Embark on a luxurious safari adventure in the picturesque landscapes of Sri Lanka, catering to the discerning tastes of luxury travelers. Discover the exotic wildlife and breathtaking scenery that make Sri Lankan safaris a unique and unforgettable experience.
Yala National Park
Renowned for its diverse ecosystem, Yala is home to the elusive Sri Lankan leopard. Indulge in a private safari with bespoke tours offered by luxury operators.
Yala National Park is Sri Lanka’s most popular wildlife park due to the presence of many leopards. Sri Lanka is one of the few countries in the world where the population lives side-by-side with free-roaming animals. It isn’t uncommon to see elephants crossing roads or sneaking into a hotel lobby – a unique and beautiful way of living. Unfortunately, there can be negative encounters, and parks like Yala provide a safe space for the animals. Here’s everything you need to know about Yala National Park in Sri Lanka.
An enormous part of the Sri Lankan southeast corner is Yala National Park. The park is divided into five blocks. They stretch from the jungles inland to the beaches of the Indian Ocean. Only blocks one and five are open to the public, to preserve the natural habitat as much as possible.
Herds of elephants, crocodiles, deer, monkeys, buffaloes, birds, sloth bears, leopards, and many more. Leopards are the Yala’s star attraction, the Sri Lankan leopard, can be spotted during dawn and dusk safaris. Expert guides enhance the chances of a rare sighting.
Accommodation
Cinnamon Wild Yala
Only a 5-minute drive from the famous Yala National Park is Cinnamon Wild Yala. It boasts chalets with private balconies and free Wi-Fi. It features an outdoor pool and a restaurant.
Nestled in the south of Sri Lanka, the property is a 6-hour drive from Bandaranaike International Airport. It is located in Kirinda, a village well-known for its wildlife.
Chalets offer spectacular views of the beach or jungle. They are decorated with local arts, crafts and feature air-conditioning, cable TV and a minibar. All chalets come with private bathroom facilities.
Enjoying a prime location, Cinnamon Wild Yala’s restaurant provides beautiful landscapes and serves Asian and Western dishes. Meals can also be enjoyed in the privacy of guests’ rooms.
Wild Coast Tented Lodge
Wild Coast Tented Lodge All Inclusive is adjacent to the famous Yala National Park, renowned for its dense leopard population. This luxury tented camp is situated where the jungle meets a pristine beach, overlooking the blue waters of the Indian Ocean.
Wild Coast Lodge’s design uses arched fabric structures that allow the tents to take on the shape and color of the rocks and boulders that lay scattered nearby, whilst a clever layout in the shape of a leopard’s paw print alludes to the area’s most famous resident. While the main buildings, made of bamboo, blend in with the distinctive rock formations of Yala, the air-conditioned tents offer state-of-the-art amenities.
The open-air bamboo-clad Ten Tuskers bar and Dining Pavilion wrap around the resort’s free-form swimming pool. Guests can enjoy creative daily-changing menus of authentic Sri Lankan cuisine in the restaurant, as well as sundowner cocktails and picnics al fresco on the sand dunes, watching dusk settle over the Indian Ocean. Guests learn about the wildlife in the park and watch documentaries in the library.
The property offers vehicles to tour the quietest corners of Yala National Park and expert naturalist guides talk guests through the incredible diversity. The Sanctuary Spa borders a pristine ocean and dense bush and uses native Sri Lankan ingredients, Ceylon Tea and Ceylon cinnamon.
Udawalawe National Park
Experience the thrill of witnessing herds of elephants in their natural habitat. Luxury accommodations such as those suggested by Nomadic Boys provide an opulent base for exploring the park.
For photography enthusiasts, Udawalawe presents a captivating canvas. Capture the breathtaking landscapes and intimate moments with wildlife. Ensure you have the best vantage points for wildlife photography with insights from seasoned travelers and photographers.
Experience the magic of Udawalawe during a sunset safari, where the golden hues of the setting sun cast a surreal glow over the park. Luxury travelers can savor the moment with curated experiences, including private sunset safaris and gourmet dinners amidst nature.
Accommodation
Centauria Wild
Offering a spa center and sauna, Centauria Wild is located in Udawalawe, 0.6 mi from Udawalawe National Park. The hotel has an outdoor pool and year-round outdoor pool, and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant. Free private parking is available on site.
Every room at this hotel is air conditioned and is fitted with a flat-screen TV. Certain units feature a seating area to relax in after a busy day. The rooms are fitted with a private bathroom fitted with a bath and bidet. Extras include bathrobes, slippers and free toiletries. Centauria Wild features free WiFi throughout the property.
There is babysitting service at the property.
Bike hire is available at this hotel and the area is popular for cycling.
Mahinda Rajapaksha international cricket stadium is 30 minutes from the property, whereas Mattala international airport is 40 minutes away, and Athuru Sevana is 15 minutes away.
Elephant Trail
Offering an outdoor swimming pool, Elephant Trails provides free Wi-Fi access in the public areas of the property. Each room here will provide you with a flat-screen cable TV, work desk and seating area with sofa. Featuring a shower, private bathroom comes with a hairdryer. At Elephant Trails you will find a garden and barbecue facilities. Other facilities offered at the property include entertainment staff, a shared lounge and a tour desk.
An array of activities can be enjoyed on site or in the surroundings, including cycling, fishing and hiking. The property offers free parking. The guests can enjoy international, traditional Sri Lankan dishes as well BBQ dinners at the in-house restaurant. Refreshing alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages can be enjoyed at the bar. Packed lunches can be requested.
Room service is available. The property offers views of sugar cane cultivation and the National Park. It’s very close to Udawalawe reservoir and to the Elephant Orphanage. Elephant Trail makes a real custom tailor wild life packages. The 24 hours help desk can assist in arranging excursions to visit Lime Stone Cave, Hot Water Spring, Ancient Temples. The property is 99 mi from the international airport. Airport shuttle can be arranged on request.
Visit the hidden gem of beauty, where every moment unfolds in breathtaking splendor. Immerse yourself in the allure of rare and captivating wildlife, witnessing their grace and majesty firsthand. This extraordinary experience promises to be a journey of awe-inspiring moments, allowing you to connect intimately with nature’s wonders. Don’t miss the chance to explore this enchanting haven and witness the beauty of untamed landscapes and elusive creatures with your own eyes.