If you’ve read any of my other blogs you’ve probably figured out by now I’m not a fan of tourist ‘attractions’. When I visit a country I want to (as much as it humanly possible) get a feel for the culture, community and nuiances that make it unique – something I’m not likely to sense surrounded by a crowd of travellers from other countries.
So I seek out places where the tourists are few and the experiences local.
Therefore when it comes to choosing a Safari, my preference is to be somewhere where there are more animals than jeeps. Certainly the animals may be less ‘’socialised’ and thus the odds of a sighting in the wild are fewer; but at least it feels like the animals have a fighting chance, are less bothered by car fumes and won’t be bombarded with a plethora of prying eyes when they choose to come out for food or water.
Yala National Park doesn't meet this criteria.
To quote Wikipedia “Yala (යාල) National Park is the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka”
It’s the most visited park for a reason. It is one of the first parks in Sri Lanka to be named a reserve and be protected under the forest Ordinance in 1900. Then in 1938 it was declared a National Park and over the years has grown from round 14,000 hectacres to 88,000 hectacres. So it is extremely well known.
It is also in a great location.
Typically, a Sri Lankan holiday itinerary will include a visit to the cultural triangle, spending time in the serene and breathtaking hill country and taking time out on one (or more) of the extremely beautiful east or south coast beaches (depending on the time of year). Yala is perfectly situated as the Safari section of your holiday as it’s “on the way” to or from these other locations.
Of course, it’s popularity also means there are a significant amount of accommodation options available; from high end ‘glamping’ and tree houses to luxury hotels, mid range safari camps and of course budget accommodation – something for everyone. That in of itself is a draw card. So lets take a look at the accommodation options:
Where to stay in Yala
1. INSIDE THE PARK
This is a great option. You feel you are so much more invested in the experience if you are staying on site. There is always the possibility of an up close and personal encounter, which adds to the excitement and romance. Practically, it means you can get out on the Safari trail BEFORE the gates of the park officially open. This in turn means fewer vehicles to disturb the wildlife and a better chance of seeing more animals.
Like other national parks the Department of Wildlife offers site accommodation wit their Wildlife Circuit Bungalows. Information can be found at www.dwc.gov.lkor www.dwc.gov.lk/Aoldsite/library/Bungalows.htmland the Department of Wildlife has a beta on-line booking option https://dwc.lankagate.gov.lk/homeAction.action
Or you can go to www.yalasrilanka.lk and check out these bungalows
The Wildlife Circuit Bungalows that I’ve stayed in cover the necessities – well almost. Often you need to bring your own linen and food as they are self catering (sometimes they will provide staff to cook, clean and wash-up etc) – do check before booking what the stay includes.
If you do decide to book, then you’ll need to stop at a supermarket in one of the main towns along the way. Look for Cargills, Arpico or Keels – the three major supermarket chains here. If there is a cook included, chances are they will cook great local food. Do check if the bungalow has the required spices etc or if you will need to bring everything to equip your "appu" (Sinhala for cook) from scratch.
There are other commercial run properties in the park as well; here are the ones that I'm aware of:
Yala Safari Camping
Elephant Safari Hotel and Restaurant
Tuskers Campping
Yale Leopard Mobile Camp
Yale Jungle Night Safari
Kulu Safaris
2. OUTSIDE THE PARK
There are literally hundreds of choices for places to stay and therefore its literally impossible for anyone to have tried them all. In fact, as Yala is not on my ‘favourites’ list, I’ve only been there twice. Once before the Tsunami and once since. The hotel we stayed at before the Tsunami was fabulous – cabanas located right on the beach where the lagoon meets the ocean; a wonderful fishing village nearby with incredibly generous fishermen who brought in their lobster catch and hand picked and cooked a few of their best for us; one of my most memorable meals EVER! Then there were the elephants who came down to play in the waves . . . . sadly it no longer exists.
The second time was in a bungalow – similar to a Circuit Bungalow - just outside the park and a stones throw from the beach. It was relatively unforgettable as a property (in fact I can't even tell you the name!) in a super location. I do remember we had fun! As we are local the BYO element was not an issue and we had a great anniversary celebrating with a sea food b-b-q and bubbles after a sunset safari.
So here are 5 tips I can share to to help you choose where to stay in Yala:
1: Make sure you are not too far away from the park. A morning Safari means an early, very early, start. You need to be there when the park opens. The further away you are from the park the earlier you’ll need to be up! You don't want to be driving for hours to get to and from the park when you'll already be in the jeep for an average of 4 hours whilst in the park itself.
2: Want to ‘glamp’? There are lots of options:
- Jetwing Tented Villas
- Big Game Camp Yala
- Yala Dream Park
- Flameback Eco Lodge
- Eco Island Sri Lanka Tented Safari Camp
- Wilderness Camping
- Mahoora Tented Safari Camp
- Yala Tented Camp by Ajith Safaris
- Yala Relax Camping
And the list goes on. I’ve am not recommending any of these properties just trying to make your search easier by grouping the accommodation types.
3. How about staying in a tree house?
- Yala Tree house Safari
- Neem Tree House
- Yala Luxury Tree House
- Yala Eco Tree House
- Kumbuk Tree House
4. Book your safari. It is just as easy to have your hotel arrange your safari’s than to try and do it independently. To make the most of your safari and give yourself the best chance possible to see all the animals I’d suggest you book a dusk and dawn safari. The animals are most likely to be out and about at those times – headed to or at the watering holes.
5. A small side note: I see that the EKHO group (which is run by the Galle Face Hotel) has a property near Yala on Tisssa Lake and only 20mins from the park. This is the same group who runs the Polonnaruwa property I was so impressed with called EKHO Lake House. If my experience in Polonnaruwa is anything to go by – it might be worth checking out the 10 room EKHO Safari Tissa.
So, if Yala is your Safari Park of choice, then these are my pointers. Once again I urge you to go direct to the hotel to book. You WILL get a better rate and the hotel won’t have to pay an exorbitant commission to an online booking conglomerate. So everyone wins!
I’m hope I’ve helped narrow down your choices. Email me at srilankahiddentreasures@gmail.com if you’d like any more info. Do leave your thoughts and comments below. And if you want to take the hassle out of designing your own Sri Lankan itinerary; just ask! I’d be happy to take on the challenge for a modest fee (prices on the website www.srilankahiddentreasures.com).
Happy travels
Jacqueline
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