Huts
Conclusion
In the hush of the Cultural Triangle’s jungles, Oak Ray Elephant Lake stands as a quietly distinguished retreat — where the echo of ancient rock fortresses meets the gentle cadence of lake water and wild elephants on the horizon. It is a place of calm discovery, modest grandeur and authentic Sri Lankan warmth.
Experience Oak Ray Elephant Lake with Sithiyam Travel — where luxury meets authenticity.
