Wildlife Hotels, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a spectacular biodiversity hotspot, with a fascinating array of wildlife to discover. The island's national parks — Yala, Udawalawe and Minneriya included — are famed for their Asian elephants, as well as strutting peacocks, snapping crocodiles and all manner of small birds and mammals. Leopards, too, are high on the list for many of the wildlife aficionados who visit the island.

There are a number of wonderful hotels across Sri Lanka which encourage responsible wildlife encounters, and which engage in impressive ongoing conservation efforts. Some are simple lakeside lodges and tented camps — others are indulgent escapes on striking stretches of coastline. All pride themselves on their teams of expert naturalists and rangers, who share their knowledge with guests on jungle treks, tranquil boat safaris and guided Jeep excursions.

Whether you're planning an adventurous honeymoon or fun family holiday, our list of the best wildlife hotels in Sri Lanka, is the perfect starting point for a trip to remember!

For Keen Birdwatchers

Banyan Camp sits on 15 acres of land on the banks of picturesque Lake Hambegamuwa, not far from Udawalawe National Park. Simple lodges are built from reclaimed materials — including kaleidoscopes of recycled bottles — as well as traditional wattle and daub. Join local fishermen on narrow canoes to observe sea eagles, ibis and more out the lake in the late afternoon. A soulful escape for guests of all ages, created by passionate wildlife enthusiasts eager to share their slice of paradise.
Jetwing Vil Uyana offers sumptuous villas set atop stilts on a wetland reserve. More than 120 species of birds have been sighted here — you'll see sea eagles over breakfast and Brahminy kites at close range whilst you soak up the suhshine on your terrace. Quiet, scenic & near Sigiriya, this is a romantic spot, and a family favourite.
Tri Lanka is a hugely luxurious contemporary hotel with minimalist suites overlooking tranquil Koggala Lake, which teems with birdlife. Rise for early morning yoga classes, sink into your plunge pool as myriad birds flit overhead, or take a guided river boat excursion for a sense of the area's rich biodiversity. A beautiful spot near Sri Lanka's lively south coast.

For the Cultural Triangle

Ulagalla Resort has 25 lavish villas — one for families — tucked within 58 acres of gardens, forest and rice paddy fields. Close to Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle, this eco-resort is famed for its fabulous organic cuisine and its impressive Elephant Research Centre. Speak to the team about cycling, cooking classes, guided nature walks, conservation initiatives and sunset Jeep tours to reservoirs. Expect monkeys, birds and butterflies to be frequent visitors to you villa's terrace.
Heritance Kandalama, built by legendary architect Geoffrey Bawa, boasts magnificent views of the Kandalama Reservoir. Boat safaris or jungle treks with the hotel's naturalists yield sightings of some of the 233 resident bird species, whilst Kaudulla and Minneriya National Parks are ideal for elephant-spotting. There are fascinating cave excursions, too. An iconic hotel, beloved by architecture buffs.

For a Remote Lodge

Gal Oya Lodge is a magical retreat hidden on the island's lesser-visited eastern side. A collection of thatched cabins on the edge of the jungle, the lodge prides itself on the expertise of its friendly naturalists, who lead guests on walking safaris in the day and evening, spotting birds, reptiles, timid nocturnal mammals and occasionally elephants. Jeep and boat safaris to see swimming elephants in the Gal Oya National Park are fabulous. Tranquil, crowd-free and romantic.
Tree Tops Jungle Lodge invites guests to escape the wider world with a remote, back-to-basics experience in the Weliara forests near Yala National Park. Three tented rooms have double beds, shaded terraces and bathrooms with running water, and guests are invited to congregate at the mud-walled restaurant for classic cuisine. Take jungle treks and Jeep safaris with expert rangers, or watch for wild elephants, boar, deer and birds at the lodge's watering hole. A real opportunity to reconnect with nature.

For Coastal Luxury

Uga Chena Huts, set in the buffer zone of the Yala National Park, offers a seriously indulgent wildlife escape. The 18 spacious cabins face the Indian Ocean or the jungle, each with a private pool, big soaking tub, and cosy bed. Take expert-led safaris into Yala, spotting elephants, leopards & myriad birds, before savouring fresh seafood suppers on the sand.
Wild Coast Tented Lodge is another spectacular luxury hideaway tucked between Yala and the sea. Tented pods have four-poster beds, brass details, plunge pools and ocean views. Savour mouthwatering cuisine in the domed bamboo restaurant after watching monkeys from your pool, elephants ambling along the beach and leopards slinking through Yala National Park.

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9 of the Best Wildlife Hotels in Sri Lanka

Jetwing Vil Uyana

Sigiriya (Sri Lanka)

Luxury thatched cabanas set on stilts over a man-made lake filled with wildlife. Huge rooms, large windows and decks overlook the wetlands - perfect for birdwatching. Peaceful library, large infinity pool, and spa. A unique retreat in natural surroundings.

Honeymoons - A romantic escape, popular with honeymooners looking to explore the Cultural Triangle & soak up plenty of privacy
Birdwatching - This region is known as a haven for bird watchers with over 120 recorded species visible from your terrace!
Back to Nature - A nature-focused favourite, with stilted huts over a man-made lake in a wetland wildlife reserve
Wildlife Area - Situated on a private wetland reserve, the hotel hosts its own wildlife watching tours

from AU$402 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

Ulagalla Resort

Anuradhapura (Anuradhapura)

A serene eco-resort nestled amid 58 acres of gardens, forest and paddy fields close to Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle. Sumptuous villas with private plunge pools & indulgent bathrooms overlook the grounds. With a spa, two restaurants & stacks of activities, this is a very special luxury retreat.

Romantic Break - Secluded villas with private pools are perfect for couples, who will also adore private dining & couples' spa treatments
Wildlife Area - Speak to the team in the Elephant Conservation Centre about the elephants wandering past in the evening & early morning
Active Holiday - With horse riding, cycling, walking and 4WD tours, this is a brilliant choice for active travellers of all ages
Restaurant - Savour traditional cooking at Kamatha, surrounded by paddies, or dine on Sri Lankan and western cuisine at LiyaWela Restaurant

from AU$746 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

Tree Tops Jungle Lodge

Buttala (Sri Lanka)

Total back to nature jungle camp. Three canvas tents provide simple but adequate accommodation. Staff cook up delicious Sri Lankan dishes cooked from local ingredients. Guided walks are offered to take you to even remoter spots. A truly magical once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Back to Nature - Spot birds, reptiles and elephants in the wild at this simple tented eco-escape, built using natural materials
Hideaway - With just two tents hidden in a remote part of Sri Lanka, this is a remtoe hideaway unlike any other
Birdwatching - 163 species of birds have been recorded in the area
Wildlife Area - Elephants are frequent visitors to the lodge

from AU$415 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Gal Oya Lodge

Sri Lanka (Ampara Road)

Perfectly located for the remote Gal Oya National Park, this tranquil eco-lodge features locally sourced materials & earthy palettes. An atmospheric restaurant and bar sit alongside the pool area, and expert guides are on hand for walking & boat safaris. Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts!

Safari - Gal Oya offers the only boat safaris in Sri Lanka - this is an exceptional bird-spotting and elephant-watching experience
Birdwatching - Spot dazzling endemic bird on a guided walk through the nearby paddy fields which surrounded the reservoir
Back to Nature - On the edge of the Gal Oya National Park, this is a fabulous escape for fans of wildlife and hiking
Honeymoons - A safari-focused honeymoon escape, with jungle cabins and private candlelit dinners under the stars

from AU$878 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

Heritance Kandalama

Dambulla (Sri Lanka)

Stunning, modernist hotel overlooking Kandalama Reservoir. Designed by Geoffrey Bawa, rooms enjoy mod-cons, whirlpool baths & private balconies. Boasting a Six Senses Spa, unique cave dining experiences and plenty of on site activities: wellness enthusiasts, couples and families alike will love it.

Birdwatching - With 233 resident bird species, birdwatchers with adore jungle treks or boat trips with the hotel's naturalists
Romantic Break - An iconic design hotel, created by architect Geoffrey Bawa & offering a soothing spa & romantic private dining
Spa breaks - The acclaimed Coco Spa offering rejuvenating treatments using organic ingredients & age-old techniques
Cycling - Bikes are available for guests to explore the Kandalama Reservoir

from AU$367 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

Tri Lanka

Koggala (Sri Lanka)

Boutique eco-hideaway near Galle Fort, 11 rooms, mostly in separate villas enveloped in lush greenery. Sleek wood-and-stone restaurant terrace offers top-notch fusion fare, plus views across Koggala Lake. A romantic haven. World class yoga and excellent spa also make it the ideal detox escape.

Hotel boats for hire - Private boat trips on the lake are magical, with flitting birds, slinking crocodiles and houses emerging from lush vegetation
Cycling - Hop on the hotel's bicycles to zip through the villages, along narrow lanes and lakeside paths as you explore the area
Total relaxation - There are few spots as serene in Sri Lanka - morning yoga completes the vibe
Romantic Break - Private treetop cottages make this an ideal romantic escape

from AU$488 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

Uga Chena Huts

Yala (Tissamaharama)

A small selection of luxury cabins set between the jungle & the ocean, right alongside Yala National Park. Spacious cabins feature big cosy beds & free-standing bathtubs, with glass doors opening onto private terraces with plunge pools. Gloriously indulgent, this is a superb safari base.

Back to Nature - Set alongside Yala National Park, this is an indulgent base for a safari, where you can spot leopards, elephants & bright birds
Honeymoons - Big suites with private pools lend themselves to romantic honeymooners, who will adore the sense of privacy
Safari - Private Jeep safaris are superb, with expert guides and the chance to explore beautiful Yala National Park
Wildlife Area - Spot elephants, basking crocodiles, elusive leopards and rare sloth bears whilst on safari

from AU$1981 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

Wild Coast Tented Lodge

Yala (Yala National Park)

A totally unique and spectacular tented ecolodge, nestled between Yala National Park and the rocky shores of the Indian Ocean. Opulent tented suites offer indulgent interiors, private pools and terraces. The bamboo restaurant is visually stunning and serves mouthwatering local dishes. A real winner!

Back to Nature - With the leopard filled Yala National Park on one side, and a rugged shoreline on the other you are really immersed in nature
Eco break - As limited impact as possible on their surrounds, solar powered, waste turns to bio gas and cleaning products are ecofriendly
Romantic Break - Romantic and secluded tents, and couples treats such as private picnics under the canopy of stars on the shore
Learning - The on site naturalists will walk you through all the animals, birds and plants that enrich this area

from AU$1163 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

Banyan Camp

Udawalawa (Udawalawe)

A rustic off-grid escape for laid-back nature enthusiasts close to Udawalawe National Park in south-eastern Sri Lanka. Quirky individual lodges overlook a tranquil lake, and guests are invited to savour Sri Lankan cuisine after boat trips, river swims and wildlife-spotting excursions. A delight.

Eco break - Rustic lodges of mortar & recycled materials exemplify the camp's eco ethos - this is a real eco break with no hot water or A/C
Hotel boats for hire - Speak to the team about a lake tour with local fishermen, spotting birds & buffalo, and marvelling at enormous banyan trees
Safari - Early morning or evening safaris at Udawalawe National Park are brilliant for admiring wild elephants
Great walks - Hop in the camp's jeep to a quiet part of the rivers for scenic walks, swims and a lunchtine picnic

from AU$117 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

9 of the Best Wildlife Hotels in Sri Lanka

For Keen Birdwatchers

For the Cultural Triangle

For a Remote Lodge

For Coastal Luxury

STILL NOT SURE?

9 of the Best Wildlife Hotels in Sri Lanka

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