We have created a list with cool, unusual and unique hotels in Yala, Sri Lanka. We have also included accommodation in villas, chalets, lodges, boutique hotels and romantic hotels. Hope you enjoy it. We think it might be the best of its kind around. Tip: Set your dates to see room prices!
A list by Ella Hofer & Maryna Kravets. Updated January 2024.
Resort.Highly elegant. Great bar. Popular among couples. 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 allows the tents to take on the shape and colour 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 pristine ocean and dense bush and uses native Sri Lankan ingredients, Ceylon Tea and Ceylon Cinnamon.Show full description
Perhaps this is the most ELEGANT resort in Yala. It also has an amazing hotel bar.
Resort.Elegant. Great bar. Popular among couples. Located in the deep south of Sri Lanka, Chena Huts is just 5-minute away from Yala National Park. Featuring free WiFi, a spa centre and an outdoor pool, Chena Huts offers fine views of the wilderness and seascape. It is designed to echo the local architecture harmonizing with the jungle environment. All cabins are fully air-conditioned and comprise of living room, bedroom, en suite bathroom and shaded private built-in plunge pool. The luxurious bathroom boast of free standing bathtubs and twin vanity consoles. You will find a 24-hour front desk offering express check in/check out services. This area is popular for hiking. Free private parking is available on site. Transfers to and from the park entrance to resort can be arranged. Morning and evening game drives in a customized safari game viewing vehicle is included (vehicle on sharing basis and includes park entry fees). Guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch & dinner (included in the rate) at the Basses restaurant, where urban dining is featured along with water, fruit juices and other soft drinks, teas and coffees, selected wines, beers and spirits at the bar. Kataragama is 19 km from Chena Huts, while Tissamaharama is 14 km away. Colombo International Airport is 6-hour drive away.Show full description
This resort is one of the most popular in Yala among couples!
Resort.Hip. Yakaduru Yala is located on the buffer Zone of Yala National Park. It's just 5 minutes away from the Yala National Park Entrance. Yakaduru is renowned for its architecture and tourism, where guest can stay in properties built by Mud and palm thatched roofing. Yakaduru Yala runs on renewable energy sources, and features free WiFi, on-site parking and a barbecue facility. Certain rooms feature a seating area for guests' convenience. Some rooms have views of the sea or garden. There is a 24-hour front desk at the property. Guests can engage in various activities, such as cycling and hiking. The resort also offers bike hire. Kataragama is 18 km from Yakaduru - Yala, while Tissamaharama is 11 km away.Show full description
This might be one of the coolest and most CREATIVE resorts in Yala.
Boutique hotel.Delightful property. Superb interior design. Popular among couples.Opened June 2021. Set in Yala, 1.6 km from Kirinda Beach, Wild Culture Yala offers accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a shared lounge. With free WiFi, this 4-star hotel offers room service and a 24-hour front desk. The hotel features garden views and a terrace. The units come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a kettle, a bidet, free toiletries and a wardrobe. All rooms are fitted with a private bathroom and a shower, and certain units at the hotel have a balcony. At Wild Culture Yala the rooms include bed linen and towels. At the accommodation you will find a restaurant serving British, Seafood and local cuisine. Vegetarian, halal and vegan options can also be requested. Nidangala Beach is 1.6 km from Wild Culture Yala, while Tissa Wewa is 13 km away. The nearest airport is Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, 40 km from the hotel.Show full description
I would describe this as one of the most WELL DESIGNED AND STYLISH boutique hotels in Yala. It also has outstanding views.
Bed and Breakfast.Charming. Gorgeous surroundings. Located in Yala in the Hambantota District region, Nil Sisila Beach Resort Yala provides accommodation with free private parking. A à la carte breakfast is available daily at the bed and breakfast. A terrace can be found at Nil Sisila Beach Resort Yala, along with a garden. Situlpawwa is 25 km from the accommodation, while Yala National Park is 24 km away. The nearest airport is Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, 45 km from Nil Sisila Beach Resort Yala.Show full description
The most charming, relaxing and romantic bed and breakfast in Yala. It also has beautiful surroundings. WOW!
Camp Site.Elegant. Nestled amidst forest and lake bordering the national park and close to the quieter Katagamuwa gate, Leopard Trails tented camp allows guests to experience the wilderness in comfortable air conditioned deluxe tents or in larger suites with plunge pools. Expert naturalists lead shared game drives, nature walks, give an introduction to stargazing, and also host guests for drinks around the campfire, before dining by candlelight! An approximate 4 hours’ drive from the Colombo city and the Bandaranaike International Airport, Leopard Trails is situated in the perfect location which is easily accessible from any point even from the Mattala Rajapakse International Airport just being 1 hr away from the camp. The spacious tents are all air conditioned with private bathroom facilities and seating area for each tent. Besides safari drives, guests can enjoy games and activities arranged by the property or relax in the lounge area with a cocktail or fine wine from the fully stocked bar. We have two types of tents at Leopard Trails Yala camp: The Leopard Trails Suites and Deluxe Tents.Show full description
Camp Site. Situated in Yala, less than 1 km from Situlpawwa, Kulu Safaris - All Inclusive features accommodation with free WiFi, air conditioning and access to a garden with a terrace. There is a seating and a dining area in all units. An Asian breakfast is served every morning at the property. Canoeing can be enjoyed nearby. Yala National Park is less than 1 km away.Show full description
Camp Site.Charming. Great value. Situated 15 km from Situlpawwa, Yala Wild House offers BBQ facilities, and accommodation in the wild with a patio and free WiFi. There is a seating and a dining area in all units. The daily breakfast offers buffet, American or Asian options. Yala safari jeeps and taxis are available to nearby locations. Yala National Park is 4.3 km from the accommodation.Show full description
Luxury Tent.Historic property. Great views. Popular among women. Located 15-minute drive away from Yala National Park, Yala Dream Park features a garden and barbecue. Tissa Wewa is 8 km from the property. Free WiFi is provided throughout the property. The accommodation is solar powered and features a seating area. Towels are available. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant. Grocery delivery and packed lunches are available on request. The property can arrange for Safari on a private jeep.Show full description
I think this place could be the most HISTORIC luxury tent in Yala.
Boutique hotel.Beautiful.Opened April 2022. Located in Yala, 600 metres from Nidangala Beach, Rock Wild Yala provides accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a shared lounge. Featuring room service, this property also provides guests with a terrace. American, Chinese, Dutch and British dishes are served at the on-site restaurant. At the hotel each room is equipped with air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a bidet, free toiletries and a hairdryer. At Rock Wild Yala every room is fitted with bed linen and towels. Staff at the accommodation are always available to provide guidance at the reception. Kirinda Beach is 600 metres from Rock Wild Yala, while Tissa Wewa is 15 km away. The nearest airport is Mattala Rajapaksa International, 41 km from the hotel, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.Show full description
Chalet.Relaxing atmosphere. Lovely interior design. Popular among women. Kele Yala is a boutique hotel situated in the dry zone in Kataragama. It Offers barbecue facilities and on-site dining, Kele Yala is located just 15 minutes and 7 km away from the Katagamuwa Entrance of Yala National Park, where there is less traffic compared to the main entrance of the National Park. The chalets are built on stilts 5 feet above the ground. Kele Yala provides all rooms with a balcony, and all rooms include a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. Rooms at the accommodation also feature air conditioning and a desk. The property offers a view of the surrounding wilderness.Show full description
Boutique hotel.Cool. Great location. Popular among women. Located in Yala, 16 km from Tissa Wewa, The Campers Lodge Yala provides accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a terrace and a restaurant. Featuring babysitting service, this property also provides guests with a bowling alley. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service and free WiFi. At the hotel, each room comes with a desk, bed linen and a balcony with a mountain view. With a private bathroom equipped with a bidet and free toiletries, certain rooms at The Campers Lodge Yala also offer a sea view. Guest rooms include a wardrobe. The daily breakfast offers Full English/Irish, American or Asian options. Bike hire and car hire are available at this hotel and the area is popular for cycling. Situlpawwa is 16 km from the accommodation, while Bundala Bird Sanctuary is 33 km away. The nearest airport is Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, 43 km from The Campers Lodge Yala.Show full description
Resort.Rooftop bar. 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. They are decorated with local artcrafts and feature air-conditioning, cable TV and a minibar. Enjoying a prime location, Cinnamon Wild Yala's restaurant provides beautiful landscapes and serves Asian and Western dishes. 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. All chalets come with private bathroom facilities. Meals can also be enjoyed in the privacy of guests’ rooms.Show full description
Boutique hotel.Great views. Spread across 38 acres of land, Jetwing Yala features an outdoor pool, a business centre and luxurious rooms located on the borders of Yala National Park. Operating a 24-hour front desk, it provides free parking and offers complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the property. Fitted with parquet flooring and four-poster beds, spacious air-conditioned rooms are furnished with a wardrobe, in-room safe, a flat-screen cable TV and sofa seating area. Iron, minibar and tea/coffee making facilities are also included. The large en suite bathroom comes equipped with a hairdryer and hot/cold shower. At Jetwing Yala, guests can indulge in a pampering massage at the spa or approach the tour desk for sightseeing and travel arrangements. Luggage storage and laundry are available for convenience. The property houses a restaurant, The Dining Room, serving delectable Sri Lankan and Asian cuisine. The Living Room bar and pool bar offers a variety of cocktails and drinks to choose from. Thambapanni is an Asian fusion fine dining restaurant. Room service option is also available. Jetwing Yala is within 35 km from the new Mattala International Airport. Colombo City is approximately a 4-hour drive away. The property houses The Restaurant, serving delectable cuisine. The Beach bar and pool bar offer a variety of cocktails and drinks to choose from. Thambapanni is our Asian fusion fine dining restaurant. Additionally, the in-room service option is also available, to cater to your specialized needs.Show full description
Lodge.Lively. Great location. Featuring a terrace, Tree Tops Yala is a villa, set in Yala. It provides free private parking. There is a seating area and a kitchen complete with an oven and a microwave. Towels and bed linen are featured at Tree Tops Yala. Other facilities at Tree Tops Yala include a barbecue. Kataragama is 21 km from Tree Tops Yala, while Tissamaharama is 8 km from the property.Show full description
This is likely one of the most LIVELY lodges in Yala.
Luxury Tent.Newly opened, March 2024. Set within 14 km of Tissa Wewa and 19 km of Situlpawwa in Yala, Lion Yala - Luxury Camping & Free Safari Tour features accommodation with seating area. With a garden, the property also has a terrace, as well as a bar. The luxury tent offers rooms with air conditioning, free private parking and free WiFi. At the luxury tent, every unit has a desk. With a private bathroom fitted with a shower and a hair dryer, some units at the luxury tent also feature a balcony. At the luxury tent, units come with bed linen and towels. A continental breakfast is available every morning at the luxury tent. Lion Yala - Luxury Camping & Free Safari Tour also provides an infinity pool and a hot tub for guests to relax in. A car rental service is available at the accommodation. Bundala Bird Sanctuary is 39 km from Lion Yala - Luxury Camping & Free Safari Tour, while Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara is 12 km from the property. The nearest airport is Mattala Rajapaksa International, 40 km from the luxury tent, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.Show full description
Villa. Featuring a garden, terrace and views of garden, Udara Guest - Yala Safari is located in Yala, 1.5 km from Kirinda Beach. This villa provides free private parking, a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi. The accommodation offers full-day security, room service and currency exchange for guests. The units are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a kettle, a shower, a hair dryer and a desk. There is a seating and a dining area in all units. All units include a private bathroom, free toiletries and bed linen. The daily breakfast offers continental, Full English/Irish or Asian options. For visitors looking to embark on day trips to nearby landmarks, the villa features a selection of packed lunches. The area is popular for cycling and walking tours, in addition, bike hire and car hire are available at this villa. Guests can also relax in the shared lounge area. Nidangala Beach is 1.5 km from Udara Guest - Yala Safari, while Tissa Wewa is 13 km away. The nearest airport is Mattala Rajapaksa International, 40 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.Show full description
Camp Site. Basecamp - Yala features mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking, located in Yala, 15 km from Situlpawwa. 22 km from Tissa Wewa and 47 km from Bundala Bird Sanctuary, the property provides a garden and a bar. The campground has family rooms. At the campground, all units are fitted with a desk. There is a seating and a dining area in all units. The units include a private bathroom, free toiletries and bed linen. A continental, Asian or vegetarian breakfast is available daily at the property. Kataragama Temple is 4.6 km from the campground, while Ranminitenna Tele Cinema Village is 16 km away. The nearest airport is Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, 38 km from Basecamp - Yala.Show full description
Villa. Featuring a patio with pool views, an open-air bath and a bar, O2 Villas Yala can be found in Yala, close to Palatupana Beach and 17 km from Tissa Wewa. This villa features a private pool, a garden and free private parking. The villa provides sea views, a sun terrace, a 24-hour front desk, and free WiFi is available throughout the property. The units at the villa complex come with air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a kitchen, a dining area, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a hot tub, bathrobes and slippers. A balcony with an outdoor dining area and mountain views is offered in every unit. At the villa complex, all units include bed linen and towels. The villa specialises in a continental and American breakfast and breakfast in the room is also available. At O2 Villas Yala, the family-friendly restaurant is open for dinner, lunch and high tea and serves Indian cuisine. For guests with children, the accommodation features indoor and outdoor play areas. The villa complex also provides guests with outdoor fireplace and a picnic area for a day out in the open. Situlpawwa is 25 km from O2 Villas Yala, while Bundala Bird Sanctuary is 32 km away. The nearest airport is Mattala Rajapaksa International, 44 km from the villa, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.Show full description
Luxury Hotel. Featuring a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, and a garden, Mayur Lodge - Yala offers accommodation in Yala with free WiFi and pool views. This villa provides free private parking and a 24-hour front desk. The villa offers a continental or à la carte breakfast. The air-conditioned villa consists of 2 bedrooms, a kitchenette with dining area, and 2 bathrooms with bidet. Mayur Lodge - Yala offers a terrace. A barbecue is available on site and hiking can be enjoyed within close proximity of the accommodation. Tissa Wewa is 8 km from Mayur Lodge - Yala, while Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara is 6 km away.Show full description
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