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Yala National Park

Yala National Park is the second largest national park in the country and the number-one most visited. Its immense area, nearly 400 square miles, and is designation as a wildlife preserve make it one of the country's foremost destinations for safaris. Extending far inland from Sri Lanka's southeast coast, Remote Lands recommends accessing Yala from nearby Tangalle.

EXPERIENCES

Ancient Ruins

Once a center of learning that hosted 12,000 monks, Situlpahuwa Rock Temple has been reinvented and rebuilt, and is now a place where pilgrimages are carried out. Nearby is the Magul Maha Vihara, a Buddhist cave complex that dates back to the time of Christ.

Yala National Park Safari

Yala is the second largest national park in the country and the number-one most visited. The park is home to more than 40 species of mammals, perhaps most notably, one of the highest concentrations of leopards, which are rarely seen, in the world. Other creatures you may spot include elephants, different monkey species, peacocks, and a wide range of birds such as parakeets, blue-faced Malkoha birds, black-headed Ibises, painted storks, grey herons, and white-throated Kingfishers.

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SRI-LANKA Regions

MAJOR AREAS

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Chena Huts

Set right on the coast in southern Sri Lanka, Chena Huts occupy seven acres of the rainforest and dunes beyond Yala National Park, so its 14 cabins are surrounded by unspoilt beauty and natural wonders. With the ocean on one side and the country’s oldest natural reserve on the other, to stay here is to utterly escape into nature. In thatched huts with private pools, guests will find a little oasis of comfort and convenience, where crisp bed linens and wifi come as standard and flamingos and storks wade in the lake nearby. Nautical-themed Basses restaurant offers fine dining on the beach or in romantic private locations, and the poolside bar serves cocktails from behind a waterfall. Guests seeking a little pampering during their stay in paradise can retreat to the spa for a range of indulgent treatments, to heighten the sense of peace and tranquility.

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Leopard Trails

Returning to the golden era of colonial British safari explorers, Leopard Trails offers the jungle experience in comfort and luxury, as the intrepid adventurers of the 1800s enjoyed it. Romantic and elegant, their tented camps are located in two of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful national parks, Yala and Wilpattu. While the former is famed for its roaming leopards, the latter draws nature enthusiasts for its populations of deer, sloths, bears, elephants and a solid contingent of leopards of its own. A stay at Leopard Trails allows guests to retreat to their beautifully-appointed canvas safari tent at night, to emerge in the morning, well rested and right in the midst of glorious flora and fauna. Delicious meals, meanwhile, are cooked freshly and served al fresco for a complete sense of immersion in nature.

PREFERRED HOTEL

Wild Coast Tented Lodge Yala

Adjacent the world famous Yala National Park that is home to a dense population of leopards lies the Wild Coast Tented Lodge Yala, overlooking the shimmering blue waters of the Indian Ocean. A consortium of Dutch, English and Sri Lankan designers devised the the resort's man-made structures that seamlessly blend into the surrounding landscape. The premises 28 tents form the shape of a leopard's paw print when seen from above. The room's interiors fuse colonial expedition chic with contemporary design innovations. Teak floors and canvas walls mixed with dark leathers and metallic hardware bring these rooms to the forefront of fashion while air-conditioning and Wi-Fi guarantee guests’ comfort. At the Dining Pavilion and natural beach garden, guests can enjoy gourmet safari cuisine with a Sri Lankan flair. The resort is also equipped with a free-form swimming pool and luxurious spa. The resort offers vehicular tours to the furthest corners of Yala National Park while expert naturalist guides are on hand to discuss all flora and fauna that emerges such as elephants, sloth bears, and leopards.

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